3-Amino-β-carboline derivatives and the benzodiazepine receptor. Synthesis of a selective antagonist of the sedative action of diazepam

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jm00383a024

Seven 3-N-substituted derivatives of 3-amino-β-carboline were synthesized and their affinities for the benzodiazepine receptor were assessed in vitro. Two compounds, 3-(ethylamino)-β-carboline and 3-[(methoxycarbonyl)amino]-β-carboline (β-CMC), showing IC₅₀ values of 460 and 71 nM, respectively, were selected for in vivo studies. The former compound showed long-lasting proconvulsant activity in Papio papio baboons while β-CMC was shown in mice to selectively antagonize the sedative effects of diazepam without exhibiting convulsant, proconvulsant, or anxiogenic activity by itself.