Synthesis, molecular modeling and cholinesterase inhibitory effects of 2-indolinone-based hydrazinecarbothioamides.

Background: 2-Indolinone-based hydrazinecarbothioamides carrying a 3-phenylsulfonamide moiety (7-9) were designed by replacement of donepezil's pharmacophore group indanone with a 2-indolinone ring. Method: Compounds 7-9 were synthesized by reaction of N-(3-sulfamoylphenyl)hydrazinecarbothioamide (6) with 1H-indolin-2,3-diones (1-3). Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory effects of compounds 7-9 were assayed. Molecular modeling studies of 5-chloro-1,7-dimethyl-substituted compound 8e were carried out to determine the possible binding interactions at the active site of AChE. Results: Compound 8e showed the strongest inhibition against AChE (Ki = 0.52 ± 0.11 μM) as well as the highest selectivity (SI = 37.69). The selectivity for AChE over BuChE of compound 8e was approximately 17-times higher than donepezil and 26-times higher than galantamine. Conclusion: Further development of compounds 7-9 may present new promising agents for Alzheimer's treatment.