Allosteric Modulation of the Dopamine Receptor by Conformationally Constrained Type VI β-Turn Peptidomimetics of Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2

A peptidomimetic of Pro-Leu-Pro-NH2, 7, possessing an indolizidinone type VI beta-turn mimic was synthesized via improved high-yielding protocols for the preparation and Cbz protection of alpha-allylproline. Bicyclic peptidomimetic 7 and spirobicylic peptidomimetic 8 enhanced the binding of [3H] N-propylnorapomorphine to dopamine receptors indicating that a type VI beta-turn is a possible bioactive conformation of the homochiral Pro-Leu-Pro-NH2 and Pro-Pro-Pro-NH 2 analogues of Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2 at the dopamine receptor allosteric regulatory site.