Pyridinic analog of the natural product (-)-spectaline as potential adjuvant for the treatment of central nervous system disorders

Abstract

Previously we designed a series of pyridinic anticholinesterasic compounds based on molecular hybridization between tacrine and the natural piperidine alkaloid (-)-3-O-acetylspectaline isolated from Senna spectabilis. Based on the information that the cholinergic system has an important role in the treatment of schizophrenia and depression, we herein report the evaluation of a series of pyridinic compounds in animal models for antipsychotic and antidepressant-like activities. Compound 2 decreased the immobility time of mice in the forced swimming test (5 and 10 mg/kg p.o.) and prevented the climbing behavior induced by apomorphine (10 mg/kg, p.o.), without impairing animals locomotor activity.