Structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives as potent and selective alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor antagonists

Starting from two acridine compounds identified in a high-throughput screening campaign (1 and 2, Table 1), a series of 4-aminoquinolines was synthesized and tested for their properties on the human alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtypes (alpha(2A), alpha(2B), and alpha(2C)). A number of compounds with good antagonist potencies against the alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor and excellent subtype selectivities over the other two subtypes were discovered. For example, (R)-{4-[4-(3,4-dimethylpiperazin-1-yl)phenylamino]quinolin-3-yl}methanol 6j had an antagonist potency of 8.5 nM against, and a subtype selectivity of more than 200-fold for, the alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor. Investigation of the structure-activity relationship identified a number of structural features, the most critical of which was an absolute need for a substituent in the 3-position of the quinoline ring. The 3-position on the piperazine ring was also found to play an appreciable role, as substitutions in that position exerted a significant and stereospecific beneficial effect on the alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor affinity and potency. Replacing the piperazine ring proved difficult, with 1,4-diazepanes representing the only viable alternative.