Dual-targeting Rutaecarpine-NO donor hybrids as novel anti-hypertensive agents by promoting release of CGRP

Abstract CGRP, known as the most potent vasodilator substance, plays an important role in hypertension initiation and development. TRPV1 and TRPA1 are critical in promoting the synthesis and release of CGRP, thereby regulating the cardiovascular tone. Rutaecarpine exhibits potent vasodilator and hypertensive effects by stimulating CGRP synthesis and release via activation of TRPV1. And NO has been shown to react with H 2 S in vivo to form HNO, thereby activating HNO-TRPA1-CGRP pathway. Inspired by combination therapy, 11 rutaecarpine-furoxan hybrids were designed, synthesized and evaluated. The results demonstrated that most hybrids exerted comparable or improved vasodilator activities. Among which, 13a is the most potent both ex vivo (EC 50  = 13.1 nM) and in vivo . Mechanistic studies revealed that the vasodilator and anti-hypertensive effects of the hybrids might involve the promotion of CGRP release via dual activation of TRPV1 and TRPA1. This work suggests that dual-targeted hybrids might be an effective and promising approach to discover and develop novel anti-hypertensive drugs.