title: Bicyclic derivatives of hexahydroaporphine: novel agents that lower intraocular pressure.
abstract: We have synthesized a number of novel bicyclic hexahydroaporphines containing a phenethylamine moiety for preliminary study as intraocular pressure lowering agents. The target molecules were synthesized in a twelve step process. The final products were secondary or tertiary amines containing either an aromatic methoxy or phenolic substituent. These molecules, in hydrochloride salt form, were assayed in doses ranging from 0.1-1.5%. All products and vehicle were administered topically to one eye of normotensive rabbits and intraocular pressure was measured in both eyes for up to six hours. Four of the five compounds examined produced a significant and, in some cases, prolonged, ocular hypotensive response. Secondary and N-methylated tertiary amines were equally effective, as were compounds containing either the 10-methoxy group of free phenol. Studies are currently in progress to optimize potency and identify functional and molecular mechanisms of action.
authors.affiliation: Creighton University Health Sciences Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Saha
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zhan
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Opere
authors.forename: E B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Roche
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Camras
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Ohia
authors.forename: V F
authors.initials: VF
authors.lastname: Roche
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001060:Aporphines / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001643:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005123:Eye / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits
chemical_list: D001060:Aporphines; D001643:Bridged Bicyclo Compounds