Studies toward the Pharmacophore of Salvinorin A, a Potent κ Opioid Receptor Agonist
摘要:
Salvinorin A (1), from the sage Salvia divinorum, is a potent and selective K opioid receptor (KOR) agonist. We screened other salvinorins and derivatives for binding affinity and functional activity at opioid receptors. Our results suggest that the methyl ester and furan ring are required for activity but that the lactone and ketone functionalities are not. Other salvinorins showed negligible binding affinity at the KOR. None of the compounds bound to mu or delta opioid receptors.
The invention provides novel compounds of formula (I), (II), (III), and (IV). The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds as well as methods for treating diseases associated with opioid receptor function by administering such compounds to an animal in need of treatment. The invention also provides therapeutic methods for the use of compounds of formula (V), as well as methods for treating diseases by administering such compounds.