Tetrahydrothienopyridylbutyl-tetrahydrobenzindoles: New Selective Ligands of the 5-HT7 Receptor

The synthesis and the affinity for the 5-HT7 receptor and other receptors of a novel series of fused-ring tetrahydropyridine derivatives are described. Some of the compounds showed high affinity for the 5-HT7 receptor. Tetrahydrothienopyridylbutyl-tetrahydrobenzindoles 5d and 5h are potent ligands for the 5-HT7 receptor, with high selectivity over the 5-HT2 receptor and other receptors. These compounds should be useful tools for clarifying the biological role of the 5-HT7 receptor.