2-Indanpropionic acids: structural leads for prostaglandin F2alpha antagonist development

A rationale is presented for the development of prostaglandin F2alpha receptor antagonists. The target analogue, 5,6-(dibenzyloxy)-1-oxo-2-propyl-2-indanpropionic acid (3), was shown to have selective activity for antagonism of PGF2alpha when compared to the antagonism of acetylcholine and KCl on the mouse ileum, whereas other 2-indanpropionic acids (1, 2, 4), not substituted with benzyl functions, were considerably less active and nonselective. The results suggest that 3 may serve as a lead compound for further drug development.