A series of 2-substituted 4-hydroxybutanamide derivatives has been synthesized by the aminolysis of appropriate 2-substituted dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one derivatives with various substituted benzylamines. The final compounds have been evaluated for their capability of inhibiting the GABA transport proteins GAT1-4 stably expressed in HEK-239 cell lines. The pIC50 values determined were in the range 4.21-5.14. Two compounds (16a and 16d), which displayed the most interesting profiles in in vitro tests, have also been subjected to further preliminary behavioral studies, evaluating their antinociceptive activity in hot-plate, writhing, and formalin tests. Their influence on motor coordination has also been assessed.
Keywords: Butanamides; GABA uptake inhibitors; GAT1-4; Motor deficits; Paw licking response; Stretching behavior.
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