Synthesis and in Vitro Multidrug Resistance Modulating Activity of a Series of Dihydrobenzopyrans and Tetrahydroquinolines

Abstract
A series of dihydrobenzopyrans and tetrahydroquinolines was synthesized and pharmacologically tested for their ability to inhibit P-glycoprotein mediated daunomycin efflux in multidrug resistant CCRF-CEM vcr1000 cells. Several compounds exhibit activities in the range of the reference compounds verapamil and propafenone. Preliminary structure−activity relationship studies propose the importance of high molar refractivity values of the compounds and the presence of an additional basic nitrogen atom.