Design and synthesis of tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives as potential multidrug resistance reversal agents in cancer

Abstract

Exploration for new MDR-modulator utilizing tetrahydroisoquinoline as scaffold disclosed 6,7-dimethoxy-1-(3,4-dimethoxy)benzyl-2-( N- n-octyl- N′-cyano)guanyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline ( 7) as a readily accessible medicinal lead. Compound 7 possessed potent MDR reversal activity in the range of the reference compound verapamil, and had not cardiovascular activity compared to verapamil.