Dimaprit, [S-[3-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl]isothiourea]. A highly specific histamine H2-receptor agonist. Part 2. Structure-activity considerations

Abstract

Dimaprit, S-[3-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl]isothiourea, appears to be a highly specific histamine H2-receptor agonist. Further indications of specificity are obtained from chemical considerations. Dimaprit has two basic centres (pKa values respectively 8.23 and 9.23, at 40°.) and at pH 7.4 about 5% of the molecules will be present as the monocation analogous to histamine monocation. Chemical comparison suggests that the −N+HMe2 group corresponds to the −N+H3 of histamine, and that the isothiourea group of dimaprit (which can undergo 1,3-prototropic tautomerism) may simulate the imidazole ring of histamine and function as a proton transfer agent at H2 receptors.