Opioids and efflux transporters. Part 2: P-glycoprotein substrate activity of 3- and 6-substituted morphine analogs

Continuing our studies investigating opioids with reduced P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate activity, a series of known 3- and 6-hydroxy, -methoxy, and -desoxymorphine analogs was synthesized and analyzed for Pgp substrate activity and opioid binding affinity. 6-Desoxymorphine (7) showed high affinity for opioid receptors and did not induce P-gp-mediated ATP hydrolysis. Additionally, 7 demonstrated morphine-like antinociceptive potency in mice, indicating this compound as an ideal lead to further evaluate the role of P-gp in opioid analgesic tolerance development.