Synthesis of α3β4 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Modulators Derived from Aristoquinoline That Reduce Reinstatement of Cocaine-Seeking Behavior

J Med Chem. 2024 Jan 11;67(1):529-542. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01758. Epub 2023 Dec 27.

Abstract

Growing evidence suggests that inhibition of the α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) represents a promising therapeutic strategy to treat cocaine use disorder. Recently, aristoquinoline (1), an alkaloid from Aristotelia chilensis, was identified as an α3β4-selective nAChR inhibitor. Here, we prepared 22 derivatives of 1 and evaluated their ability to inhibit the α3β4 nAChR. These studies revealed structure-activity trends and several compounds with increased potency compared to 1 with few off-target liabilities. Additional mechanistic studies indicated that these compounds inhibit the α3β4 nAChR noncompetitively, but do not act as channel blockers, suggesting they are negative allosteric modulators. Finally, using a cocaine-primed reinstatement paradigm, we demonstrated that 1 significantly attenuates drug-seeking behavior in an animal model of cocaine relapse. The results from these studies further support a role for the α3β4 nAChR in the addictive properties of cocaine and highlight the possible utility of aristoquinoline derivatives in treating cocaine use disorder.

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids* / pharmacology
  • Alkaloids* / therapeutic use
  • Animals
  • Cocaine*
  • Drug-Seeking Behavior
  • Nicotinic Antagonists / pharmacology
  • Nicotinic Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Quinolines*
  • Receptors, Nicotinic*

Substances

  • aristoquinoline
  • Receptors, Nicotinic
  • Cocaine
  • Alkaloids
  • Nicotinic Antagonists
  • Quinolines