PD 158771, a potential antipsychotic agent with D2/D3 partial agonist and 5-HT(1A) agonist actions. II. Preclinical behavioral effects.

PD 158771 has been described in receptor binding and biochemical tests as a partial agonist at dopamine (DA) D2 and D3 receptors as well as an agonist at serotonin (5-HT)(1A) receptors. The present studies describe the profile of PD 158771 in rodent and primate behavioral tests. PD 158771 reduced spontaneous locomotor activity in mice (ED(50)=0.38 mg/kg, i.p.) and rats (ED(50) = 1.2 mg/kg, i.p. and 0.16 mg/kg, s.c.), and reduced amphetamine-stimulated locomotion in mice (ED(50) = 0.13 mg/kg, i.p.). At relatively higher doses up to 3 mg/kg, s.c. in rats, PD 158771 did not produce locomotor stimulation or induce stereotypy, indicating a lack of postsynaptic DA agonist activity. PD 158771 reduced apomorphine stimulated locomotion in rats at a dose 4.6-fold greater than those that reduced spontaneous locomotor activity, indicating weak postsynaptic DA antagonist actions; results consistent with a partial agonist profile. PD 158771 produced anxiolytic-like effects in the water-lick (Vogel) conflict test, effects possibly due to the 5-HT(1A) activity. However, PD 158771 was inactive in the water wheel behavioral despair model in rats, indicating lack of antidepressant properties. Similar to known antipsychotics, PD 158771 produced a potent and long-lasting inhibition of conditioned avoidance responding in squirrel monkeys. In contrast to standard antipsychotics, and similar to clozapine, PD 158771 did not cause catalepsy in rats at a dose 20-fold higher than the ED(50) dose for locomotor inhibition. PD 158771 also had a somewhat lower liability than haloperidol to produce extrapyramidal dysfunction in squirrel and cebus monkeys sensitized to the dystonic effects of haloperidol. The data indicate that PD 158771 is a DA partial agonist with weak intrinsic activity that selectively activates brain DA autoreceptors. PD 158771 produced behavioral effects consistent with potential antipsychotic and anxiolytic efficacy, and has an improved profile in the extrapyramidal side effect model when compared to certain currently available antipsychotic agents.

PD 158771, a potential antipsychotic agent with D(2)/D(3) partial agonist and 5-HT(1A) agonist actions. I. Neurochemical effects.

The neurochemical effects of a novel dopamine (DA) D(2)-like and serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT(1A) agonist, PD 158771, are described. PD 158771 exhibited affinities for human D(2L), D(3) and D(4.2) receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells with K(i) (nM) values of 5.2, 13.7 and 34.8 respectively. PD 158771 showed high affinity for cloned human 5-HT(1A) (K(i) = 2.6 nM) and rat hippocampal 5-HT(1A) receptors (K(i) = 3.5 nM). Weaker affinities were observed at alpha 1-adrenergic (K(i) = 43 nM), histamine H(1) (IC(50) = 30 nM), 5-HT(2A) (K(i) = 24.5 nM) and sigma (sigma) -1 binding sites (K(i) = 24.5 nM). In measures of in vitro functional activity, PD 158771 stimulated [(3)H]thymidine uptake in CHO p-5 cells transfected with hD(3) receptors with a maximal effect of 23% relative to quinpirole. In hD(2)L, the corresponding value was 60% with an EC(50) of 29 nM, again indicating partial DA agonist action of PD 158771. In vivo, PD 158771 produced a dose-related decrease in DA synthesis in the striatum and mesolimbic regions of rat brain treated with gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), indicating a DA autoreceptor agonist action. In animals not treated with GBL, PD 158771 produced a dose-related decrease in DA synthesis and extracellular DA. A decrease in 5-HT synthesis in several brain areas was observed consistent with an agonist response. Further support for DA autoreceptor agonist action is that PD 158771 produced a partial inhibition of the firing of substantia nigra zona compacta DA neurons, an effect reversed by haloperidol. In conclusion, PD 158771 exhibited affinities for DA and 5-HT receptors, appears to possess DA and 5-HT agonist actions; and it could provide improved antipsychotic profile with minimal side effects.

(1,3-Dialkyl-5-amino-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)arylmethanones. A series of novel central nervous system depressants.

A series of novel (1,3-dialkyl-5-amino-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)arylmethanones was synthesized. Pharmacological evaluation of these compounds demonstrated central nervous system depressant activity, potential anticonvulsant properties, and a low order of acute toxicity. In addition, selected compounds showed potential antipsychotic effects. This report focuses on the synthesis and structure-activity relationships of these compounds. (5-Amino-1-ethyl-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)(2-chlorophenyl) methanone (21) was the most active compound against pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsions. (5-Amino-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)(3-chlorophenyl)methanone (4) also has a favorable anticonvulsant depression ratio. (5-Amino-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)methan one (8), (5-amino-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)(3-thienyl)methanone (13), and (5-amino-3-ethyl-1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)phenylmethanone (14) are very potent depressants. (5-Amino-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)(2-thienyl)methanone (12) possessed marked central depressant activity without anticonvulsant activity and without impairment of motor functioning. (5-Amino-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) (2-fluorophenyl)methanone (2) has a behavioral profile suggestive of antipsychotic activity and gave a positive Ames test result.

Dopamine autoreceptor agonists as potential antipsychotics. 2. (Aminoalkoxy)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-ones.

The synthesis and pharmacological properties of a novel type of [(arylpiperazinyl)alkoxy]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-ones with dopaminergic activity are described. The nature of the arylpiperazine (AP) moiety determines the dopamine (DA) agonist/antagonist character of this series of compounds; when the aryl portion of the AP is unsubstituted the compounds appear to be DA autoreceptor agonists while substituted aryl groups seem to impart DA antagonist activity. A heterocyclic piperazine, 7-[3-[4-(2-pyridinyl)-1-piperazinyl]propoxy]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (31, PD 119819) has been identified as an extremely selective DA autoreceptor agonist in tests that include [3H]haloperidol binding, inhibition of spontaneous locomotor activity, inhibition of brain DA synthesis, inhibition of brain DA neuronal firing, stereotypy assessment, and reversal of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) induced akinesia in rats. In addition, 31 possesses good oral activity in the Sidman avoidance test in squirrel monkeys, a predictor of clinical antipsychotic efficacy. In another primate model, 31 has been found to lack the liability for extrapyramidal side effects observed with currently available antipsychotic drugs.

Dopamine autoreceptor agonists as potential antipsychotics. 1. (Aminoalkoxy)anilines.

The synthesis and pharmacological properties of a novel type of [(arylpiperazinyl)alkoxy]anilines with dopaminergic properties are described. One of these compounds, 3-[3-(4-phenyl-1-piperazinyl)propoxy]benzenamine (4c), has been identified as a selective dopamine (DA) autoreceptor agonist in tests that include [3H]haloperidol binding, inhibition of striatal DA synthesis, inhibition of DA neuronal firing, inhibition of spontaneous locomotor activity, and reversal of reserpine-induced depression in rats. In addition, 4c possesses good oral activity in the Sidman conditioned avoidance test in squirrel monkeys, which is indicative of antipsychotic activity. In a primate model, 4c was found to lack the liability for extrapyramidal side effects usually associated with antipsychotic drugs.

Evaluation of the effects of the enantiomers of reduced haloperidol, azaperol, and related 4-amino-1-arylbutanols on dopamine and sigma receptors.

The enantiomers of reduced haloperidol (3a), azaperol (3b), and the related compound BMY-14802 (3c) were prepared in high optical purity. The affinity of these compounds for dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, and sigma S1 and S2 sites was determined in vitro. Both enantiomers of 3a display greatly decreased affinity for D2 and D3 receptors compared to haloperidol, although they still possess affinities in the 100-200-nM range. Both enantiomers of 3a possess potent and equal affinity for S1 sites (Ki: 1-2 nM), only slightly weaker than haloperidol (Ki: 0.33 nM). At S2 sites, (R)-(+)-3a displays similar affinity to haloperidol (Ki: 31 and 26 nM, respectively), while (S)-(-)-3a is slight more potent (Ki: 8.2 nM). The stereoselectivity profile of the enantiomers of 3b at D2 and D3 receptors is quite similar to that of 3a, (S)-(-)-3b being about 4 times more potent than its enantiomer at both receptors. (R)-(+)-3b binds preferentially to sigma S1 over S2 sites, while (S)-(-)-3b displays the opposite selectivity profile. Both enantiomers of 3c possess very weak affinity for D2 and D3 receptors. In a manner similar to the enantiomers of 3b, the affinity of (R)-(+)-3c is greater for S1 than S2 sites, while (S)-(-)-3c displays the opposite selectivity profile. Following parenteral administration of both enantiomers of 3a, dopamine synthesis and turnover in rat striatum, cortex, and mesolimbic areas were increased, in a manner similar to the effects produced by haloperidol itself. Additional studies will be required to assess with certainty whether the effects were due to the compounds themselves or simply were a consequence of the in vivo oxidation to haloperidol.

Synthesis and dopaminergic activity of pyridine analogs of 5-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin.

The pyridine analogs of 5-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (5-OH-DPAT), 4-6, were synthesized, and their biological activity was compared to that of 5-OH-DPAT. Compounds 4 and 6 exhibited activity similar to 5-OH-DPAT in dopamine (DA) D2 and D3 receptor binding and in autoreceptor activation as measured by their ability to reverse the gamma-butyrolactone-induced increase in rat DA synthesis. Behaviorally, 4 and 6 decreased locomotor activity (LMA) in rats (sc) at low doses but did not increase LMA to the same extent as 5-OH-DPAT at higher doses, indicating that 4 and 6 may be more selective for the DA autoreceptor. While 4 was less active orally in rats, 6 appeared to retain most of its behavioral potency. Analog 5 showed little activity in vivo or in vitro.

Synthesis and potential antipsychotic activity of 1H-imidazo[1,2-c]pyrazolo[3,4-e]pyrimidines.

The synthesis of a series of 1H-imidazo[1,2-c]pyrazolo[3,4-e]pyrimidines is reported along with the effects of these compounds in preclinical tests for antipsychotic activity. Certain of these compounds displayed antipsychotic-like effects in conditioned avoidance tests, but unlike currently used antipsychotic drugs, they did not have affinity for brain dopamine receptors. These compounds also did not cause dystonias predictive of extrapyramidal side effects in monkeys at doses that produced behavioral effects. On the basis of this unique biological profile, a member of this series 7,8-dihydro-8-ethyl-1,3,5-trimethyl-1H-imidao[1,2-c]pyrazol[3,4-e] pyrimidine (19, CI-943), has been selected for clinical evaluation as an antipsychotic agent.

6- and 8-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-3-(dipropylamino)-2H-1-benzopyrans. Dopamine agonists with autoreceptor selectivity.

The dopamine agonist profiles of 3,4-dihydro-3-(3-dipropylamino)-2H-1-benzopyran-6- and -8-ol (4 and 5, respectively) were examined. Both 4 and 5 exhibited greater relative affinity for receptors labeled with the dopamine agonist ligand [3H]propylnorapomorphine than for those labeled with the dopamine antagonist ligand [3H]haloperidol. Both compounds attenuated the stimulation of brain dopamine synthesis caused by gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and decreased the firing rate of substantia nigra dopamine neurons in rats. This profile of activity, together with the ability of the dopamine antagonist haloperidol to reverse the inhibition of dopamine neuronal firing, indicate that both compounds are brain dopamine agonists.

(5-Amino-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)(2-fluorophenyl)methanones . A series of novel potential antipsychotic agents.

(5-Amino-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)(2-fluorophenyl)methanone (1) was found to have an antipsychotic-like profile in behavioral tests predictive of antipsychotic efficacy but, unlike available antipsychotic agents, did not bind in vitro to dopamine receptors. Upon further evaluation, 1 was found to cause clonic seizures in aged rodents. An examination of related structures revealed that 5-(substituted aminoacetamide) analogues of 1 shared this novel pharmacology and did not cause seizures. The synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of this series of compounds are described. Two compounds, 2-(diethylamino)acetamide (25) and 2-[[3-(2-methyl-1-piperidinyl)propyl]-amino]acetamide (38), were selected for examination in secondary tests. Like known antipsychotics both compounds reduced spontaneous locomotion in mice at doses that did not cause ataxia and inhibited conditioned avoidance selectively in both rats and monkeys. Unlike known antipsychotics neither 25 nor 38 elicited dystonic movements in haloperidol-sensitized cebus monkeys, a primate model of antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal side effects. Biochemical studies indicated that these compounds act via a nondopaminergic mechanism. Neither 25 nor 38 bound to dopamine receptors in vitro or caused changes in striatal dopamine metabolism in vivo. In addition, they did not raise serum prolactin levels as do known antipsychotics. Although adverse animal toxicological findings have precluded clinical evaluation of these agents, the present results indicate that it is possible to identify at the preclinical level nondopaminergic compounds with antipsychotic-like properties.

Studies of the active conformation of a novel series of benzamide dopamine D2 agonists.

Analogs of dopamine D2 agonist 11 were prepared in which a rigid trans decalin ring system was used to mimic various conformations of 11. The four rigid analogs where compared for their ability to bind to the DA D2 receptor and to inhibit forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation, a measure of DA agonist activity. Of the four rigid analogs of compound 11, only compound 12b had significant activity in both assays. Molecular modeling studies of 12a-d showed each had a single conformation with regard to the distance between the benzamide aryl-centroid and the 4-nitrogen atom of the pyridylpiperazine. Compound 12b was shown to have a greater distance between these functionalities (11.8 A) as compared to the other isomers (9.8-10.4 A). The distance between these two functionalities in 12b was similar to that of a conformer of 11 which has an extended conformation. This suggest that 11 is likely in an extended conformation when bound to the DA D2 receptor.

4-(1,2,5,6-Tetrahydro-1-alkyl-3-pyridinyl)-2-thiazolamines: a novel class of compounds with central dopamine agonist properties.

The design, synthesis, and pharmacological properties of a novel type of 4-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1-alkyl-3-pyridinyl)-2-thiazolamine with dopaminergic properties are described. In particular, 4-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1-propyl-3-pyridinyl)-2-thiazolamine (4c, PD 118440) and its allyl analogue (4i, PD 120697) have been identified as orally active dopamine (DA) agonists with pronounced central nervous system effects in tests that include [3H]-haloperidol and [3H]-N-propylnorapomorphine binding, inhibition of striatal DA synthesis, inhibition of DA neuronal firing, inhibition of spontaneous locomotor activity, and reversal of reserpine-induced depression in rats. The DA autoreceptor selectivity of these heterocyclic analogues of 3-(1-propyl-3-piperidinyl)phenol (3-PPP) was also evaluated. In this series, DA agonist activity was found to be highly dependent on the size of the N-alkyl substituent, the saturation level of the six-membered ring, and the mode of attachment of the 2-aminothiazole ring.

Synthesis and dopamine agonist properties of (+-)-trans-3,4,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]benzopyrano [4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol and its enantiomers.

The dopamine agonist profile of (+-)-trans-3,4,4a,10b-tetrahydro-4-propyl-2H,5H-[1]benzopyrano [4,3-b]-1,4-oxazin-9-ol (16a) and its enantiomers (16b-c) was examined. Racemic 16a exhibited moderate affinity for the dopamine (DA) D2 receptor labeled with the DA antagonist ligand [3H]haloperidol and moderate in vivo activity; it attenuated gamma-butyrolactone-stimulated DA synthesis, decreased DA neuronal firing of substantia nigra DA neurons, and inhibited exploratory locomotor activity in rats, a profile consistent with a DA autoreceptor agonist mechanism of action. The (+)-enantiomer 16b possessed greater DA receptor affinity with the agonist ligand [3H]-N-propylnorapomorphine than with the antagonist ligand. In rats it potently inhibited DA synthesis and neuronal firing and also inhibited exploratory locomotion. The (-)-enantiomer, on the other hand, did not have significant activity in any of these tests. This profile indicates that like many other rigid DA agonists, the dopaminergic activity resides in one enantiomer, in this case the (+)-enantiomer 16b. On the basis of single-crystal X-ray analysis of a key intermediate, the absolute configuration of 16b was found to be 4aR, 10bR.

Dopamine autoreceptor agonists as potential antipsychotics. 3.6-Propyl-4,5,5a,6,7,8-hexahydrothiazolo[4,5-f]quinolin-2-amine.

A series of rigid tricyclic analogues of the dopamine (DA) agonist PD 118440 [4-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-1-propyl-3-pyridinyl)-2-thiazolamine] was synthesized and evaluated for dopaminergic activity and DA autoreceptor selectivity. (R)-(+)-6-Propyl-4,5,5a,6,7,8-hexahydrothiazolo[4,5-f]quinolin+ ++-2-amine [+)-6) was identified as the most selective DA autoreceptor agonist from this group of compounds. It inhibited spontaneous locomotor activity (LMA) in rodents, reversed the gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) induced accumulation of rat striatal DOPA and inhibited brain DA neuronal firing, all suggestive of direct DA autoreceptor agonist activity. However, (+)-6 is not completely free of postsynaptic DA activity, as evidenced by its stimulation of LMA in rats at high doses and its ability to produce stereotypy. On the other hand, (-)-6 appears to be a weak partial DA agonist with some effects on brain DA synthesis only at high doses. Like other DA autoreceptor agonists and DA antagonists, (+)-6 inhibited Sidman conditioned avoidance in squirrel monkeys, a test predictive of clinical antipsychotic activity. However, unlike classical antipsychotics, (+)-6 did not induce dystonias in haloperidol-sensitized squirrel monkeys, suggesting a minimal propensity toward extrapyramidal side effects (EPS).

Chromeno[3,4-c]pyridin-5-ones: selective human dopamine D4 receptor antagonists as potential antipsychotic agents.

The discovery of a series of chromeno[3,4-c]pyridin-5-ones with selective affinity for the dopamine D4 receptor is described. Target compounds were tested for binding to cloned human dopamine D2, D3, and D4 receptor subtypes expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) K-1 cells. Several compounds demonstrated single digit nanomolar Ki values for binding to the D4 receptor with several hundred-fold selectivities toward the D2 and D3 receptors. A limited SAR study of this series is discussed. In a mitogenesis assay measuring [3H]thymidine uptake, the target compounds showed antagonist to weak partial agonist activity at the D4 receptor, with intrinsic activities ranging from 0 to 35%. Compound 6, 3-benzyl-8-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydrochromeno[3,4-c]pyridin-5-one, increased DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) synthesis 84% in the hippocampus and 10% in the striatum of rat brain when dosed orally at 10 mg/kg.

Subtype-selective N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists: benzimidazalone and hydantoin as phenol replacements.

Previous work in our laboratories investigating compounds with structural similarity to ifenprodil (5) and 6 (CP101,606) resulted in compound 7 as a potent and selective antagonist of the NR1/2B subtype of the NMDA receptors. Replacement of the phenol group of 7 with a benzimidazalone group tethered by a three-carbon chain to 4-benzylpiperidine resulted in a slightly less active, but selective, compound. Lengthening the carbon tether resulted in a decrease in NR1/2B potency. Replacement of the phenol ring with a hydantoin resulted in weak antagonists. Compound 11a was one of the most potent NR1/2B antagonists from this study. Compound 11a also potentiated the effects of L-DOPA in a rat model of Parkinson's disease (the 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat), dosed at 30 mg/kg orally.

(Aryloxy)alkylamines as selective human dopamine D4 receptor antagonists: potential antipsychotic agents.

The discovery of a series of novel (aryloxy)alkylamines with selective affinity for the dopamine D4 receptor is described. Target compounds were tested for binding to cloned human dopamine D2, D3, and D4 receptor subtypes expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) K-1 cells. A number of compounds demonstrated subnanomolar Ki values for binding to the D4 receptor, with several 100-fold selectivities toward the D2 and D3 receptors. Several compounds with combined D3/D4 receptor binding selectivity were also identified. A limited structure-activity relationship study of this chemical series is discussed. In a mitogenesis functional assay, the effect of the test compounds on cellular uptake of [3H]thymidine in D4-transfected CHO 10,001 cells was measured and compared to the response of the full dopamine agonist quinpirole. The activity of the compounds varied from full antagonist to weak partial agonist activity (intrinsic activity of 0-19% in comparison to quinpirole).

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of chromen-2-ones as potent and selective human dopamine D4 antagonists.

The discovery of a series of chromen-2-ones with selective affinity for the dopamine (DA) D4 receptor is described. Target compounds were tested for binding to cloned human DA D2L, D3, and D4.2 receptor subtypes expressed in Chinese hamster ovary K1 cells. Several compounds demonstrated high affinity (<20 nM, K(i)) and greater than 100-fold selectivity for DA D4.2 versus DA D2L receptors. The results of a SAR study are discussed within. In a DA D4 functional assay measuring [(3)H]thymidine uptake, target compounds showed antagonist activity at the D4.2 receptor. Compound 22, 7-[(2-phenylaminoethylamino)methyl]chromen-2-one, increased DOPA (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) accumulation 51% in the hippocampus and 23% in the striatum of rat brains when dosed orally at 20 mg/kg.

1,3-Dialkyl-4-(iminoarylmethyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-ols. A series of novel potential antipsychotic agents.

2-(Diethylamino)-N-[4-(2-fluorobenzoyl)-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl] acetamide (1) was recently found to have an antipsychotic-like profile in behavioral animal tests but, unlike clinically available antipsychotic agents, did not interact with dopamine receptors. Compound 1 was apparently metabolized to (5-amino-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)(2-fluorophenyl)methanone (2), which was both active in the behavioral animal tests and toxic. The synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a series of 1,3-dialkyl-4-(iminoarylmethyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-ols are described in which the hydroxy and imine functionalities were selected as possible isosteric replacements for the amino and ketone groups of the earlier series. The initial target, 1,3-dimethyl-4-(iminophenylmethyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-ol (28), like known antipsychotics, reduced spontaneous locomotion in mice at doses that did not cause ataxia, and unlike known agents, it did not bind to D2 dopamine receptors in vitro. An examination of the SAR of related compounds indicated that maximal activity was obtained with analogues containing methyl groups at the 1- and 3-positions on the pyrazole ring and with a 3-chloro substituent on the phenyl ring. Replacement of the hydrogen atom of the imine moiety with various substituents led to loss of activity. Attempts to synthesize the 2-fluorophenyl compound analogous to 2 resulted in ring-closure to 1,3-dimethyl[1]benzopyrano[2,3-c]pyrazol-4-(1H)-one (65). 4-[(3-Chlorophenyl)iminomethyl]-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-5-ol (41) was evaluated in additional tests. It inhibited conditioned avoidance responding in both rats and monkeys but, unlike available antipsychotic drugs, did not elicit dystonic movements in a primate model of antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal side effects.

Affinity for dopamine D2, D3, and D4 receptors of 2-aminotetralins. Relevance of D2 agonist binding for determination of receptor subtype selectivity.

A series of 2-aminotetralins, substituted with a methoxy or a hydroxy group on the 5- or 7-position, and with varying N-alkyl or N-arylalkyl substituents, were prepared and evaluated in binding assays for human dopamine (DA) D2, D3, and D4 receptors. Some members of this series were prepared in former studies, but were never tested in vitro with single receptor subtypes, and these were examined again. None of the tested 2-aminotetralins showed high affinity for the dopamine D4 receptor. However, a number of the 2-aminotetralins showed high affinity for both the D2 and the D3 DA receptors, as exemplified by compounds 11-15 and 21-26, while some had a reasonable selectivity for the DA D3 receptors. The affinities of the 2-aminotetralins for the D21, receptor depended on the type of radioligand (agonist or antagonist) used. The agonist affinity data, obtained by using the agonist ligand [3H]N-0437, are thought to be more relevant for calculating DA receptor subtype selectivity.