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

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 σ ligand, were synthesized. The (+)- and (−)-enantiomers bind predominantly to σ1 receptors and have a reduced σ2 affinity. Both individually restore the astroglial oxidative status modified by glutamate, counteracting also transglutaminase-2 overexpression. They exhibited in vivo anti-opioid effects on κ opioid (KOP) receptor-mediated analgesia. Our findings demonstrate that the enantiomers display mainly σ1 agonist activity and that they have neuroprotective effects.

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.