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Current Bioactive Compounds

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1573-4072
ISSN (Online): 1875-6646

Research Article

Synthesis and Anticonvulsant Activity of α-Amino Acid Amide Derivatives

Author(s): Valerie Currier, Maryam Molki , Katelyn Fryman, Lacey D. Rodgers and A. Michael Crider*

Volume 15, Issue 5, 2019

Page: [547 - 561] Pages: 15

DOI: 10.2174/1573407214666180530081328

Price: $65

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is a disease of the central nervous system that affects approximately 50 million individuals worldwide. Although several new drugs have been marketed in the last 25 years, almost one-third of patients are not protected. In many cases, currently available drugs produce undesirable side effects. As a result, a need exists for novel anticonvulsants with unique mechanisms of action and minimal side effects.

Methods: A mixed anhydride coupling procedure and standard deprotection procedures were utilized to prepare 36 α-amino acid amides. All final products were evaluated in mice and rats utilizing a standard battery of anticonvulsant tests.

Results: α-Amino acids containing a 2,6-dimethylanilide group exhibited anticonvulsant activity in the maximal electroshock seizure test and 6 Hz test in mice and rats. A small, branched-chain on the α- carbon generally maintained or enhanced anticonvulsant activity in the maximal electroshock seizure test. The (R)-α-amino acid amides were typically more potent and slightly more neurotoxic than the corresponding (S)-enantiomers. The valine dimethylanilide (R)-42 was highly active in the MES test in mice (ED50 = 3.6mg/kg) and rats (ED50 = 3.8 mg/kg). (R)-42 also demonstrated excellent anticonvulsant activity in the 6 Hz, picrotoxin, and corneal kindled mouse tests. Furthermore, (R)-42 did not lower seizure threshold when evaluated in the intravenous metrazol seizure test.

Conclusion: α-Amino acid 2,6-dimethylanilides exhibited potent activity in a variety of anticonvulsant tests in mice and rats. The valine derivative (R)-42 represents a promising compound for potential use in complex partial seizures.

Keywords: α-amino acid amides, 2, 6-dimethylanilide, anticonvulsant, 6 Hz test, MES test, central nervous system.

Graphical Abstract
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