Synthesis of some novel N4-(naphtha[1,2-d]thiazol-2-yl)semicarbazides as potential anticonvulsants

A series of N-4-(naphtha[1,2-d]thiazol-2-yl)semicarbazides were designed and synthesized to meet the structural requirements essential for anticonvulsant activity. Anticonvulsant activity was determined after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration to mice by maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ)-induced seizure tests and minimal motor impairment was determined by rotorod test. A majority of the compounds exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity after intraperitoneal administration. Some of the selected compounds were evaluated orally in rats for activity in scPTZ test at several time points (50 mg/kg). The most active compounds carry bromo, fluoro and nitro substituents at 4-position in the phenyl ring. The biochemical estimations of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) from brain homogenate not only clearly implicated the role of free radicals in PTZ-induced convulsion but also explained the possible mechanism of protective effect of semicarbazides, through the reduced formation of MDA and increased formation of SOD and GSH-Px. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.