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Two series of thiosemicarbazide derivatives and three series of s-triazole derivatives have been synthesized. All of these compounds were tested for their in vitro antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Among tested thiosemicarbazide derivatives, the best bioactivity was detected for two 1-formylthiosemicarbazides with 3-/4-tolyl substitution (1l, 1m) (MICs range between 31.25 - 250μg/mL). All tested s-triazole derivatives exhibited lower antibacterial activity than their acyclic precursors.

The current study is focused on newly developed phenylpiperazine derivatives of aromatic methylhydantoin differing in mutual positions of methyl and phenyl moieties. The new compounds were synthesized using Bucherer–Bergs reaction, two-phase alkylation, Mitsunobu reaction and/or an alkylation under microwave irradiation. The compounds developed were assessed on their affinity for serotoninergic receptors 5-HT1A, 5-HT6, 5-HT7 and α1-ARs in radioligand binding assays. Selected compounds were tested on their inhibitory effect at human 5-HT3A expressed in Xenopus Oocytes as well as on their activity at α1-adrenoceptor subtypes in functional and electrophysiological bioassays, respectively. Most of investigated compounds exhibited affinities for α1-ARs, 5-HT1A, 5-HT7 (Ki ∼ 0.8–353 nM) significantly higher than those for 5-HT6 receptors. Very weak inhibitory effect at 5-HT3A accompanied with high activity at α1D-AR subtypes were observed for selected representative compounds. Among the current series, particularly 5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(2-hydroxy-3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-5-methylimidazolidine-2,4-dione hydrochloride (25a) displayed the highest 5-HT7 affinity with Ki = 3 nM and selectivity with 40–3600 fold towards 5-HT1A, 5-HT6, and α1-ARs.

Several pathways of biotic dechlorination can be found in enzymes, each characterized by different chlorine isotopic fractionation, which can thus serve as a signature of a particular mechanism. Unlike other dehalogenases, DL-2-haloacid dehalogenase, DL-DEX, converts both enantiomers of the substrate. Chlorine isotope effects for this enzyme are larger than in the case of other dehalogenases. Recently, the 3D structure of this enzyme became available and enabled us to model these isotope effects and seek their origin. We show that the elevated values of the chlorine kinetic isotope effects originate in part in the processes of binding and migration within the enzyme active site that precede the dehalogenation step.

Depression is considered as a chronic and recurring illness with functional impairment, significant disability, morbidity and mortality. Despite the extensive research carried out on depression, its pathophysiology is still poorly understood. An important problem concerning research into depressive disorder is the lack of biological markers which could improve diagnosis or indicate a risk of developing depression or risk of relapse. Several reports indicated decreased zinc concentrations and even its deficit in clinical depression, so the measurement of the concentration of this element in the blood of patients was suggested as a useful and specific clinical marker of depression. The reported results indicated that the serum zinc level might be a marker of depression as a state (state marker) in treatment responsive patients. However, in drug-resistant depression a decreased concentration of zinc may be a marker of traits (trait marker). It seems, however, that the measurement of the concentrations of zinc might be in the future a component of the battery of tests; of markers of immune activation and oxidative stress rather than itself alone.

Synthesis, characterization and investigation of antibacterial and antifungal activities of twelve camphor based 2,4-disubstituted 1,3-thiazoles is presented. Their structures were determined using NMR, IR, FAB MS and HRMS analyses. Among the derivatives, 3i and 5 were found to exhibit antifungal and antibacterial activities comparable to that of fluconazole and ciprofloxacin against yeast belonging to Candida spp., MIC 0.12-0.98 μg/ml and Gram-positive bacteria including both pathogenic S. aureus and opportunistic S. epidermidis, MIC 0.98-7.81 μg/ml, B. subtilis and B. cereus, MIC 3.91-31.25 μ g/ml, and M. luteus, MIC 0.98 μ g/ml species, respectively. Molecular docking studies of all compounds into the active sites of microbial enzymes indicated a possible targets SAP and NMT, thiazoles 3a-j, 4, 5 showed more favourable affinity than the native ligand.

The multireceptor strategy was implemented to obtain potential antipsychotics and/or antidepressants in a series of long-chain arylpiperazines bearing a tricyclic theophylline fragment. Their binding profile toward monoaminergic receptors (α1, 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2A), 5-HT6, 5-HT7, D2, D3) was determined as well. The selected compounds 7 and 9 were tested in functional in vivo models and showed, like atypical antipsychotic drugs, presynaptic 5-HT(1A) receptor agonistic and postsynaptic 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2A), and D2 receptor antagonistic activity.

Background The previous study showed that arylpiperazine can condition affinity to α-adrenoceptors, 5-HT 1A /5-HT 2A receptors and compounds with arylpiperazine had antidepressant-like effect. The aim of this study was to determine the antidepressant-like activity of new arylpiperazines containing novel 8-alkoxy-purine-2,6-dione fragments. Methods New 3-chloroarylpiperazinylalkyl analogs of 8-alkoxy-purine-2,6-dione and their purine-2,6,8-trione analogs ( 2 – 5 ) were tested for their α 1 , α 2 , 5-HT 1A ,5-HT 2A , and 5-HT 7 receptor affinities in radioreceptor binding study. Moreover, in search for potential antidepressant properties of these compounds, the forced swim test in mice was conducted. Results Compounds 2 and 3 were potent 5-HT 1A receptor ligands with K i within the range on 12–15 nM. All investigated compounds were found to be highly active 5-HT 2A receptor ( K i 15–28 nM) and α 1 adrenoceptor ( K i 21–89 nM) ligands. In the forced swim test all the compounds showed a significantly activity in spite of their reducing ability of locomotor activity. The most potent effect was produced by compound 4 and 5 , which reduced the immobility time in this test in all used doses. Conclusion In our study the most potent antidepressant-like activity was produced by compounds 4 and 5 , which are selective for the 5-HT 2A and α 1 receptors.

A series of new xanthone derivatives with piperazine moiety [1–7] was synthesized and evaluated for their pharmacological properties. They were subject to binding assays for α1 and β1 adrenergic as well as 5-HT1A, 5-HT6 and 5-HT7b serotoninergic receptors. Five of the tested compounds were also evaluated for their anticonvulsant properties. The compound 3a 3-methoxy-5-{[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]methyl}-9H-xanthen-9-one hydrochloride exhibited significantly higher affinity for serotoninergic 5-HT1A receptors (Ki = 24 nM) than other substances. In terms of anticonvulsant activity, 6-methoxy-2-{[4-(benzyl)piperazin-1-yl]methyl}-9H-xanthen-9-one (5) proved best properties. Its ED50 determined in maximal electroshock (MES) seizure assay was 105 mg/kg b.w. (rats, p.o.). Combining of xanthone with piperazine moiety resulted in obtaining of compounds with increased bioavailability after oral administration.

Progesterone is a basic hormone that regulates the metabolism in mammals. The presence of this compound has also been found in certain plants. It is believed that progesterone can regulate growth processes and resistance to stress, however, its precise role in plants remains unknown. The research conducted in this study was aimed at analyzing the content of endogenous progesterone and its cellular binding sites in the leaves of spring wheat exposed to drought. Changes were studied in two cultivars of wheat – a cultivar sensitive to drought (Katoda) and tolerant cultivar (Monsun). Plants had undergone periodic droughts during the seedling stage or in the phase of heading. The occurrence of free progesterone as well as its conjugated forms was observed in wheat studied. The amount of progesterone ranged from 0.2 to 5.8 pmol g FW−1 and was dependent on the cultivar, age of the plants, stage of development and fluctuated as a result of the exposure to drought. Cv. Katoda responded to a water deficit by lowering the amount of progesterone and cv. Monsun by increasing its level. Progesterone in plants grown in limited water conditions occurred primarily in a free form. While in the optimal watering conditions, some of its pool was found in the form of conjugates. In the spring wheat the occurrence of binding sites for progesterone was detected in cell membranes, cytoplasm and nuclei in the range of 10–36 fmol/mg of protein. The wheat cultivars tested, Monsun and Katoda, differ in their concentration of cellular binding sites for progesterone. This number varied in the individual fractions during different stages of plant development and due to the effect of drought stress. The number of binding sites for progesterone located in the membrane fraction of seedlings and flag leaves increased significantly under drought in the cv. Katoda (35–46%), but did not change in the cv. Monsun. Whereas the number of cytoplasmic progesterone binding sites increased during the drought in the cv. Monsun (about 50%), they did not change in the cv. Katoda. Changes in the amount of progesterone and its binding sites in the cell under the influence of drought were then different depending on whether the cultivar was tolerant or sensitive to drought. The possibility of utilizing these changes as markers of drought resistance is discussed. The results obtained suggest that progesterone is a part of wheat response to stress factors (drought).

A series of 9 piperazine derivatives of xanthone were synthesized and evaluated for cardiovascular activity. The following pharmacological experiments were conducted: the binding affinity for adrenoceptors, the influence on the normal electrocardiogram, the effect on the arterial blood pressure and prophylactic antiarrhythmic activity in adrenaline induced model of arrhythmia (rats, iv). Three compounds revealed nanomolar affinity for α1-adrenoceptor which was correlated with the strongest cardiovascular (antiarrhythmic and hypotensive) activity in animals’ models. The most promising compound was 4-(3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine-1-yl)propoxy)-9H-xanthen-9-one hydrochloride (12) which revealed antiarrhythmic activity with ED50 value of 0.69 mg/kg in adrenaline induced arrhythmia (rats, iv). Other synthesized xanthone derivatives, that is, (R,S)-4-(2-hydroxy-3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine-1-yl)propoxy)-9H-xanthen-9-one hydrochloride (10) and (R,S)-4-(2-acetoxy-3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine-1-yl)propoxy)-9H-xanthen-9-one hydrochloride (11) also acted as potential antiarrhythmics in adrenaline induced model of arrhythmia in rats after intravenous injection (ED50 = 0.88 mg/kg and 0.89 mg/kg, respectively). These values were lower than values obtained for reference drugs such as propranolol and urapidil, but not carvedilol. Results were quite promising and suggested that in the group of xanthone derivatives new potential antiarrhythmics and hypotensives might be found.

A series of 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)pyrrolidine-2,5-dione derivatives was synthesized and their biological activity was evaluated. The chemical structures of the newly prepared compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and ESI-HRMS spectra data. All tested compounds proved to be potent 5-HT1A receptor and serotonin transporter protein (SERT) ligands. Among them, compounds 15, 18, 19 and 30 showed significant affinity for 5-HT1A and SERT. Computer docking simulations carried out for compounds 15, 31 and 32 to models of 5-HT1A receptor and SERT confirm the results of biological tests. Due to high affinity for the 5-HT1A receptor and moderate affinity for SERT, compounds 31, 32, 35, and 37 were evaluated for their affinity for D2L, 5-HT6, 5-HT7 and 5-HT2A receptors. In vivo tests, in turn, resulted in determining the functional activity of compounds 15, 18, 19 and 30 to the 5-HT1A receptor. The results of these tests indicate that all of the ligands possess properties characteristic of 5-HT1A receptor agonists.

Twelve alkyl analogues (1 - 12) of the high-affinity serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibitor 6-nitroquipazine (6-NQ) were synthesised and studied using in vitro radioligand competition binding assays to determine their binding affinity (Ki). The putative antidepressant activity of five of the binders with the highest SERT binding affinities was studied by the forced swim and locomotor activity mouse tests. The three dimensional (3D) structures of 8 and 9 were determined using NOE NMR technique. Flexible docking of the compounds was undertaken to illustrate the binding of the compounds in the SERT model. Our results showed that several of the 6-NQ analogues are high-affinity SERT inhibitors and indicated that the octyl (8), decyl (10) and dodecyl (12) 6-NQ analogues exhibit moderate antidepressant activity.

Background The involvement of glutamate system (particularly the NMDAand AMPAreceptors) in the mechanism of antidepressant activity was demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies. Methods In the present study, we investigated the effect of NMDAand AMPAreceptors’ ligands (agonists and antagonists) on the antidepressant-like activity of escitalopram, milnacipran, imipramine and reboxetine in the forced swim test in mice. Results Antidepressant activity (reduction in immobility time) of escitalopram and milnacipran but not of imipramine and reboxetine was antagonized by N-methyl-D-aspartate acid. CGP37849 (antagonist of the NMDAreceptor) enhanced the antidepressant activity of all examined antidepressants. On the other hand, CX614 (a potentiator/positive allosteric modulator of the AMPAreceptor) enhanced the antidepressant activity of imipramine and reboxetine but not of escitalopram and milnacipran in this test. NBQX (the AMPA receptor antagonist) did not influence the antidepressant activity of all tested agents. Conclusions The data indicate the complex interactions following the activation or blockade of theNMDAandAMPAreceptors with antidepressant drugs. The general phenomenon is the enhancing effect of the NMDAreceptor antagonism on the antidepressant activity. Moreover, is can be concluded that the activity of antidepressants with a serotonergic mechanism of action can be inhibited by NMDA activation, while antidepressants with a noradrenergic mechanism of action are dependent on AMPA receptor transmission.

Formononetin is a naturally occurring isoflavone, which can be found in low concentrations in many dietary products, but the greatest sources of this substance areAstragalus membranaceus, Trifolium pratense, Glycyrrhiza glabra,andPueraria lobata, which all belong to Fabaceae family. Due to its structural similarity to 17β-estradiol, it can mimic estradiol’s effect and therefore is considered as a “phytoestrogen.” The aim of this study was to examine the effect of formononetin on mechanical properties and chemical composition of bones in rats with ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis. 12-week-old female rats were divided into 4 groups: sham-operated, ovariectomized, ovariectomized treated with estradiol (0.2 mg/kg) and ovariectomized treated with formononetin (10 mg/kg). Analyzed substances were administered orally for 4 weeks. Ovariectomy caused osteoporotic changes, which can be observed in bone biomechanical features (decrease of maximum load and fracture load and increase of displacements for maximum and fracture loads) and bone chemical composition (increase of water and organic fraction content, while a decrease of minerals takes place). Supplementation with formononetin resulted in slightly enhanced bone mechanical properties and bone chemistry improvement (significantly lower water content and insignificantly higher mineral fraction content). To summarize, administration of formononetin to ovariectomized rats shows beneficial effect on bone biomechanical features and chemistry; thus, it can prevent osteoporosis development.

This paper describes the synthesis of a series of new N-arylpiperazine derivatives of pyridine and 2-pyridone. The in vitro pharmacological study indicated that all of the compounds possess affinity towards α1-adrenoceptors, with exception of 6d, and are selective over α2 receptor. The most potent compound 5f displayed 62-fold α2/α1 selectivity with Ki value of 27.3 nM for α1 receptor. Selectivity of other ligands ranged from 6 to more than 146-fold. Hydrochlorides of selected compounds with the best α1-adrenoceptor affinity (7b, 7e, 7f, 8b) were tested in vivo (hypotensive activity test in rats) and the results proved their α-adrenoreceptor antagonistic activity. Furthermore, the lipophilicity of the investigated compounds has been assessed experimentally and in silico.

This paper is devoted to application of ionic liquids as surfactants in LC of organic compounds, derivatives of 1,4-thiosemicarbazides. According to HPLC requirements the most advantageous conditions such as transparency for ultraviolet light, low CMC, additional inorganic salt additives, and appropriate organic solvent were established. The CMC was determined using conductivity measurements. Suitability of two different stationary phases: RP-C18 and cyanopropyl bonded phase was examined under micellar conditions. Chosen ionic liquid surfactant was compared to common traditional amphiphilic reagent - SDS. Elaborated on chromatographic micellar conditions were tested as a pilot technique for prediction of distribution coefficients of organic analytes in ionic liquid-based aqueous two-phase system.

A series of new quinoline- and isoquinoline-sulfonamide analogs of aripiprazole was synthesized to explore the influence of two structural features - replacement of ether/amide moiety with sulfonamide one, and localization of a sulfonamide group in the azine moiety. In contrast to aripiprazole, compound 33 (N-(3-(4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)quinoline-7-sulfonamide) and 39 (N-(4-(4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)isoquinoline-3-sulfonamide) displaying multireceptor 5-HT(1A)/5-HT(2A)/5-HT(7)/D(2)/D(3) profile, and behaving as 5-HT(1A) agonists, D(2) partial agonists, and 5-HT(2A)/5-HT(7) antagonists, produced significant antidepressant activity in FST in mice. On the other hand, their 4-isoquinolinyl analog 40 (N-(4-(4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)isoquinoline-4-sulfonamide), with similar receptor binding and functional profile, additionally displayed remarkable antipsychotic properties in the MK-801-induced hyperlocomotor activity in mice.

A series of 1,3,4-thiadiazoles and s-triazoles were subjected to Molinspiration, ALOGPS 2.1, and Osiris programs to predict their molecular properties that are important for drug candidates. Subsequently, all of them were docked into the active sites of enzymes namely glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase (GlcN-6-P), VIM-2 metallo-β- lactamase (VIM-2), chitinase A1 (ChiA1), and sterol 14 alpha-demethylase (CYP51) that were considered in antimicrobial studies of thiadiazole and s-triazole derivatives. Since all compounds fulfilled the criteria for good membrane permeability, oral bioavailability, low toxicity and the potential inhibitory activities towards VIM-2, ChiA1, and CYP51, most of them were synthesized and their antimicrobial activity has been tested.

The compounds (III) and (IV) are screened for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

The study is focused on a series of 5-arylidenehydantoin derivatives with a phenylpiperazine-hydroxypropyl fragment at N3 of the hydantoin ring. The compounds were assessed on their affinity for α(1)-adrenoceptors and evaluated in functional bioassays for their antagonistic properties. Crystal structures of (Z)-5-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-3-(3-(4-(2-ethoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)-2-hydroxypropyl)imidazolidine-2,4-dione (7) and hydrochloride of (Z)-5-(4-chlorobenzylidene)-3-(2-hydroxy-3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)imidazolidine-2,4-dione (10a) were solved using the X-ray diffraction method. Classical molecular mechanics (MMFFs force field, MCMM, MacroModel) were used to predict 3D structure of compounds 5a-18a using a crystal structure of 7. SAR analysis was performed on the basis of Barbaro's pharmacophore model and structural properties of previously investigated α(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists possessing a hydantoin fragment. Most of the compounds exhibited significant affinities for α(1)-ARs in nanomolar range (40-290 nM). The highest activities (K(i)75 nM) were observed for compounds possessing a 2-alkoxyphenylpiperazine fragment and two methoxy substituents at the benzylidene moiety. The results indicated that chemical properties, number and positions of substituents at the 5-arylidene fragment influenced the power of α(1)-affinities as follows: 3,4-di CH(3)O2,4-di CH(3)O4-Cl2,3-di CH(3)OH4-N(CH(3))(2).

The in vitro antifungal potency of six series of 4-arylthiosemicarbazides was evaluated. Two isoquinoline derivatives with an ortho-methoxy or ortho-methyl group at the phenyl ring were the most potent antifungal agents. Molecular modeling studies and docking of all 4-arylthiosemicarbazides into the active sites of sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51), topoisomerase II (topo II), l-glutamine: d-fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GlcN-6-P), secreted aspartic proteinase (SAP), N-myristoyltransferase (NMT), and UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-l-alanine:d-glutamate ligase (MurD) indicated the importance of both structural and electronic factors in ligand recognition and thus for the antifungal effectiveness of 4-arylthiosemicarbazides. A possible antifungal target was identified (NMT) and isoquinoline-thiosemicarbazides showed more favorable affinity than the native ligand. Figure Electrostatic potential surface of isoquiniline derivative compound 6o with antifungal activity Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00894-012-1420-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A series of 1,4-substituted piperazine derivatives (I) are synthesized and evaluated for affinity towards α1- and α2-receptors by radioligand-binding assay.

Affinities of arylpiperazinylalkyl derivatives of imidazo[2,1-f]purine-2,4-dione and imidazolidine-2,4-dione for serotonin transporter and their acid-base properties were evaluated. The dissociation constant (pK(a)) of compounds 1-22 were determinated by potentiometric titration and calculated using pKalc 3.1 module of the Pallas system. The data from experimental methods and computational calculations were compared and suitable conclusions were reached.

1-(indol-2-carbonyl)-4-(4-nitrophenyl)-thiosemicarbazide was synthesized and antibacterial and type IIA topoisomerases (DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV) activity was evaluated. It was found that it shows activity against Gram-positive bacteria with MICs of 50 μg/mL and inhibitory action against topoisomerase IV with an IC(50) of 14 μM. Although modification of its structure resulted in molecules with a lower biological profile, our observations strongly implicate that thiosemicarbazide derivatives participate in at least two different mechanisms of antibacterial activity; one is connected with the inhibition of topoisomerase IV, while the nature of the other cannot be elucidated from the limited data collected thus far. The differences in bioactivity further investigated by the molecular modeling approach and docking studies suggest that inhibitory activity of 4-arylthiosemicarbazides is connected with electronic structure rather than the geometry of the molecule.

A fast, facile, and efficient method for the preparation of title compounds (III) is described.

Results from force fields implemented in HyperChem, a program frequently used in studies of bioactive compounds, have been compared using the example of the conformational analysis of a 1-carbonylthiosemicarbazide that exhibits strong antibacterial activity. By comparing these results with the original force fields and the experimental NMR ROESY spectrum, it was shown that these implementations can lead to erroneous results.

In this study novel thiosemicarbazides bearing piperidine moiety were synthesized in order to investigate their possible antibacterial and antifungal activities. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) study including conformational analysis and some physicochemical descriptors was carried out to provide the guidance for further synthetic work. The significant molecular descriptors related to the compounds with antifungal activity were: electrostatic potential surface, the highest occupied molecular orbital energy, surface area, volume, and hydration energy.

The influence of the title compounds on the central nervous system of mice in some behavioral tests is investigated.

The synthesized compounds are screened for their antibacterial activity, but only three of the tested substances show weak potency against Gram-positive bacteria.

The synthesis of (2 R,S )-1-(6-methoxy-4-(methoxymethyl)-1 H -indol-5-yloxy)-3-(2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)ethylamino)propan-2-ol and (2 R,S )-1-(4-methoxy-6-(methoxy-methyl)-1 H -indol-5-yloxy)-3-(2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)ethylamino)propan-2-ol is described. The compounds were tested for electrographic, antiarrhythmic, hypotensive, and spasmolytic activity, as well as for α 1 -, α 2 - and β 1 -adrenoceptor binding affinity. Keywords: α 1 -andrenoceptor antagonist; synthesis; pharmacology 1. Introduction In our search for new aminopropan-2-ol derivatives with cardiovascular activity among, we obtained the compound (2 R,S )-1-(1 H -indol-4-yloxy)-3-(2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)ethylamino)propan-2-ol, ( R,S )-9 (Figure 1) [1] which became a lead structure for further investigations. The compound ( R,S )-9 possesses α 1 - and β 1 -adrenolytic, antiarrhythmic, and hypotensive activities similar to carvedilol, which is a very effective compound in the treatment of such cardiovascular diseases as OPEN ACCESS

A series of novel 4-aryl-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine derivatives containing a 1-(2-quinoline)piperazine moiety was synthesized. The chemical structure of new compounds was confirmed by FT-IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and HRMS spectra as well as elemental analysis. Affinity of the novel pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine derivatives for 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A receptors and serotonin transporter (SERT) was evaluated in an in vitro radioligand binding assay. Tested compounds showed moderate to high affinity for 5-HT1AR and SERT and low affinity for 5-HT2AR. Selected ligands were subjected to in vivo tests, such as induced hypothermia and the forced swimming test in mice, which determined presynaptic agonistic activity of the ligands 8d, 8e, 9d and 9e and presynaptic antagonistic activity of the ligands 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Additionally, metabolic stability evaluation was performed for selected ligands, proving that a para-substitution in the 4-aryl-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine moiety leads to an increase in stability, whereas a substitution in the ortho-position lowers the stability.

The study is focused on (2-alkoxy)phenylpiperazine derivatives of 1-(2-hydroxy-3-(4-arylpiperazin-1-yl)propyl)-5,5-diphenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione with alkyl or ester substituents at N3 of hydantoin ring, as well as a new designed and synthesized series of compounds with a free N3H group or N3-acetic acid terminal fragment. The compounds were assessed on their affinity for 5-HT 1A and α 1 -adrenoceptors and evaluated in functional bioassays for antagonistic properties. Classical molecular mechanics (MMFFs force field, MCMM, MacroModel) and DFT methods (B3LYP functional, Gaussian 0.3) were used to investigate 3D structure of the compounds. SAR analysis was based on two pharmacophore models, the one described by Barbaro et al. for α 1 -adenoceptor antagonist and the model of Lepailleur et al. for 5-HT 1A receptor ligands. All compounds exhibited significant to moderate affinities for 5-HT 1A receptors in nanomolar range (7–610 nM). The highest activity (7 nM) and selectivity (17.38) for 5-HT 1A was observed for 1-(3-(4-(2-ethoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)-2-hydroxypropyl)-3-methyl-5,5-diphenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione ( 13a ). Among new synthesized compounds 1-(2-hydroxy-3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)propyl)-5,5-diphenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione hydrochloride ( 20a ) displayed the highest affinity (16.6 nM) and selectivity (5.72) for α 1 -AR.

Antidepressant-like activity of zinc in the forced swim test (FST) was demonstrated previously. Enhancement of such activity by joint administration of zinc and antidepressants was also shown. However, mechanisms involved in this activity have not yet been established. The present study examined the involvement of the NMDA and AMPA receptors in zinc activity in the FST in mice and rats. Additionally, the influence of zinc on both glutamate and aspartate release in the rat brain was also determined. Zinc-induced antidepressant-like activity in the FST in both mice and rats was antagonized by N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA, 75 mg/kg, i.p.) administration. Moreover, low and ineffective doses of NMDA antagonists (CGP 37849, L-701,324, D-cycloserine, and MK-801) administered together with ineffective doses of zinc exhibit a significant reduction of immobility time in the FST. Additionally, we have demonstrated the reduction of immobility time by AMPA receptor potentiator, CX 614. The antidepressant-like activity of both CX 614 and zinc in the FST was abolished by NBQX (an antagonist of AMPA receptor, 10 mg/kg, i.p.), while the combined treatment of sub-effective doses of zinc and CX 614 significantly reduces the immobility time in the FST. The present study also demonstrated that zinc administration potentiated a veratridine-evoked glutamate and aspartate release in the rat's prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The present study further suggests the antidepressant properties of zinc and indicates the involvement of the NMDA and AMPA glutamatergic receptors in this activity.

Synthesis, in vitro affinity for 5-HT1A receptors and SERT, SAR, and in vivo agonist/antagonist properties toward pre- and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors are described.

Preclinical data indicate the involvement of glutamatergic and serotonergic pathways in the antidepressant activity of zinc. The present study investigated alterations in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)/glutamatergic and serotonergic receptors (using radioligand binding) induced by chronic treatment (14-day) with zinc hydroaspartate (65 mg/kg). Moreover, the mRNA and protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were also assessed. Chronic zinc administration reduced the affinity of glycine to glycine/NMDA receptors in the rat frontal cortex and increased the density of 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 2A serotonin receptors in the hippo-campus and frontal cortex, respectively. These receptor alterations may be in part due to increased BDNF mRNA and protein levels in the rat frontal cortex. These results indicate that chronic zinc treatment alters glutamatergic and serotonergic systems, which is a hallmark of clinically effective antidepressants.

Synthesis of some new triazoles fused to triazoles 5a–c or thiadiazoles 6a–c and the thiol-thione tautomeric equilibrium study of the title compounds are reported. The “rule of five” and complementary criteria of pharmacokinetic properties were determined to predict whether these compounds are orally bioavailable. Semiempirical parameterizations have been critically benchmarked for the thiol-thione tautomeric equilibrium against the DFT calculations. It was shown that unlike the AM1 and PM3 Hamiltonians, which erroneously predict higher stability of the thiol tautomer, the newly developed RM1 Hamiltonian, on the other hand, predicts energetics of this equilibrium in excellent agreement with the DFT results. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 19:713–718, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/hc.20499

In the reaction of hydrazide of 3,4-dimethoxyphenylacetic acid (1) with isothiocyanate the respective thiosemicarbazide derivatives (2) were obtained. Further cyclization with 2% NaOH led to the formation of 3-[(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl]-4-substituted-1,2,4-triazoline-5-thiones (3). The structures of all new products were confirmed by analytical and spectroscopic methods. All compounds were screened for their in vitro activity against some species of aerobic bacteria and fungi. The lipophilicity of the synthesized molecules was also studied.

Chromium (Cr) (III), an essential microelement of living organisms, was reported to exhibit potential antidepressant properties in preclinical and clinical studies. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of CrCl(3) ip administration in the forced swim test (FST) in mice and the involvement of glutamatergic and serotonergic receptors in the antidepressant-like activity of chromium. CrCl(3) in a dose of 12 mg/kg, but not in doses of 6 or 32 mg/kg, reduced the immobility time in the FST. The locomotor activity was reduced by CrCl(3) in a dose of 32 mg/kg. Moreover, the reduction of the immobility time induced by the active dose (12 mg/kg) of CrCl(3) was completely abolished by NBQX (10 mg/kg; an antagonist of the AMPA receptor) pretreatment and partially inhibited by ritanserin (4 mg/kg; an antagonist of 5-HT(2A/C) receptor), WAY 1006335 (0.1 mg/kg; an antagonist of 5-HT(1A) receptor) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (75 mg/kg; agonist of NMDA receptor) administration. The present study demonstrates the antidepressant-like activity of chromium in the mouse FST and indicates the major role of the AMPA receptor and participation of NMDA glutamatergic and 5-HT(1) and 5-HT(2A/C) serotonin receptors in this activity.

The influence of the implicit solvent model on transition state structures of two S N2 reactions of biochemical importance is presented. In the considered methyl transfer reaction, we show experimentally that the rate constant in blood serum is about 60% slower than in the aqueous solution and that the implicit solvent model with slightly modified parameters for water captures correctly the energetics of this reaction. With the example of the reaction between 4-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-3-thione and ethyl bromoacetate, we show that relative stabilities of the conformationally different transition states depend upon the solvent inclusion strategy.

Recent preclinical data indicated the antidepressant-like activity of zinc in different tests and models of depression. The present study investigates the involvement of the serotonergic system in zinc activity in the forced swim test (FST) in mice and rats. The combined treatment of sub-effective doses of zinc (hydroaspartate, 2.5 mg Zn/kg) and citalopram (15 mg/kg), fluoxetine (5 mg/kg) but not with reboxetine (2.5 mg/kg) significantly reduces the immobility time in the FST in mice. These treatments had no influence on the spontaneous locomotor activity. Moreover, while the antidepressant-like effect of zinc (5 mg/kg) in the FST was significantly blocked by pretreatment with inhibitor of serotonin synthesis, p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA, 3x200 mg/kg), 5HT-2(A/C) receptor antagonist, ritanserin (4 mg/kg) or 5HT-1A receptor antagonist, WAY 1006335 (0.1 mg/kg), the zinc-induced reduction in the locomotor activity was not affected by these serotonin modulator agents. These results indicate the specific involvement of the serotonergic system in antidepressant but not the motion behavior of zinc in mice. Also, an increase in the swimming but not climbing parameter of the rat FST observed following zinc administration (2.5 and 5 mg Zn/kg) indicates the serotonin pathway participation. This present data indicates that the antidepressant-like activity of zinc observed in the FST involves interaction with the serotonergic system.

A series of xanthone derivatives were synthesized and examined for electrocardiographic, antiarrhythmic, hypotensive and anticonvulsant activities as well as for alpha(1)- and beta(1)-adrenergic binding affinities. Among the investigated compounds, some of them exhibited significant antiarrhythmic and/or hypotensive activity. The data obtained via receptor binding assay are in agreement with pharmacological results and could explain antiarrhythmic and/or hypotensive activity of the newly synthesized structures.

A series of new derivatives of 4-aryl-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine containing the 3-(4-piperidyl)-1H-indole residue or its 5-methoxy derivative were synthesized. They were characterized (i) in vitro by binding to 5-HT(1A) receptors and 5-HT transporter proteins in rat brain cortex membranes and (ii) in vivo in the mouse by induced hypothermia and forced swimming models for antagonist/agonist activity against the 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors and postsynaptic 5-HT(1A) receptors, respectively. Structure activity relationship evaluation indicated that the presence of the 3-(4-piperidyl)-1H-indole residue and ortho- or para-substituents with -F or -CH(3) groups in the aryl ring as well as an unsubstituted aryl in the 4-aryl-pyrido[1,2-c]pyrimidine moiety promoted low K(i) values for both receptors. In contrast, the presence of a 5-methoxy-3-(4-piperidyl)-1H-indole residue as well as -Cl or -OCH(3) substituents at the para position markedly reduced the receptor affinity.

Synthesis of 3-(piperidin-4-yl)-4-substituted-D-2-1,2,4-triazoline-5-thione derivatives, AS-1-AS-4 is described. Results of a preliminary pharmacological screening of two compounds AS-1 and AS-3 are presented.

The NMDA receptor antagonist, CGP 37849-induced reduction in immobility time in the forced swim test in mice was not antagonized by pre-treatment with the AMPA receptor antagonist NBQX. This is the first demonstration of the antidepressant effect of the NMDA antagonist not being dependent on the AMPA transmission.

The mol­ecule of the title compound, C7H7N5O2S2, is non-planar. The dihedral angles formed by the thio­hydantoin and methyl­thia­diazole systems with the amide group are 85.5 (1) and 38.4 (3)°, respectively. The crystal structure is stabilized by inter­molecular N—H⋯N/O hydrogen bonds and short S⋯O contacts, forming a three-dimensional network.