Novel 2-Phenylimidazo[1,2-<i>a</i>]pyridine Derivatives as Potent and Selective Ligands for Peripheral Benzodiazepine Receptors: Synthesis, Binding Affinity, and in Vivo Studies
(PBR) benzodiazepinereceptors. The structure-activity relationship studies detailed herein indicate the key structural features required for high affinity and selectivity for PBR. Substitution on the imidazopyridine nucleus at position 8 with lipophilic substituents and the presence of one chlorine atom at the para position of the phenyl ring at C(2) are crucial features for high binding affinity and