Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of 1-oxo-2-(3-piperidyl)-1,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinolines and related analogues as a new class of specific bradycardic agents possessing I(f) channel inhibitory activity.

A series of 1-oxo-2-(3-piperidyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines and related analogues were prepared and evaluated for their bradycardic activities in isolated right atrium and in anesthetized rats. (+/-)-6,7-Dimethoxy-2-[1-[3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenoxy)propyl]-3-piperidyl]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (4) was chosen as a lead, and structural modifications were performed on the tetrahydroisoquinoline ring and the terminal aromatic ring. The modifications on the tetrahydroisoquinoline ring revealed that the 1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline ring system was optimum structure for both in vitro potency and in vivo efficacy. Furthermore, methoxy, ethoxy, and methoxycarbonyl groups were identified as preferable substituents on the terminal aromatic ring. One of the 1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives, (R)-10a, was further evaluated for its bradycardic activity and inhibitory activity against I(f) currents. Compound (R)-10a demonstrated potent bradycardic activity in rats with minimal influence on blood pressure after oral administration. The compound also showed inhibition of I(f) currents (IC(50) = 0.32 muM) in guinea pig pacemaker cells.