Pharmacology and Therapeutic Potential of Benzothiazole Analogues for Cocaine Use Disorder

J Med Chem. 2023 Sep 14;66(17):12141-12162. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00734. Epub 2023 Aug 30.

Abstract

Pharmacological targeting of the dopamine D4 receptor (D4R)─expressed in brain regions that control cognition, attention, and decision-making─could be useful for several neuropsychiatric disorders including substance use disorders (SUDs). This study focused on the synthesis and evaluation of a novel series of benzothiazole analogues designed to target D4R. We identified several compounds with high D4R binding affinity (Ki ≤ 6.9 nM) and >91-fold selectivity over other D2-like receptors (D2R, D3R) with diverse partial agonist and antagonist profiles. Novel analogue 16f is a potent low-efficacy D4R partial agonist, metabolically stable in rat and human liver microsomes, and has excellent brain penetration in rats (AUCbrain/plasma > 3). 16f (5-30 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently decreased iv cocaine self-administration in rats, consistent with previous results produced by D4R-selective antagonists. Off-target antagonism of 5-HT2A or 5-HT2B may also contribute to these effects. Results with 16f support further efforts to target D4R in SUD treatment.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Benzothiazoles / pharmacology
  • Benzothiazoles / therapeutic use
  • Brain
  • Cocaine* / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Rats
  • Serotonin
  • Substance-Related Disorders*

Substances

  • Serotonin
  • Benzothiazoles
  • Cocaine