3α-(4-Substituted phenyl)nortropane-2β-carboxylic acid methyl esters show selective binding at the norepinephrine transporter

A series of 3α-(4-substituted)nortropane-2β-carboxylic acid methyl esters was synthesized and evaluated for the ability to inhibit radioligand binding at the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters. 3α-(4-Methylphenyl)nortropane-2β-carboxylic acid methyl ester (4c) was found to be selective and highly potent for the norepinephrine transporter (NET) relative to the dopamine and serotonin transporters.