Brominated oxime nucleophiles are efficiently reactivating cholinesterases inhibited by nerve agents.

Six novel brominated bis-pyridinium oximes were designed and synthesized to increase their nucleophilicity and reactivation ability of phosphorylated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Their pKa was valuably found lower to parent non-halogenated oximes. Stability tests showed that novel brominated oximes were stable in water, but the stability of di-brominated oximes was decreased in buffer solution and their degradation products were prepared and characterized. The reactivation screening of brominated oximes was tested on AChE and BChE inhibited by organophosphorus surrogates. Two mono-brominated oximes reactivated AChE comparably to non-halogenated analogues, which was further confirmed by reactivation kinetics. The acute toxicity of two selected brominated oximes was similar to commercially available oxime reactivators and the most promising brominated oxime was tested in vivo on sarin- and VX-poisoned rats. This brominated oxime showed interesting CNS distribution and significant reactivation effectiveness in blood. The same oxime resulted with the best protective index for VX-poisoned rats.

Effect of Oxime Encapsulation on Acetylcholinesterase Reactivation: Pharmacokinetic Study of the Asoxime-Cucurbit[7]uril Complex in Mice Using Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Oxime-based molecules are used for the treatment of patients to reactivate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) function after organophosphate intoxication. However, their efficacy is limited by low penetration through the blood-brain barrier and fast elimination. In this work, the cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) carrier was used for the encapsulation of the clinical agent asoxime to enhance brain bioavailability and the treatment window. We present a pharmacokinetic study of asoxime and the asoxime-CB[7] complex in an in vivo mouse model. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry detection was developed to determine asoxime and CB[7] in biological fluids and tissues after thorough optimization of chromatographic conditions. The dihydroxypropane-silica stationary phase using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography conditions provided the best chromatographic performance. The final method was validated and applied for the pharmacokinetic study of mouse plasma, urine, bile, liver, kidney, and brain samples at different times after administration of asoxime and the asoxime-CB[7] complex. The results showed a greater than 3-fold increase in the area under the curve (AUC) in the brain for asoxime administered as a complex with CB[7] relative to that for the administration of asoxime alone. The effectiveness of the treatment strategy was evaluated using a reactivation study and a functional observatory battery. Protection of brain AChE activity is crucial for saving human lives or reducing the consequences of poisoning. The asoxime administered as a complex increased the brain activity by approximately 30% compared to that with atropine alone. CB[7] coadministration improved the AChE activity by 11%, which agrees with the higher asoxime AUC assessed in the pharmacokinetic study.

Development of versatile and potent monoquaternary reactivators of acetylcholinesterase.

To date, the only treatments developed for poisoning by organophosphorus compounds, the most toxic chemical weapons of mass destruction, have exhibited limited efficacy and versatility. The available causal antidotes are based on reactivation of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is rapidly and pseudo-irreversibly inhibited by these agents. In this study, we developed a novel series of monoquaternary reactivators combining permanently charged moieties tethered to position 6- of 3-hydroxypyridine-2-aldoxime reactivating subunit. Highlighted representatives (21, 24, and 27; also coded as K1371, K1374, and K1375, respectively) that contained 1-phenylisoquinolinium, 7-amino-1-phenylisoquinolinium and 4-carbamoylpyridinium moieties as peripheral anionic site ligands, respectively, showed efficacy superior or comparable to that of the clinically used standards. More importantly, these reactivators exhibited wide-spectrum efficacy and were minutely investigated via determination of their reactivation kinetics in parallel with molecular dynamics simulations to study their mechanisms of reactivation of the tabun-inhibited AChE conjugate. To further confirm the potential applicability of these candidates, a mouse in vivo assay was conducted. While K1375 had the lowest acute toxicity and the most suitable pharmacokinetic profile, the oxime K1374 with delayed elimination half-life was the most effective in ameliorating the signs of tabun toxicity. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo, the versatility of the agents was substantially superior to that of clinically used standards. Their high efficacy and broad-spectrum capability make K1374 and K1375 promising candidates that should be further investigated for their potential as nerve agents and insecticide antidotes.

HI-6 oxime (an acetylcholinesterase reactivator): blood plasma pharmacokinetics and organ distribution in experimental pigs.

OBJECTIVES: Oxime HI-6 DMS (dimethanesulfonate) is an asymmetric bis-pyridinium aldoxime and essential acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivator. The high effectiveness is due to its wide spectrum of therapeutic activity against different structures of nerve agents. Aim of this study was to compare plasma time profiles and tissue distribution (to delimitation of potential toxicity risks) after its intramuscular (i.m.) and intragastric (i.g.) administration to experimental pigs. METHODS: The study entered female Landrace pigs (Sus scrofa f. domestica), 4-5 months old animals, 29 ± 3.2 kg of body weight. Before the HI-6 DMS administration (i.m. injection or i.g. using a gastric tube), vena auricularis was cannulated (under general anaesthesia) for collection of blood samples. The tissue distribution study was carried out at expected t-max. Concentrations of HI-6 DMS in blood plasma and other tissue samples were detected by means of HPLC method. RESULTS: Fast absorption after i.m. administration, relatively slow absorption and no even elimination after i.g. administration were found. Tissue distribution showed low accumulation in the liver, but a higher content in the kidneys and high concentrations in the brain and gastrointestinal wall. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma time profiles after i.g. administration has a prolonged pharmacokinetics. Tissue distribution study showed potential side effects to the stomach due to a higher accumulation of HI-6 in this tissue after i.g. administration but not after a standard i.m. administration. Higher content of HI-6 in the kidneys after i.m. administration suggests the main way of the oxime elimination.

Phenoxytacrine derivatives: Low-toxicity neuroprotectants exerting affinity to ifenprodil-binding site and cholinesterase inhibition.

Tacrine (THA), a long withdrawn drug, is still a popular scaffold used in medicinal chemistry, mainly for its good reactivity and multi-targeted effect. However, THA-associated hepatotoxicity is still an issue and must be considered in drug discovery based on the THA scaffold. Following our previously identified hit compound 7-phenoxytacrine (7-PhO-THA), we systematically explored the chemical space with 30 novel derivatives, with a focus on low hepatotoxicity, anticholinesterase action, and antagonism at the GluN1/GluN2B subtype of the NMDA receptor. Applying the down-selection process based on in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic data, two candidates, I-52 and II-52, selective GluN1/GluN2B inhibitors thanks to the interaction with the ifenprodil-binding site, have entered in vivo pharmacodynamic studies. Finally, compound I-52, showing only minor affinity to AChE, was identified as a lead candidate with favorable behavioral and neuroprotective effects using open-field and prepulse inhibition tests, along with scopolamine-based behavioral and NMDA-induced hippocampal lesion models. Our data show that compound I-52 exhibits low toxicity often associated with NMDA receptor ligands, and low hepatotoxicity, often related to THA-based compounds.

Dizocilpine derivatives as neuroprotective NMDA receptor antagonists without psychomimetic side effects.

We aimed to prepare novel dibenzo [a,d][7]annulen derivatives that act on N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors with potential neuroprotective effects. Our approach involved modifying the tropane moiety of MK-801, a potent open-channel blocker known for its psychomimetic side effects, by introducing a seven-membered ring with substituted base moieties specifically to alleviate these undesirable effects. Our in silico analyses showed that these derivatives should have high gastrointestinal absorption and cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Our pharmacokinetic studies in rats supported this conclusion and confirmed the ability of leading compounds 3l and 6f to penetrate the BBB. Electrophysiological experiments showed that all compounds exhibited different inhibitory activity towards the two major NMDA receptor subtypes, GluN1/GluN2A and GluN1/GluN2B. Of the selected compounds intentionally differing in the inhibitory efficacy, 6f showed high relative inhibition (∼90 % for GluN1/GluN2A), while 3l showed moderate inhibition (∼50 %). An in vivo toxicity study determined that compounds 3l and 6f were safe at 10 mg/kg doses with no adverse effects. Behavioral studies demonstrated that these compounds did not induce hyperlocomotion or impair prepulse inhibition of startle response in rats. Neuroprotective assays using a model of NMDA-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration showed that compound 3l at a concentration of 30 µM significantly reduced hippocampal damage in rats. These results suggest that these novel dibenzo [a,d][7]annulen derivatives are promising candidates for developing NMDA receptor-targeted therapies with minimal psychotomimetic side effects.

Pharmacokinetic study of two acetylcholinesterase reactivators, trimedoxime and newly synthesized oxime K027, in rat plasma.

K027 [1-(4-hydroxyiminomethylpyridinium)-3-(4-carbamoylpyridinium)-propane dibromide] is a promising new reactivator of organophosphate- or organophosphonate-inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with low acute toxicity and broad spectrum efficacy. The aim of the present study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of both compounds. Male Wistar rats (body weight = 320 ± 10 g) were administered a single intramuscular dose of K027 (22.07 mg kg(-1)) and an equimolar dose of trimedoxime. Blood was collected at various time intervals until 180 min. Plasma samples were analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC with ultraviolet (UV) detection. The recovery of both oximes from the plasma was approximately 90% and a linear relationship (R(2) > 0.998) was observed between the peak areas and concentrations of calibrated standards in the range 1-100 µg ml(-1). Near-identical plasma profiles were obtained for both compounds. No differences were found in the mean ± SD values of C(max) (18.6 ± 2.5 vs 20.0 ± 6.3 µg ml(-1), P = 0.72) and AUC(0-180min) (2290 ± 304 vs 2269 ± 197 min µg ml(-1), P = 0.84). However, the percentage coefficient of variation of the first-order rate constant of absorption (k(a)) was 3-fold higher (P < 0.01) providing evidence for more erratic absorption of intramuscular trimedoxime as compared with K027. In conclusion, oxime K027 might have superior pK properties that may be translated in its faster absorption and subsequent tissue distribution.

Oximes: inhibitors of human recombinant acetylcholinesterase. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) study.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivators were developed for the treatment of organophosphate intoxication. Standard care involves the use of anticonvulsants (e.g., diazepam), parasympatolytics (e.g., atropine) and oximes that restore AChE activity. However, oximes also bind to the active site of AChE, simultaneously acting as reversible inhibitors. The goal of the present study is to determine how oxime structure influences the inhibition of human recombinant AChE (hrAChE). Therefore, 24 structurally different oximes were tested and the results compared to the previous eel AChE (EeAChE) experiments. Structural factors that were tested included the number of pyridinium rings, the length and structural features of the linker, and the number and position of the oxime group on the pyridinium ring.

The measured CSF/plasma donepezil concentration ratio but not individually measured CSF and plasma concentrations significantly increase over 24 h after donepezil treatment in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: The acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil is administered as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the appropriate donepezil dosage is still a matter of debate. METHODS: Forty AD patients receiving 10 mg/day of donepezil were randomly divided into four groups based on the time of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling: 6 h (n = 5), 12 h (n = 12), 18 h (n = 6) and 24 h (n = 17) after donepezil administration. High-performance liquid chromatography measured the donepezil concentration in plasma samples and CSF samples collected at 4-time points. RESULTS: Plasma and CSF levels among the groups were not significantly different. Conversely, the CSF/plasma donepezil concentration ratio considerably increased in the 24 h group compared to the 6 h (p < 0.005) and 12 h (p < 0.05) groups. CONCLUSION: The measurement of the CSF/plasma donepezil concentration ratio could be used to better evaluate the optimal dose of donepezil.

Development of submicromolar 17ß-HSD10 inhibitors and their in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 10 (17ß-HSD10) is a multifunctional mitochondrial enzyme and putative drug target for the treatment of various pathologies including Alzheimer's disease or some types of hormone-dependent cancer. In this study, a series of new benzothiazolylurea-based inhibitors were developed based on the structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of previously published compounds and predictions of their physico-chemical properties. This led to the identification of several submicromolar inhibitors (IC50 ∼0.3 µM), the most potent compounds within the benzothiazolylurea class known to date. The positive interaction with 17ß-HSD10 was further confirmed by differential scanning fluorimetry and the best molecules were found to be cell penetrable. In addition, the best compounds weren't found to have additional effects for mitochondrial off-targets and cytotoxic or neurotoxic effects. The two most potent inhibitors 9 and 11 were selected for in vivo pharmacokinetic study after intravenous and peroral administration. Although the pharmacokinetic results were not fully conclusive, it seemed that compound 9 was bioavailable after peroral administration and could penetrate into the brain (brain-plasma ratio 0.56).

Combined approach to demonstrate acetylcholinesterase activity changes in the rat brain following tabun intoxication and its treatment.

Reactivation effects of K203 and currently available oximes (obidoxime, HI-6) in combination with atropine on acetylcholinesterase activities in the brain parts of rats poisoned with tabun were studied. The activity was determined by quantitative histochemical and biochemical methods correlating between them very well. The tabun-induced changes in acetylcholinsterase activity as well as in reactivation potency of reactivators used were different in various parts of the brain. Pontomedullar area seems to be important for observed changes following tabun intoxication and its treatment. From the oximes studied, the reactivation effect of K203 was comparable with obidoxime; HI-6 was ineffective. Combination of bio- and histochemical methods allow fine differentiation among the action of different oximes following tabun poisoning.

The ability of oxime mixtures to increase the reactivating and therapeutic efficacy of antidotal treatment of cyclosarin poisoning in rats and mice.

The reactivating and therapeutic efficacy of two combinations ofoximes (HI-6 + trimedoxime and HI-6 + K203) was compared with the effectiveness of antidotal treatment involving single oxime (HI-6, trimedoxime, K203) using in vivo methods. In vivo determined percentage of reactivation of cyclosarin-inhibited blood and tissue acetylcholinesterase in poisoned rats showed that the reactivating efficacy of both combinations of oximes is slightly higher than the reactivating efficacy of the most effective individual oxime in blood, diaphragm as well as in brain. Moreover, both combinations of oximes were found to be slightly more efficacious in the reduction of acute lethal toxic effects in cyclosarin-poisoned mice than the antidotal treatment involving single oxime. Based on the obtained data, we can conclude that the antidotal treatment involving chosen combinations of oximes brings a beneficial effect for its ability to counteract the acute poisoning with cyclosarin.

Novel D2/5-HT receptor modulators related to cariprazine with potential implication to schizophrenia treatment.

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder without a fully understood pathomechanism, but which involves dysregulation of neurotransmitters and their receptors. The best option for the management of schizophrenia comprises so-called multi-target ligands, similar to the third generation of neuroleptics. Dopamine type 2 receptors (D2Rs) are the main target in the treatment of schizophrenia, in particular for mitigation of the positive symptoms. Due to the high expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptors (5-HT3Rs) in human brain areas responsible for emotional behavior, motivation, and cognitive function, 5-HT3Rs represent a potential target for modulating the cognitive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Here we present the design, synthesis, and both in vitro and in vivo biological evaluation of 1,4-disubstituted aromatic piperazines. Screening of in vitro properties revealed the two most promising drug candidates (21 and 24) which were found to be potent D2Rs and moderate 5-HT3R antagonists, and which were forwarded to in vivo studies in Wistar rats. Considering toxicity, administration of the maximal feasible dose of 21 (2 mg/kg) did not produce any side effects. By contrast, the higher solubility of 24 led to revelation of mild and temporary side effects at the dose of 20 mg/kg. Importantly, both 21 and 24 showed facile crossing of the blood-brain barrier, even exerting higher levels in the brain in comparison to plasma. In a behavioral study using the acute amphetamine model of psychosis, we showed that compound 24 ameliorated both positive and negative effects of amphetamine including hyperlocomotion, social impairments, and disruption of prepulse inhibition. The effect of the highest dose (10 mg/kg) was comparable to the effect of the reference dose of aripiprazole (1 mg/kg).

Changes of rat plasma total low molecular weight antioxidant level after tabun exposure and consequent treatment by acetylcholinesterase reactivators.

These experiments were performed on a rat model. The rats were divided into eight groups and consequently exposed to either a saline solution (control), atropine or a combination of atropine and tabun. The reactivation efficacy of the oximes was estimated on the rats exposed to tabun, atropine and a reactivator of AChE. The oximes HI-6, obidoxime, trimedoxime, K203 and KR-22836 were used as representative compounds of commonly available and new AChE reactivators. Besides the positive effect of the administered reactivators on blood AChE activity, the sizable modulation of low molecular weight antioxidant (LMWA) levels was also determined. The LMWA levels in the the animals treated with the oxime reactivators were decreased in comparison with the animals treated by atropine alone. It was found that the levels of LMWA returned to the level found in the control animals when either trimedoxime, K203 or KR-22836 were administered. The principle of oxime reactivator function and a novel insight into AChE activity regulation and oxidative stress is discussed.

A comparison of the neuroprotective efficacy of individual oxime (HI-6) and combinations of oximes (HI-6+trimedoxime, HI-6+K203) in soman-poisoned rats.

The ability of two combinations of oximes (HI-6+trimedoxime, HI-6+K203) to reduce soman-induced acute neurotoxic signs and symptoms was compared with the neuroprotective efficacy of the oxime HI-6 alone, using a functional observational battery. Soman-induced neurotoxicity and the neuroprotective effects of HI-6 alone and HI-6 combined with trimedoxime or K203 in rats poisoned with soman at a sublethal dose (90 µg/kg intramuscularly, i.m.; 80% of LD50 value) were monitored by the functional observational battery at 24 hours following soman administration. The results indicate that both tested oxime mixtures combined with atropine were able to allow soman-poisoned rats to survive 24 hours following soman challenge, while 4 nontreated soman-poisoned rats and 1 soman-poisoned rat treated with oxime HI-6 alone combined with atropine died within 24 hours following soman poisoning. While the oxime HI-6 alone combined with atropine treatment was able to eliminate a few soman-induced neurotoxic signs and symptoms, both oxime mixtures showed higher neuroprotective efficacy in soman-poisoned rats. Especially, the combination of HI-6 with trimedoxime was able to eliminate most soman-induced neurotoxic signs and symptoms and markedly reduce acute neurotoxicity of soman in rats. Thus, both tested mixtures of oximes combined with atropine were able to increase the neuroprotective effectiveness of antidotal treatment of acute soman poisonings, compared to the individual oxime.

A comparison of the reactivating and therapeutic efficacy of chosen combinations of oximes with individual oximes against VX in rats and mice.

The ability of 2 combinations of oximes (HI-6 + trimedoxime and HI-6 + K203) to reactivate VX-inhibited acetylcholinesterase and reduce acute toxicity of VX was compared with the reactivating and therapeutic efficacy of antidotal treatment involving a single oxime (HI-6, trimedoxime, K203) in rats and mice. Our results showed that the reactivating efficacy of both combinations of oximes studied in rats is significantly higher than the reactivating efficacy of all individual oximes in diaphragm and roughly corresponds to the most effective individual oxime in blood and brain. Both combinations of oximes were found to be more effective in the reduction of acute lethal toxicity of VX in mice than the antidotal treatment involving the most efficacious individual oxime although the difference is not significant. Based on the obtained data, we can conclude that the antidotal treatment involving the chosen combinations of oximes brings benefit for the reactivation of VX-inhibited acetylcholinesterase in rats and for the antidotal treatment of VX-induced acute poisoning in mice.

A comparison of reactivating and therapeutic efficacy of bispyridinium acetylcholinesterase reactivator KR-22934 with the oxime K203 and commonly used oximes (obidoxime, trimedoxime, HI-6) in tabun-poisoned rats and mice.

The potency of bispyridinium acetylcholinesterase reactivator KR-22934 in reactivating tabun-inhibited acetylcholinesterase and reducing tabun-induced lethal toxic effects was compared with the oxime K203 and commonly used oximes. Studies determining percentage of reactivation of tabun-inhibited blood and tissue acetylcholinesterase in rats showed that the reactivating efficacy of KR-22934 was slightly higher than the reactivating efficacy of K203 and roughly corresponded to the reactivating efficacy of obidoxime and trimedoxime in blood and diaphragm. On the other hand, the oxime KR-22934 was not able to reactivate tabun-inhibited acetylcholinesterase in the brain. The therapeutic efficacy of all oximes studied approximately corresponded to their reactivating efficacy. Based on the results, one can conclude that the oxime KR-22934 is not suitable for the replacement of commonly used oximes for the antidotal treatment of tabun poisoning in spite of its potency to reactivate tabun-inhibited acetylcholinesterase in the peripheral compartment (blood, diaphragm).

Memantine and Its Combination with Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors in Pharmacological Pretreatment of Soman Poisoning in Mice.

Nerve agents pose a real threat to both the military and civil populations, but the current treatment of the poisoning is unsatisfactory. Thus, we studied the efficacy of prophylactic use of memantine alone or in combination with clinically used reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (pyridostigmine, donepezil, rivastigmine) against soman. In addition, we tested their influence on post-exposure therapy consisting of atropine and asoxime. Pyridostigmine alone failed to decrease the acute toxicity of soman. But all clinically used acetylcholinesterase inhibitors administered alone reduced the acute toxicity, with donepezil showing the best efficacy. The combination of memantine with reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitors attenuated soman acute toxicity significantly. The pretreatment administered alone or in combinations influenced the efficacy of post-exposure treatment in a similar fashion: (i) pyridostigmine or memantine alone did not affect the antidotal treatment, (ii) centrally acting reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitors alone increased the antidotal treatment slightly, (iii) combination of memantine with reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitors increased the antidotal treatment more markedly. In conclusion, memantine alone failed to decrease the acute toxicity of soman or increase post-exposure antidotal treatment efficacy. The combination of memantine with donepezil significantly increased post-exposure effectiveness (together 5.12, pretreatment alone 1.72). Both drugs, when applied together, mitigate soman toxicity and boost post-exposure treatment.

Determination of K869, a Novel Oxime Reactivator of Acetylcholinesterase, in Rat Body Fluids and Tissues by Liquid-Chromatography Methods: Pharmacokinetic Study.

Oxime reactivators of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) represent an integral part of standard antidote treatment of organophosphate poisoning. Oxime K869 is a novel bisquaternary non-symmetric pyridinium aldoxime with two pyridinium rings connected by a tetramethylene bridge where two chlorines modify the pyridinium ring bearing the oxime moiety. Based on in vitro assays, K869 is a potent AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) reactivator. For the investigation of the basic pharmacokinetic properties of K869 after its intramuscular application, new HPLC-UV and LC-MS/MS methods were developed and validated for its determination in rat body fluids and tissues. In this study, the SPE procedure for sample pretreatment was optimized as an alternative to routine protein precipitation widely used in oxime pharmacokinetics studies. K869 oxime is quickly absorbed into the central compartment reaching its maximum in plasma (39 ± 4 µg/mL) between 15 and 20 min. The majority of K869 was eliminated by kidneys via urine when compared with biliary excretion. However, only a limited amount of K869 (65 ± 4 ng/g of brain tissue) was found in the brain 30 min after oxime administration. Regarding the brain/plasma ratio calculated (less than 1%), the penetration of K869 into the brain did not exceed conventionally used oximes.

Structure-activity relationships of dually-acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitors derived from tacrine on N-methyl-d-Aspartate receptors.

Tacrine is a classic drug whose efficacy against neurodegenerative diseases is still shrouded in mystery. It seems that besides its inhibitory effect on cholinesterases, the clinical benefit is co-determined by NMDAR-antagonizing activity. Our previous data showed that the direct inhibitory effect of tacrine, as well as its 7-methoxy derivative (7-MEOTA), is ensured via a "foot-in-the-door" open-channel blockage, and that interestingly both tacrine and 7-MEOTA are slightly more potent at the GluN1/GluN2A receptors when compared with the GluN1/GluN2B receptors. Here, we report that in a series of 30 novel tacrine derivatives, designed for assessment of structure-activity relationship, blocking efficacy differs among different compounds and receptors using electrophysiology with HEK293 cells expressing the defined types of NMDARs. Selected compounds (4 and 5) potently inhibited both GluN1/GluN2A and GluN1/GluN2B receptors; other compounds (7 and 23) more effectively inhibited the GluN1/GluN2B receptors; or the GluN1/GluN2A receptors (21 and 28). QSAR study revealed statistically significant model for the data obtained for inhibition of GluN1/Glu2B at -60 mV expressed as IC50 values, and for relative inhibition of GluN1/Glu2A at +40 mV caused by a concentration of 100 µM. The models can be utilized for a ligand-based virtual screening to detect potential candidates for inhibition of GluN1/Glu2A and/or GluN1/Glu2B subtypes. Using in vivo experiments in rats we observed that unlike MK-801, the tested novel compounds did not induce hyperlocomotion in open field, and also did not impair prepulse inhibition of startle response, suggesting minimal induction of psychotomimetic side effects. We conclude that tacrine derivatives are promising compounds since they are centrally available subtype-specific inhibitors of the NMDARs without detrimental behavioral side-effects.