Structure-activity relationship studies of CNS agents, Part 31: Analogs of MP 3022 with a different number of nitrogen atoms in the heteroaromatic fragment--new 5-HT1A receptor ligands.

Two series of new MP 3022 analogs, i.e. 1-(o-methoxyphenyl)-4-n-propylpiperazines (3, 4a, 4b, 6-9, and 12-13) and 2-(n-propyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines (5a, 5b, 11a, and 11b) containing a terminal heteroaromatic system with a different number of nitrogen atoms, were synthesized and their 5-HT1A/5-HT2A and alpha 1 receptor affinity was assayed. The majority of investigated piperazines may be classified as non-selective 5-HT1A/5-HT2A/alpha 1 receptor ligands. Compounds 3, 4a, 4b, 7-9a with the highest affinity for 5-HT1A receptors (Ki = 4-54 nM) were tested in vivo. Their functional activity was differentiated; while 3, 8, and 9a behaved like weak antagonists of postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, 4b and 7 may be classified as potential partial 5-HT1A receptors, agonists. Isomer 4a has characteristic features of a potential weak postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptor agonist.