Behavioural actions of two new 1-N substituted analogues of melatonin

Behav Brain Res. 2013 Jan 1;236(1):148-156. doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.08.045. Epub 2012 Sep 6.

Abstract

Melatonin has been mainly used for alleviating some disorders related with insomnia and circadian rhythmicity. The use of this hormone has been limited, among others, due to its short half-life and instability. This study reports some behavioural actions of two new melatonin analogues that incorporate a phenyl or a benzoyl group at the nitrogen atom of the melatonin molecule. Although diazepam was about 10 times more potent than either of the melatonin analogues, results show that in general these last display better anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and sedative actions than the original molecule.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / pharmacology
  • Anticonvulsants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects*
  • Diazepam / pharmacology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Exploratory Behavior / drug effects
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / pharmacology
  • Male
  • Melatonin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Melatonin / pharmacology*
  • Mice
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Postural Balance / drug effects
  • Seizures / chemically induced
  • Seizures / prevention & control

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antioxidants
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • N-(2-(1-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methoxy-1H-indole-3-yl)ethyl)acetamide
  • N-(2-(1-(4-cyanobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-1H-indole-3-yl)ethyl)acetamide
  • Melatonin
  • Diazepam