Pioneering studies in our laboratories have led to the emergence of the delta 2-1,2,3-triazolines (4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,3-triazoles) and the closely related 1H-1,2,3-triazoles as a unique family of anticonvulsant agents hitherto unknown. Unlike the traditional anticonvulsants, the dicarboximide moiety is absent from the traiazoline ring system. This paper examines the results of evaluation of several groups of 1-aryl-5-pyridyl-substituted triazolines and triazoles with particular reference to structure-activity relationships in each compound group as well as between compounds in the different groups and the 1,5-diaryl compounds. The Topliss manual approach for application fo the Hansch method is employed for the rational design of triazoline/triazole anticonvulsants. Anticonvulsant activity was determined, after intraperitoneal administration, in two standard seizure models in the mouse, the MES and scMet tests. Central nervous system toxicity was evaluated in the rotorod ataxia test. Analysis of structure-activity relationships using the Topliss scheme indicated a clear pi + sigma dependency in the 1-aryl-5-(4-pyridyl)triazolines while an adverse steric effect (Es) from 4-substitution appeared to be present in the 1-aryl-5-(3-pyridyl) compounds. A similar but strong steric effect dominated the structure-activity pattern of the 1-aryl-5-(4-pyridyl)triazoles, although a sigma dependency was more evident in the 1-aryl-5-(3-pyridyl)- and the 1,5-diaryltriazole series. No significant activity was observed among the 1-aryl-5-(2-pyridyl)triazolines, and although the respective triazoles were active, the parameter dependency was not clearly defined. Similarly, the 1,5-diaryltriazolines, as a group, showed no pronounced anticonvulsant activity. However, replacement of the 5-aryl with a pyridyl group, particularly a 4-pyridyl, led to highly enhanced anticonvulsant activity. In addition, oxidation of triazolines with no anticonvulsant activity yielded, as a rule, triazoles that were active, which could be linked to their chemistry or structural conformation. The triazolines and triazoles evince anticonvulsant activity as a class and compare very well with the prototype antiepileptic drugs--ethosuximide, phenytoin, phenobarbital, valproate--in their anticonvulsant potency and minimal neurotoxicity. They have emerged as a new generation of anticonvulsant agents that show great promise as potentially useful antiepileptic drugs.
