Modified ibogaine fragments: synthesis and preliminary pharmacological characterization of 3-ethyl-5-phenyl-1,2,3,4,5, 6-hexahydroazepino[4,5-b]benzothiophenes.
Journal of medicinal chemistry November 5, 1998 S M Efange, D C Mash, A B Khare et al. 33 citations
Five new compounds derived from a fragment of ibogaine were synthesized and tested for their ability to bind to brain receptors and transporters. All five showed 8 to 10 times stronger binding to the dopamine transporter than ibogaine itself. Two compounds were more potent than ibogaine at the serotonin transporter, while the others were weaker. The compounds generally had weak binding to dopamine D1 and D2 receptors, but two showed moderate binding to dopamine D3 receptors. All had weak binding to opioid receptors and NMDA receptors. These derivatives may serve as useful substitutes for ibogaine in addiction therapy.