Pentamidine analogs as inhibitors of [(3)H]MK-801 and [(3)H]ifenprodil binding to rat brain NMDA receptors.

ABSTRACT: The anti-protozoal drug pentamidine is active against opportunistic Pneumocystis pneumonia, but in addition has several other biological targets, including the NMDA receptor (NR). Here we describe the inhibitory potencies of 76 pentamidine analogs at 2 binding sites of the NR, the channel binding site labeled with [(3)H]MK-801 and the [(3)H]ifenprodil binding site. Most analogs acted weaker at the ifenprodil than at the channel site. The spermine-sensitivity of NR inhibition by the majority of the compounds was reminiscent of other long-chain dicationic NR blockers. The potency of the parent compound as NR blocker was increased by modifying the heteroatoms in the bridge connecting the 2 benzamidine moieties and also by integrating the bridge into a seven-membered ring. Docking of the 45 mo

SUBMITTER: Berger ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4910395 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature