Structure-activity studies of diazabicyclo[3.3.0]octane-substituted pyrazines and pyridines as potent α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligands.

A series of diazabicyclo[3.3.0]octane substituted pyridines and pyrazines was synthesized and characterized at the α4β2 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). The compounds were designed to mimic the profile of ABT-089, high affinity binding ligand for the α4β2 nAChR, with limited agonist activity. Carboxamide derivatives of 3-(diazabicyclo[3.3.0]octane)-substituted pyridines or 2-(diazabicyclo[3.3.0]octane)-substituted pyrazines were found to have the desired binding and activity profile. The structure-activity relationship of these compounds is presented.