Two New (β)N-Alkanoyl-5-Hydroxytryptamides with Relevant Antinociceptive Activity

In this work, we describe a new route for the synthesis and the antinociceptive effects of two new (β)N-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamides (named C(20:0)-5HT and C(22:0)-5HT). The antinociceptive activities were evaluated using well-known models of thermal-induced (reaction to a heated plate, the hot plate model) or chemical-induced (licking response to paw injection of formalin, capsaicin, or glutamate) nociception. The mechanism of action for C(20:0)-5HT and C(22:0)-5HT was evaluated using naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist, 1 mg/kg), atropine (muscarinic receptor antagonist, 1 mg/kg), AM251 (cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, 1 mg/kg), or ondansetron (5-HT3 serotoninergic receptor antagonist, 0.5 mg/kg) 30 min prior to C(20:0)-5HT or C(22:0)-5HT. The substances both presented significant effects by reducing licking behavior induced by formalin, capsaicin, and glutamate and increasing the latency time in the hot plate model. Opioidergic, muscarinic, cannabinoid, and serotoninergic pathways seem to be involved in the antinociceptive activity since their antagonists reversed the observed effect. Opioid receptors are partially involved due to tolerant mice demonstrating less antinociception when treated with both compounds. Our data showed a quicker and simpler route for the synthesis of the new (β)N-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamides. Both compounds demonstrated significant antinociceptive effects. These new compounds could be used as a scaffold for the synthesis of analogues with promising antinociceptive effects.