Synthesis and agonist properties of novel quinoline and isoquinoline derivatives toward the cannabinoid receptor CB 2

A series of quinolinyl and isoquinolinyl phenyl ketones was synthesized and their CB2 receptor-dependent G-protein activities were determined using the [S]GTPcS binding assay. Both quinoline and isoquinoline derivatives exhibited similar CB2 receptor agonist activity, the most potent ligands being the 2-(Me2N)-phenyl substituted derivatives, which were also full agonists at the CB2-receptor. 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.