Skip to main content

Chemistry of GABAB Receptor Ligands: Focus on Agonists and Antagonists

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
GABAB Receptor

Part of the book series: The Receptors ((REC,volume 29))

Abstract

Since the discovery of GABAB receptor by Norman G. Bowery and coworkers in 1980, a striking endeavour was made by industrial and academic researchers to develop GABAB receptor ligands for therapeutic application in a variety of diseases associated with dysfunctions of the gabaergic system. Although baclofen (Lioresal) is still the only approved GABAB receptor agonist, this sustained research effort has produced many new compounds which are able to exert GABAB agonist, partial agonist or antagonist activity. This chapter presents an overview of the outcomes in this field, with a special focus on the chemistry, structure–activity relationship and mechanism of action of several GABA and baclofen analogues, derivatives and bioisosteres.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abdel-Hafez, A. A., & Abdel-Wahab, B. A. (2008). 5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-1,3-oxazepin-7(4H)-one derivatives as lipophilic cyclic analogues of baclofen: Design, synthesis, and neuropharmacological evaluation. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, 16, 7983–7991.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Asay, M. J., & Boyd, S. K. (2006). Characterization of the binding of [3H]CGP54626 to GABABreceptors in the male bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana). Brain Research, 1094, 76–85.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Attia, M. I., Herdeis, C., & Bräuner-Osborne, H. (2013). GABAB-agonistic activity of certain baclofen homologues. Molecules, 18, 10266–10284.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Awapara, J., Landua, A. J., Fuerst, R., & Seale, B. (1950). Free Îł-aminobutyric acid in brain. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 187(1), 35–39.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baskakis, C., Magrioti, V., Cotton, N., Stephens, D., Constantinou-Kokotou, V., Dennis, E. A., et al. (2008). Synthesis of polyfluoro ketones for selective inhibition of human phospholipase A2 enzymes. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 51, 8027–8037.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Berthelot, P., Vaccher, C., Musadad, A., Flouquet, N., Debaert, M., & Luyckx, M. (1987). Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of Îł-aminobutyric acid analogues. New ligands for GABAB sites. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 30, 743–746.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Brown, K. M., Roy, K. K., Hockerman, G. H., Doerksen, R. J., & Colby, D. A. (2015). Activation of the Îł-aminobutyric acid type B (GABAB) receptor by agonists and positive allosteric modulators. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 58(16), 6336–6347.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Costantino, G., Macchiarulo, A., Guadix, A. E., & Pellicciari, R. (2001). QSAR and molecular modeling studies of baclofen analogues as gabab agonists. Insights into the role of the aromatic moiety in GABAB binding and activation. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 44, 1827–1832.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Deguchi, Y., Inabe, K., Tomiyasu, K., Nozawa, K., Yamada, S., & Kimura, R. (1995). Study on brain interstitial fluid distribution and blood-brain barrier transport of baclofen in rats by microdialysis. Pharmaceutical Research, 12, 1838–1844.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Enna, S. J., Harstad, E. B., & McCarson, K. E. (1998). Regulation of neurokinin-1 receptor expression by GABAB receptor agonists. Life Sciences, 62, 1525–1530.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Froestl, W. (2010). Chemistry and pharmacology of GABAB receptor ligands. In T. P. Blackburn & S. J. Enna (Eds.), GABA B receptor pharmacology: a tribute to Norman Bowery (Vol. 58, pp. 19–62). New York: Academic.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Froestl, W. (2011). An historical perspective on GABAergic drugs. Future Medicinal Chemistry, 3(2), 163–175.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Froestl, W., Mickel, S. J., Hall, R. G., von Sprechler, G., Strub, D., Baumann, P. A., et al. (1995a). Phosphinic acid analogues of GABA. 1. New potent and selective GABAB agonists. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 38(17), 3297–3312.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Froestl, W., Mickel, S. J., von Sprecher, G., Diel, P. J., Hall, R. G., Maier, L., et al. (1995b). Phosphinic acid analogues of GABA. 1. Selective, orally active GABAB antagonists. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 38, 3313–3331.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Frydenvang, K., Hansen, J. J., Krogsgaard-Larsen, P., Mitrovic, A., Tran, H., Drew, C. A., et al. (1994). GABAB antagonists:resolution, absolute stereochemistry, and pharmacology of (R)- and (S)-phaclofen. Chirality, 6, 583–589.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Han, C., Salyer, A. E., Kim, E. H., Jiang, X., Jarrard, R. E., Powers, M. S., et al. (2013). Evaluation of difluoromethylketones as agonists of the Îł-aminobutyric acid type B (GABAB) receptor. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 56, 2456–2465.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hinton, T., Chebib, M., & Johnston, G. A. R. (2008). Enantioselective actions of 4-amino-3-hydroxybutanoicacid and (3-amino-2-hydroxypropyl)methylphosphinic acid at recombinant GABAC receptors. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 18, 402–404.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ji, L., Ma, Y., Li, J., Zhang, L., & Zhang, L. (2009). An efficient synthesis of (R)- and (S)-baclofen via desymmetrization. Tetrahedron Letters, 50, 6166–6168.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karla, R., Ebert, B., Thorkildsen, C., Herdeis, C., Johansen, T. N., Nielsen, B., et al. (1999). Synthesis and pharmacology of the baclofen homologues 5-amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)pentanoic acid and the R- and S-enantiomers of 5-amino-3-(4-chlorophenyl)pentanoic acid. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 42, 2053–2059.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kato, K., Zhang, M.-R., & Suzuki, K. (2009). Synthesis of (R, S)-[4-11C]baclofen via Michael addition of nitromethane labeled with short-lived 11C. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 19, 6222–6224.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Keberle, H., Faigle, J. W., & Wilhelm, M. (1968, April 11). Procedure for the preparation of new aminoacids. Swiss Patent 449046. Priority: 09 Jul 1963, Chemical Abstract, 69, 106273f.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kerr, D. I., Ong, J., Doolette, D. J., Schafer, K., & Prager, R. H. (1995). The (S)-enantiomer of 2-hydroxysaclofen is the active GABAB receptor antagonist in central and peripheral preparations. European Journal of Pharmacology, 287, 185–189.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kerr, D. I. B., Ong, J., Johnston, G. A. R., Abbenante, J., & Prager, R. H. (1988). 2-Hydroxy-saclofen: An improved antagonist at central and peripheral GABAB receptors. Neuroscience Letters, 92, 92–96.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kerr, D. I. B., Ong, J., Prager, R. H., Gynther, B. D., & Curtis, D. R. (1987). Phaclofen: A peripheral and central baclofen antagonist. Brain Research, 405, 150–154.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krnjevic, K., & Schwartz, S. (1967). The action of gamma-aminobutyric acid on cortical neurons. Experimental Brain Research, 3(4), 320–336.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lal, R., Sukbuntherng, J., Tai, E. H. L., Upadhyay, S., Yao, F., Warren, M. S., et al. (2009). Arbaclofen placarbil, a novel R-baclofen prodrug: Improved absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination properties compared with R-baclofen. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 330(3), 911–921.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lapin, I. (2001). Phenibut (beta-phenyl-GABA): A tranquilizer and nootropic drug. CNS Drug Reviews, 7, 471–481.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Locock, K. E. S., Yamamoto, I., Tran, P., Hanrahan, J. R., Chebib, M., Johnston, G. A. R., et al. (2013). Îł-Aminobutyric acid(C) (GABAC)selective antagonists derived from the bioisosteric modification of 4-aminocyclopent-1-enecarboxylic acid: Amides and hydroxamates. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 56, 5626–5630.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Mann, A., Boulanger, T., Brandau, B., Durant, F., Evrard, G., Heaulme, M., et al. (1991). Synthesis and biochemical evaluation of baclofen analogues locked in the baclofen solid-state conformation. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 34, 1307–1313.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Miner, P. B., Jr., Silberg, D. G., Ruth, M., Miller, F., & Pandolfino, J. (2014). Dose-dependent effects of lesogaberan on reflux measures in patients with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease: A randomized, placebo-controlled study. BMC Gastroenterology, 14, 188. doi:10.1186/1471-230X-14-188.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Muhyaddin, M., Roberts, P. J., & Woodruff, G. N. (1982). Presynaptic Îł-aminobutyric acid receptors in the rat anococcygeus muscle and their antagonism by 5-aminovaleric acid. British Journal of Pharmacology, 77, 163–168.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Ong, J., Kerr, D. I., Doolette, D. J., Duke, R. K., Mewett, K. N., Allen, R. D., et al. (1993). (R)-(–)-beta-phenyl-GABA is a full agonist at GABAB receptors in brain slices but a partial agonist in the ileum. European Journal of Pharmacology, 233, 169–172.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Patel, S., Naeem, S., Kesingland, A., Froestl, W., Capogna, M., Urban, L., et al. (2001). The effects of GABAB agonists and gabapentin on mechanical hyperalgesia in models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain in rats. Pain, 90, 217–226.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pirard, B., Carrupt, P.-A., Testa, B., Tsai, R.-S., Berthelot, P., Vaccher, C., et al. (1995). Structure-affinity relationships of baclofen and 3-heteroaromatic analogues. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, 3, 1537–1545.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Qin, M., Huang, T., Kader, M., Krych, L., Xia, Z., Burlin, T., et al. (2015). R-Baclofen reverses a social behavior deficit and elevated protein synthesis in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 18, 1–13.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reiter, L. A., Martinelli, G. J., Reeves, L. A., & Mitchell, P. G. (2000). Difluoroketones as inhibitors of matrix metalloprotease-13. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 10, 1581–1584.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, E., & Frankel, S. (1950). Îł-Aminobutyric acid inbrain: Its formation from glutamic acid. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 187(1), 55–63.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shaheen, N. J., Denison, H., Björck, K., Karlsson, M., & Silberg, D. G. (2013). Efficacy and safety of lesogaberan in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: A randomised controlled trial. Gut, 62, 1248–1255.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sills, G. J. (2006). The mechanisms of action of gabapentin and pregabalin. Current Opinion in Pharmacology, 6, 108–113.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Storici, P., De Biase, D., Bossa, F., Bruno, S., Mozzarelli, A., Peneff, C., et al. (2004). Structures of Îł-aminobutyric acid (GABA) aminotransferase, a pyridoxal 5’-phosphate, and [2Fe-2S] cluster-containing enzyme, complexed with Îł-ethynyl-GABA and with the antiepilepsy drug vigabatrin. Journal of Biochemistry, 279, 363–373.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Swahn, C.-G., Beving, H., & Sedvall, G. J. (1978). Synthesis of 4-amino-3-p-chlorophenyl-butyric acid-2, 2, 4, 4-2H4 (baclofen). Journal of Labelled Compounds and Radiopharmaceuticals, 15(Suppl. S1), 739–745.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, C. P. (2009). Mechanisms of analgesia by gabapentin and pregabalin – calcium channel α2-δ[CaVα2-δ] ligands. Pain, 142, 13–16.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thakur, V. V., Paraskar, A. S., & Sudalai, A. (2007). Asymmetric synthesis of (R)-baclofen via asymmetric dihydroxylation. Indian Journal of Chemistry B, 46B, 326–330 and references cited therein.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tilinsky, J., & Gammill, R. B. (1994). The chemistry and pharmacology of GABAA and GABAB ligands. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 3, 226–253.

    Google Scholar 

  • Udenfriend, S. (1950). Identification of Îł-aminobutyric acid in brain by the isotopederivative method. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 187(1), 65–69.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • van Bree, J. B., Audus, K. L., & Borchardt, R. T. (1988). Carrier-mediated transport of baclofen across monolayers of bovine brain endothelial cells in primary culture. Pharmaceutical Research, 5, 369–371.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Varala, R., & Adapa, S. R. (2006). Novel approach to the synthesis of (R,S)-baclofen via Pd(II)-bipyridine–catalyzed conjugative addition. Synthetic Communications, 36, 3743–3747 and references cited therein.

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu, F., Peng, G., Phan, T., Dilip, U., Chen, J. L., Chernov-Rogan, T., et al. (2011). Discovery of a novel potent GABAB receptor agonist. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 21, 6582–6585.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Federico Corelli .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Corelli, F., Mugnaini, C. (2016). Chemistry of GABAB Receptor Ligands: Focus on Agonists and Antagonists. In: Colombo, G. (eds) GABAB Receptor. The Receptors, vol 29. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46044-4_2

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics