Synthesis, anticonvulsant and neurotoxic activity of some new 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles

Two novel series 2a-2d (2Z)-N-[5-(4-substituted)phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]-2-[(2Z)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-ylidene]hydrazinecarboxamide and 1a-1d 5-(4-substituted)phenyl-N-[(1Z,2Z)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-ylidene]-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine have been synthesized and screened for their anticonvulsant and neurotoxic activity. After i.p. injection to mice at doses of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg body weight 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole analogues were examined in the maximal electroshock induced seizures (MES) and subcutaneous metrazole (ScMET) induced seizure models in mice. Amongst all the compounds, 1a-1d and 2a-2d, one compound 1a exhibited activity at 100 mg/kg body weight at 0.5 and 4 h in ScMET, respectively. Compound 2b showed anticonvulsant activity at 100 mg/kg without activity in ScMET and neurotoxicity. The neurotoxicity was assessed by rotorod method, and all compounds (except 1a) were found to be safe at maximum administered dose.