Synthesis of C3, C5, and C7 pregnane derivatives and their effect on NMDA receptor responses in cultured rat hippocampal neurons

The synthesis of several novel 5 alpha- and 5 beta-20-oxo-pegnane derivatives substituted in the position 3 and 7 of the steroid skeleton is described. Activity of synthesized compounds was studied in voltage-clamped cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Substituted derivatives inhibited NMDA-elicited neuronal activity. The relationship between biological activity and structure is discussed. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Inc.