Ergoline derivatives as highly potent and selective antagonists at the somatostatin sst1 receptor

Non-peptidic compounds containing the octahydro-indolo[4,3-fg]quinoline (ergoline) structural element have been optimized into derivatives with high affinity (pKd r sst1 > 9) and selectivity (>1000-fold for h sst1 over h sst2–h sst5) for the somatostatin sst1 receptor. In functional assays, these ergolines act as antagonists at human recombinant sst1 receptors. Pharmacokinetic studies in rodents reveal good oral bioavailability and brain penetration for some of these compounds.