Synthesis and Resolution of<i>cis</i>-(±)-Methyl (1<i>R</i>,2<i>S</i>/1<i>S</i>,2<i>R</i>)-2-[(4-Hydroxy-4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(4-methylphenyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate [(±)-PPCC)]: New σ Receptor Ligands with Neuroprotective Effect

Abstract

The enantiomers of cis-(+/-)-methyl (1R,2S/1S,2R)-2-[(4-hydroxy-4-phenylpiperidin-1-yl)methyl]-1-(4-methylphenyl)cyclopropanecarboxylate [1, (+/-)-PPCC], a selective sigma ligand, were synthesized. The (+)- and (-)-enantiomers bind predominantly to sigma(1) receptors and have a reduced sigma(2) affinity. Both individually restore the astroglial oxidative status modified by glutamate, counteracting also transglutaminase-2 overexpression. They exhibited in vivo anti-opioid effects on kappa opioid (KOP) receptor-mediated analgesia. Our findings demonstrate that the enantiomers display mainly sigma(1) agonist activity and that they have neuroprotective effects.