Enkephalinase inhibitors. 1. 2,4-Dibenzylglutaric acid derivatives

The synthesis of two new series of dicarboxylic acid dipeptides and two sulfhydryl-containing inhibitors are described. The in vitro enkephalinase inhibition data and some in vivo analgesic data are presented for these compounds. For the dibenzylglutaric acid series structure-activity relationships and in vivo analgesic activity are discussed. The reverse amides, i.e., 4-amino-2,4-dibenzylbutyric acid derivatives, are also discussed. Two sulfhydryl-containing inhibitors showed good in vivo potency in the mouse jump-latency hot-plate test after peripheral administration at moderate low doses.