Structure-Activity Relationships among Di- and Tetramine Disulfides Related to Benextramine

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jm00390a011

The synthesis and irreversible α-blocking activity in the rat vas deferens of a series of tetra- and diamine disulfides 2-38, structural analogues of benextramine (BHC), are described. All compounds containing a central cystamine moiety displayed an irreversible α-adrenergic blockade at concentrations ranging from 10^-4 to 6*10^-6 M. Potency was increased in cystamines N,N'-disubstituted with 6-aminohexyl groups, especially when the outer nitrogen atoms bear arylalkyl substituents or are enclosed in a ring. However, N,N,N',N'-tetrasubstituted cystamines were poor blockers. Structural specificity in the outer portion of the tetramine disulfide is low, since many types of substituents gave rise to potent α-blockers. Even replacement of the outer amines with nonbasic ethers or amides was observed to maintain irreversible α-blockade.