Design, synthesis and pharmacological profile of novel dopamine D2 receptor ligands

The present study describes the synthesis and pharmacological profile of three novel heterocyclic compounds originally designed, on the basis of bioisosterism, as dopamine D2 receptor ligands: 1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-ylmethyl]-4-phenyl-piperazine (LASSBio-579), 1-phenyl-4-(1-phenyl-1H-[1,2,3]triazol-4-ylmethyl)-piperazine (LASSBio-580) and 1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-[1,2,3]triazol-4-ylmethyl]-4-phenyl-piperazine (LASSBio-581). Binding studies performed on brain homogenate indicated that all three compounds bind selectively to D2 receptors. In addition, electrophysiological studies carried out in cultured hippocampal neurons suggested that LASSBio-579 and 581 act as D2 agonists, whereas LASSBio-580 acts as a D2 antagonist. The synthesis and in vitro dopamine receptor ligand profile of new pyrazole and 1,2,3-triazole N-phenylpiperazines 3– 5 is reported.