Several classes of compounds (thioureas, ureas, β-glucosides, sulfonamides, and cyclic peptides) show enhanced binding affinity and selectivity at somatostatin subtype 4 receptors (sst4). Pharmacophore models have recently been proposed to explain receptor subtype selectivity. The chemistry and therapeutic potential of sst4 ligands will be the subject of this review.
Keywords: somatotropin release-inhibiting factor, Cortistatin, Nonpeptides, CNS disorders, TRPV1 receptor