Structure-activity studies of 2,3,4,4a,5,9b-hexahydroindeno[1,2-c]pyridines as antispermatogenic agents for male contraception.

Analogs of (4aRS,5SR,9bRS)-2-ethyl-2,3,4,4a,5,9b-hexahydro-7-meth yl-5-p- tolyl-1H-indeno[1,2-c]pyridine (Sandoz 20-438, 10a; R1 = ethyl, R2 = R3 = methyl, R4 = H) have been synthesized and tested in mice for their ability to reduce testes weight and disrupt spermatogenesis. The activity was strongly dependent on stereoisomerism and chirality, consistent with a mechanism of action involving interaction with a specific macromolecule. It was affected by changes in the nitrogen substituent and most strikingly by changes in the p-substituent of the 5-aryl ring. A hydrogen, fluorine, hydroxy, or methoxy substituent led to loss of activity, whereas methyl (Sandoz 20-438, 10a), carboxylate (RTI-4587-054, 10k; R1 = ethyl, R2 = methyl, R3 = COOH, R4 = H), ester (RTI-4587-056, 12b; R1 = ethyl, R2 = methyl, R3 = COOMe, R4 = H), formyl (RTI-4587-030, 12i; R1 = ethyl, R2 = methyl, R3 = CHO, R4 = H), or hydroxymethyl (RTI-4587-055, 12g; R1 = ethyl, R2 = methyl, R3 = CH2OH, R4 = H) groups resulted in antispermatogenic compounds. Methyl ester 12b was an effective antifertility agent, without apparent effects on mating, when given orally to male mice at 7-15 mg/kg daily for 35 days. Further evaluation of these compounds as male contraceptive agents and probes for study of spermatogenesis appears warranted.

Duke Scholars

Author Chad E. Cook Orthopaedic Surgery, Physical Therapy