Structure-activity relation of N-alkyl tetracaine derivatives as neurolytic agents for sciatic nerve lesions

N-butyl tetracaine has local anesthetic and neurolytic properties. An injection of this drug at the rat sciatic notch produces rapid onset and nerve impairment lasting > 1 week. This study aimed to elucidate the structure-activity relation of various tetracaine derivatives to design better neurolytic agents.

N-alkyl tetracaine salts (n = 2-6) were synthesized, and their ability to elicit sciatic nerve impairment of sensory and motor functions in vivo was tested in rats. A single dose (0.1 ml at 37 mM) was administered close to the sciatic nerve at the sciatic notch. Regeneration was assessed morphologically in transverse sections of treated nerves. Finally, the drug potency in blocking Na+ currents was studied under voltage-clamp conditions.

N-ethyl and N-propyl tetracaine derivatives were non-neurolytic and elicited complete sciatic nerve block lasting 3-7 h. In contrast, N-butyl, N-pentyl, and N-hexyl tetracaine derivatives were strong neurolytic agents and elicited functional impairment of sciatic nerve for > 1 week. All derivatives were strong Na+ channel blockers, more potent than tetracaine if applied intracellularly. External drug application showed marked differences in their wash-in rate: tetracaine > N-hexyl > N-butyl > N-ethyl tetracaine. All derivatives were trapped within the cytoplasm and showed little washout within 7 min.

When n-alkylation is 4-6, n-alkyl tetracaine appeared as a strong neurolytic agent. Neurolytic derivatives retained their local anesthetic activity and elicited rapid onset of nerve block after injection. Such derivatives are potential local anesthetic-neurolytic dual agents for chemical lesions of the sciatic nerve.