Probes for narcotic receptor mediated phenomena. 7. Synthesis and pharmacological properties of irreversible ligands specific for mu or delta opiate receptors.

Syntheses of affinity reagents for opiate receptors based on the fentanyl, endo-ethenotetrahydrooripavine, and etonitazene carbon-nitrogen skeletons are described. The isothiocyanate, bromoacetamido, and methylfumaramido alkylating functions were employed in these compounds, some of which had previously been shown to be mu specific (12, BIT) and delta specific (8, FIT and 19, FAO) in vitro. Antinociceptive activity of the title compounds was determined in the mouse hot-plate test, which revealed that certain compounds in each class showed morphine-like activity. The binding EC50 values against [3H]Dalamid for opiate receptors in NG108-15 (delta receptors) and rat brain membranes (mu + delta receptors) are also reported. With this type of experiment, it was possible to independently measure the apparent affinity of the etonitazene congeners 12-14 for the mu and delta receptors.