THE MORPHINE-LIKE AND NONMORPHINE-LIKE CONFORMERS OF PRODINE OPIOIDS

The compounds alpha-, and beta-prodine and their meta hydroxylated ana logs were synthesized, resolved, and screened for affinity at opioid r eceptor subtypes. The compounds primarily have affinity for mu-recepto rs. The mu-receptor affinities of the nonmorphine-like (+)-enantiomers , which have the greater antinociceptive activity, are reduced by the presence of a meta hydroxyl while the affinities for all opioid recept or subtypes of the morphine-like, but less active, (-)-enantiomers are enhanced or unchanged. Both enantiomers of meta-hydroxylated beta-pro dine had antagonist activity in the guinea pig ileum assay.