10.1016/j.carres.2006.06.016
The study focuses on the synthesis of novel σ-receptor ligands using methyl α-D-mannopyranoside as the starting material. This is the first time a monosaccharide has been utilized for the creation of such ligands, which have potential applications as antipsychotics, antidepressants, anticocaine agents, and antitumor agents. The researchers employed various chemicals in the synthesis process, including nitrile 7, which was transformed into hept-3-ulopyranoside dimethyl ketals 14 and 15 through two different synthetic routes. Amino substituents were introduced into position 3 after selective hydrolysis of the ketone dimethyl acetal. The study identified that a dichlorophenylacetamide moiety in position 7 and equatorially arranged amino substituents in position 3 were crucial for high σ1-receptor affinity and selectivity. The synthesized compounds were then tested for their affinity and selectivity towards σ1 and σ2 receptors, as well as their interaction with other receptor systems such as the phencyclidine binding site of the NMDA receptor, δ-opioid, and μ-opioid receptors. The most active compound in the series, an anomeric mixture of dimethylamines 26a/b, showed the highest σ1-receptor affinity with a Ki value of 21 nM. The study demonstrated the potential of using monosaccharides as building blocks for the development of new drugs with high σ1-receptor affinity and selectivity.