Synthesis and cytotoxicity properties of amiodarone analogues

Abstract Amiodarone (AMI) is a potent antiarrhythmic agent; however, its clinical use is limited due to numerous side effects. In order to investigate the structure–cytotoxicity relationship, AMI analogues were synthesized, and then, using rabbit alveolar macrophages, were tested for viability and for the ability to interfere with the degradation of surfactant protein A (SP-A) and with the accumulation of an acidotropic dye. Our data revealed that modification of the diethylamino-β-ethoxy group of the AMI molecule may affect viability, the ability to degrade SP-A and vacuolation differently. In particular, PIPAM ( 2d ), an analogue with a piperidyl moiety, acts toward the cells in a similar manner to AMI, but is less toxic. Thus, it would be possible to reduce the cytotoxicity of AMI by modifying its chemical structure.