209414-07-3

In order to obtain novel pharmacological tools and to investigate a multitargeting analgesic strategy, the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonist JWH-018 was conjugated with the opiate analgesic oxycodone or with an enkephalin related tetrapeptide. The opioid and cannabinoid pharmacophores were coupled via spacers of different length and chemical structure. In vitro radioligand binding experiments confirmed that the resulting bivalent compounds bound both to the opioid and to the cannabinoid receptors with moderate to high affinity. The highest affinity bivalent derivatives 11 and 19 exhibited agonist properties in [35S]GTPγS binding assays. These compounds activated MOR and CB (11 mainly CB2, whereas 19 mainly CB1) receptor-mediated signaling, as it was revealed by experiments using receptor specific antagonists. In rats both 11 and 19 exhibited antiallodynic effect similar to the parent drugs in 20 μg dose at spinal level. These results support the strategy of multitargeting G-protein coupled receptors to develop lead compounds with antinociceptive properties.

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are a significant public health concern given their widespread use and severe effects associated with intoxication. However, there is a paucity of controlled human studies investigating the behavioral and physiological effects and pharmacokinetics of these compounds. Designing a reliable method to administer consistent, concentration-dependent synthetic cannabinoids is an integral component of controlled study of these compounds. Further, optimizing methods to assess the parent compounds and metabolites in plasma is critical in order to be able to establish their pharmacokinetics after administration. To develop a reliable method to administer smokable, concentration-dependent SCs, cigarettes were prepared with plant matter adulterated with increasing concentrations of the first generation cannabinoids found in SC products, JWH-018 and JWH-073. Cigarettes were assessed 1–6 months after preparation using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to determine compound stability over time and concentration consistency throughout the cigarettes. Optimal conditions to detect metabolites in human plasma as a function of storage temperature (?4 °C to ?80 °C) and time (24 h - 1 month) were also determined. Analyses verified that the method utilized to develop SC cigarettes yielded consistent, concentration-dependent products within 25% of the expected concentrations. JWH-018, JWH-073 and metabolites in spiked plasma were stable under the time and temperature conditions; concentrations were within ±20% of target values. These studies provide techniques and methods to conduct controlled investigations of the dose-dependent effects of first generation SCs to begin understanding risks associated with use. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled ‘Designer Drugs and Legal Highs.’

Photocatalytic aerobic benzylic C(sp3)?H oxygenations of aromatic hydrocarbons and C3-substituted indoles were studied by employing a co-catalytic system of 3DDQ* (DDQ=2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone) and tert-butyl nitrite. The superior efficiency of these reaction conditions was demonstrated by comparison with the analogous thermal protocol, and a range of substrates could be oxidized catalytically and selectively in good yields.

A simple and efficient 3-acylation of indoles under microwave-heated and solvent-free conditions is developed. This general procedure uses neutral Al2O3 as a new, green and reusable catalyst giving good to high yields within short reaction times. Utilizing such an environmentally- benign methodology, a variety of indoles bearing electron-releasing or electron-withdrawing groups were conveniently acylated.

Sulfonamide heterocycles, specifically 3-acylindoles, undergo a deprotection/alkylation sequence in the presence of an appropriate alcohol when cesium carbonate or potassium carbonate and a phase-transfer catalyst are utilized. The outcome of the one-pot protocol was found to be significantly dependent on both the alcohol and sulfonamide heterocycle employed. Strictly anhydrous conditions are not necessary for this protocol. Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York.