Synthesis and biological evaluation of 1-(4-(piperazin-1-yl)phenyl)pyridin-2(1H)-one derivatives as potential SSRIs.

A series of novel 1-(4-(piperazin-1-yl)phenyl)pyridin-2(1H)-one derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitory activity. The results in vitro indicated that most of the evaluated compounds displayed potent 5-HT reuptake inhibition. The most promising compound A20 was stable in human liver microsomes and possessed good pharmacokinetic properties. Antidepressant study in vivo of the compound A20 showed that A20 could potently antagonize the p-chloroamphetamine (PCA)-induced depletion of serotonin in hypothalamus and reduce immobility times in the rat forced swimming test (FST).