Synthesis and κ-opioid receptor activity of furan-substituted salvinorin A analogues

J Med Chem. 2014 Dec 26;57(24):10464-75. doi: 10.1021/jm501521d. Epub 2014 Dec 9.

Abstract

The neoclerodane diterpene salvinorin A, found in the leaves of Salvia divinorum, is a potent κ-opioid receptor agonist, making it an attractive scaffold for development into a treatment for substance abuse. Although several successful semisynthetic studies have been performed to elucidate structure-activity relationships, the lack of analogues with substitutions to the furan ring of salvinorin A has prevented a thorough understanding of its role in binding to the κ-opioid receptor. Herein we report the synthesis of several salvinorin A derivatives with modified furan rings. Evaluation of these compounds in a functional assay indicated that sterically less demanding substitutions are preferred, suggesting the furan ring is bound in a congested portion of the binding pocket. The most potent of the analogues successfully reduced drug-seeking behavior in an animal model of drug-relapse without producing the sedation observed with other κ-opioid agonists.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • Cricetulus
  • Diterpenes, Clerodane / chemistry*
  • Diterpenes, Clerodane / pharmacology*
  • Furans / chemistry*
  • Hallucinogens / chemistry*
  • Hallucinogens / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Motor Activity / drug effects*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptors, Opioid, kappa / agonists*
  • Salvia / chemistry
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • Diterpenes, Clerodane
  • Furans
  • Hallucinogens
  • Receptors, Opioid, kappa
  • salvinorin A
  • furan