Novel positive inotropic agents: synthesis and biological activities of 6-(3-amino-2-hydroxypropoxy)-2(1H)-quinolinone derivatives

A series of 6-(3-amino-2-hydroxypropoxy)-2(1H)-quinolinones has been synthesized and evaluated for positive inotropic activity on the canine heart. Some of these derivatives have a potent activity with none or negative chronotropic effect in isolated, blood-perfused dog heart preparations. They also display a high selectivity for positive inotropic effect over chronotropic and vasodilatory effects in anesthetized dogs. (+/-)-6-[2-Hydroxy-3-[(3-methoxybenzyl)amino]propoxy]-2(1H)-quinolinone (39) and (+/-)-6-[3-(3,4-dimethoxybenzyl)amino]-2-hydroxypropoxy]-2 (1H)-quinolinone (40) were further investigated in conscious dogs. After iv administration, they did not affect heart rate or mean blood pressure at the dose producing a 50% increase in the peak of the first derivative of the left ventricular pressure. The compounds (39, OPC-18750, and 40, OPC-18790) are the most promising agents with desirable biological activities, and now are currently undergoing clinical evaluation.