10.1021/jm00366a007
The research aimed to synthesize and evaluate a series of 1-(2-pyridinyl)piperazine derivatives for their adrenergic activity, specifically as selective a2-adrenoceptor antagonists. The study used various 2-halo-pyridines and piperazines to synthesize the target compounds. Key chemicals included 2-chloro-3-fluoropyridine, piperazine, N-methylpiperazine, and several other halogenated pyridines. The researchers assessed the in vitro activity of these compounds by measuring their ability to displace [3H]clonidine and [3H]prazosin from membrane binding sites in calf cerebral cortex, which indicated their interaction with a2- and a1-adrenoceptors, respectively. In vivo assays involved antagonism of clonidine-induced mydriasis in rats. The study concluded that several compounds, particularly the 3-fluoro derivative (2b), exhibited higher potency and selectivity for a2-adrenoceptors compared to reference standards like yohimbine and rauwolscine. The research suggests that these pyridinylpiperazines could serve as potential therapeutic agents for conditions involving a2-adrenoceptor modulation.