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.