Patent Description:
Intracellular calcium in neurons plays a very important role as a messenger of intracellular signal transduction in regulating cell functions such as differentiation, proliferation, growth, survival, apoptosis, gene transcription, membrane excitation, neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity (Non Patent Literatures <NUM> and <NUM>).

The intracellular calcium concentration is kept at several tens to hundreds of nmol/L in a normal state, whereas the intracellular calcium concentration rises to several hundreds of nmol/L to several tens of µmol/L when the cells are variously stimulated. This rise in intracellular calcium concentration causes diverse life responses. After the completion of necessary life responses, the intracellular calcium concentration restores its normal level. Thus, for normally exerting the functions of cells, it is essential to strictly control the intracellular concentration of calcium flowing into or out of the cells via various receptors, ion channels, etc..

In neurons, excitatory transmission, which is the important function of the neurons, occurs when the intracellular calcium concentration rises. If the intraneuronal calcium concentration becomes out of strict control due to some cause, an abnormal rise in intraneuronal calcium concentration occurs, consequently causing many nervous diseases and nervous disorders. This abnormal rise in intraneuronal calcium concentration is indicated by, for example, an intraneuronal calcium concentration beyond a normal range, the length of a duration of a rise in intraneuronal calcium concentration beyond a normal range, or the number of rises in intraneuronal calcium concentration per unit time beyond a normal range. For example, epilepsy is considered as a disease that is caused by abnormal excitation of cerebral neurons, specifically, abnormal increase in the number of rises in intraneuronal calcium concentration per unit time. Gabapentin, a therapeutic agent for epilepsy, is known to bind to a voltage-dependent calcium channel presynaptically present in excitatory neurons, and inhibit excitatory synaptic transmission, thereby exerting antiepileptic action (Non Patent Literature <NUM>). Thus, agents for inhibiting a rise in intraneuronal calcium concentration are useful in the prevention or treatment of various nervous diseases and disorders caused by neuronal hyperexcitability associated with a rise in intraneuronal calcium concentration.

Patent Literatures <NUM> and <NUM> disclose that cyclic amine derivatives have analgesic action, but neither disclose nor suggest their effects related to the inhibition of a rise in intraneuronal calcium concentration.

An object of the present invention is to provide an agent for use in inhibiting a rise in intraneuronal calcium concentration.

As a result of intensive studies to achieve the above object, the present inventors discovered that the cyclic amine derivative or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof has a remarkable inhibitory effect on a rise in intraneuronal calcium concentration.

Specifically, the present invention provides a cyclic amine derivative represented by the following general formula (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof for use in the treatment or prevention of a disease related to related to neuronal hyperexcitability selected from the group consisting of central nervous diseases selected from the group consisting of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, anxiety neurosis, bipolar disorder and epilepsy spinal cord injury; disorders of memory; sequelae of intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction; and pruritus:
<CHM>
wherein A represents a group represented by the following general formula (IIa), (IIb) or (IIc):
<CHM>
wherein R<NUM> represents a hydroxyl group or a hydrogen atom, R<NUM> represents a methyl group, an ethyl group, a n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group, a difluoromethyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, R<NUM> represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a bromine atom or a chlorine atom, each R<NUM> independently represents a methyl group or an ethyl group, n represents <NUM> or <NUM>, and when R<NUM> represents a hydroxyl group, carbon marked with * represents asymmetric carbon.

In the aforementioned cyclic amine derivative, it is preferable that A is the group represented by the general formula (IIa), in which, R<NUM> is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, a n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, and R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom; when R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, the stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is preferably S. Inhibitory effect on a rise in intraneuronal calcium concentration can be enhanced by defining as mentioned above.

In the aforementioned cyclic amine derivative, it is preferable that A is the group represented by the general formula (IIb), in which, R<NUM> is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, a n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, and R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom; when R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, the stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is preferably S. Inhibitory effect on a rise in intraneuronal calcium concentration can be enhanced by defining as mentioned above.

In the aforementioned cyclic amine derivative, it is preferable that A is the group represented by the general formula (IIc), and n is <NUM> or <NUM>, in which, R<NUM> is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, a n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, and R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom; when R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, the stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is preferably S. Inhibitory effect on a rise in intraneuronal calcium concentration can be enhanced by defining as mentioned above.

In the aforementioned cyclic amine derivative, R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom; in this case, R<NUM> is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, a n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, and R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom. Inhibitory effect on a rise in intraneuronal calcium concentration can be more enhanced by defining as mentioned above.

In the aforementioned cyclic amine derivative, R<NUM> is preferably a hydroxyl group; in this case, R<NUM> is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, a n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, and R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom. The stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is preferably S. Inhibitory effect on a rise in intraneuronal calcium concentration can be further enhanced by defining as mentioned above.

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition containing the cyclic amine derivative or the pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof as defined above, and a pharmacologically acceptable excipient for use in the treatment or prevention of a disease related to neuronal hyperexcitability selected from the group consisting of central nervous diseases selected from the group consisting of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, anxiety neurosis, bipolar disorder and epilepsy; spinal cord injury; disorders of memory; sequelae of intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction; and pruritus.

The aforementioned disease related to neuronal hyperexcitability are: central nervous diseases selected from the group consisting of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, anxiety neurosis, bipolar disorder, and epilepsy; spinal cord injury; disorders of memory; sequelae of intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction; and pruritus.

This description includes the contents as disclosed in <CIT>, which are priority literatures of the present application.

The cyclic amine derivative of the present invention or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof can inhibit a rise in intraneuronal calcium concentration.

The following terms used in the specification are, unless otherwise specified, defined as follows. References to methods of treatment of the human or animal body by therapy in this description are to be interpreted as references to compounds, pharmaceutical compositions or medicaments of the present invention for use in those methods.

It is characterized in that the cyclic amine derivative for use in the treatment or prevention of a disease related to neuronal hyperexcitability according to one embodiment of the present invention is represented by the following general formula (I):
<CHM>
wherein A represents a group represented by the following general formulae (IIa), (IIb) or (IIc):
<CHM>
wherein R<NUM> represents a hydroxyl group or a hydrogen atom, R<NUM> represents a methyl group, an ethyl group, a n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group, a difluoromethyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, R<NUM> represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a bromine atom or a chlorine atom, each R<NUM> independently represents a methyl group or an ethyl group, n represents <NUM> or <NUM>, and when R<NUM> represents a hydroxyl group, carbon marked with * represents asymmetric carbon.

In the aforementioned cyclic amine derivative, it is preferable that A is the group represented by the general formula (IIa), in which, R<NUM> is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, and R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom. When R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, the stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is preferably S.

In the aforementioned cyclic amine derivative, it is preferable that A is the group represented by the general formula (IIa), in which, R<NUM> is preferably a n-propyl group, and R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom. When R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, the stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is preferably S.

In the aforementioned cyclic amine derivative, it is preferable that A is the group represented by the general formula (IIb), in which, R<NUM> is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, and R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom. When R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, the stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is preferably S.

In the aforementioned cyclic amine derivative, it is preferable that A is the group represented by the general formula (IIb), in which, R<NUM> is preferably a n-propyl group, and R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom. When R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, the stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is preferably S.

In the aforementioned cyclic amine derivative, it is preferable tha A is the group represented by the general formula (IIc), and n is <NUM> or <NUM>, in which, R<NUM> is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, and R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom. When R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, the stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is preferably S.

In the aforementioned cyclic amine derivative, it is preferable that A is the group represented by the general formula (IIc), and n is <NUM> or <NUM>, in which, R<NUM> is preferably a n-propyl group, and R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom. When R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, the stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is preferably S.

In the aforementioned cyclic amine derivative, R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom, in which, R<NUM> is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, and R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom.

In the aforementioned cyclic amine derivative, R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom, in which, R<NUM> is preferably a n-propyl group, and R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom.

In the aforementioned cyclic amine derivative, R<NUM> is preferably a hydroxyl group, in which, R<NUM> is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, and R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom. The stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is preferably S.

In the aforementioned cyclic amine derivative, R<NUM> is preferably a hydroxyl group, in which, R<NUM> is preferably a n-propyl group, and R<NUM> is preferably a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom. The stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is preferably S.

In the cyclic amine derivative according to an another embodiment of the present invention, A is a group represented by the general formula (IIa), R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom, R<NUM> is a methyl group, an ethyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a bromine atom or a chlorine atom, and each R<NUM> is independently a methyl group or an ethyl group. In this embodiment, it is preferable that R<NUM> is a methyl group, an ethyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, and R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom.

In the cyclic amine derivative according to an another embodiment of the present invention, A is a group represented by the general formula (IIa), R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom, R<NUM> is a n-propyl group, R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a bromine atom or a chlorine atom, and each R<NUM> is independently a methyl group or an ethyl group. In this embodiment, it is preferable that R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom.

In the cyclic amine derivative according to an another embodiment of the present invention, A is a group represented by the general formula (IIa), R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, R<NUM> is a methyl group, an ethyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a bromine atom or a chlorine atom, and each R<NUM> is independently a methyl group or an ethyl group. In this embodiment, it is preferable that R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom. In this embodiment, it is preferable that R<NUM> is a methyl group, an ethyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, and R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is S.

In the cyclic amine derivative according to an another embodiment of the present invention, A is a group represented by the general formula (IIa), R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, R<NUM> is a n-propyl group, R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a bromine atom or a chlorine atom, and each R<NUM> is independently a methyl group or an ethyl group. In this embodiment, it is preferable that R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is S.

In the cyclic amine derivative according to an another embodiment of the present invention, A is a group represented by the general formula (IIb), R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, R<NUM> is a methyl group, an ethyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a bromine atom or a chlorine atom, and each R<NUM> is independently a methyl group or an ethyl group. In this embodiment, it is preferable that R<NUM> is a methyl group, an ethyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, and R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is S.

In the cyclic amine derivative according to an another embodiment of the present invention, A is a group represented by the general formula (IIb), R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, R<NUM> is a n-propyl group, R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a bromine atom or a chlorine atom, and each R<NUM> is independently a methyl group or an ethyl group. In this embodiment, it is preferable that R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is S.

In the cyclic amine derivative according to an another embodiment of the present invention, A is a group represented by the general formula (IIc), n is <NUM> or <NUM>, R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, R<NUM> is a methyl group, an ethyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a bromine atom or a chlorine atom, and each R<NUM> is independently a methyl group or an ethyl group. In this embodiment, it is preferable that R<NUM> is a methyl group, an ethyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, and R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is S.

In the cyclic amine derivative according to an another embodiment of the present invention, A is a group represented by the general formula (IIc), n is <NUM> or <NUM>, R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, R<NUM> is a n-propyl group, R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a bromine atom or a chlorine atom, and each R<NUM> is independently a methyl group or an ethyl group. In this embodiment, it is preferable that R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the stereochemical configuration of the asymmetric carbon marked with * is S.

In the cyclic amine derivative according to an another embodiment of the present invention, A is a group represented by the general formula (IIa), R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group or a hydrogen atom, R<NUM> is a n-propyl group, an isopropyl group or a n-butyl group, R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a bromine atom or a chlorine atom, and each R<NUM> is independently a methyl group or an ethyl group; when R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, carbon marked with * represents asymmetric carbon.

In the cyclic amine derivative according to an another embodiment of the present invention, A is a group represented by the general formula (IIb), R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group or a hydrogen atom, R<NUM> is a n-propyl group, an isopropyl group or a n-butyl group, R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a bromine atom or a chlorine atom, and each R<NUM> is independently a methyl group or an ethyl group; when R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, carbon marked with * represents asymmetric carbon.

In the cyclic amine derivative according to an another embodiment of the present invention, A is a group represented by the general formula (IIc), R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group or a hydrogen atom, R<NUM> is a n-propyl group, an isopropyl group or a n-butyl group, R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a bromine atom or a chlorine atom, each R<NUM> is independently a methyl group or an ethyl group, and n is <NUM> or <NUM>; when R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group, carbon marked with * represents asymmetric carbon.

Specific examples of a preferable compound as a cyclic amine derivative represented by the above general formula (I) (hereinafter, cyclic amine derivative (I)) will be shown in Tables <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>; however, the present invention is not limited to these.

When the cyclic amine derivative (I) has an isomer such as an enantiomer and a stereoisomer, any one of isomers and mixtures of them are included in the cyclic amine derivative (I). In addition, when the cyclic amine derivative (I) has an isomer such as an enantiomer and a stereoisomer, the cyclic amine derivative (I) may be a mixture comprising any one of isomers or a mixture of them. In addition, when the cyclic amine derivative (I) has conformational isomers, the cyclic amine derivative (I) includes any one of isomers and mixtures of them. A desired isomer can be obtained by a known method or a similar method thereto. For example, when an enantiomer of the cyclic amine derivative (I) is present, the enantiomer separated from the cyclic amine derivative (I) is also included in the cyclic amine derivative (I).

A desired enantiomer can be obtained by a known means (for example, an optically active synthetic intermediate is used or final-product racemic mixture is subjected to a known method or a similar method thereto (for example, optical resolution)).

A prodrug of a cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof is also included. The prodrug of the cyclic amine derivative (I) refers to a compound, which is enzymatically or chemically converted to the cyclic amine derivative (I) in vivo. The active form of a prodrug of the cyclic amine derivative (I) is the cyclic amine derivative (I); however a prodrug of the cyclic amine derivative (I) itself may have activity.

As the prodrug of the cyclic amine derivative (I), for example, a compound obtained by alkylation, phosphorylation or boration of a hydroxyl group of the cyclic amine derivative (I) can be mentioned. These compounds can be each synthesized from the cyclic amine derivative (I) in accordance with a known method.

A prodrug of the cyclic amine derivative (I) may be converted into the cyclic amine derivative (I) in physiological conditions described in known literatures ("<NPL>, and <NPL>).

The cyclic amine derivative (I) may be labeled with a radioisotope. Examples of radioisotopes for use in labeling include <NUM>H, <NUM>H, <NUM>C, <NUM>C, <NUM>N, <NUM>O and/or <NUM>O.

As the pharmacologically acceptable salt of the cyclic amine derivative (I), for example, an inorganic salt such as a hydrochloride, a sulfate, a phosphate and a hydrobromide; or organic salt such as an oxalate, a malonate, a citrate, a fumarate, a lactate, a malate, a succinate, a tartrate, an acetate, a trifluoroacetate, a maleate, a gluconate, a benzoate, a salicylate, a xinafoate, a pamoate, an ascorbate, an adipate, a methanesulfonate, a p-toluenesulfonate and a cinnamate can be mentioned.

The cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof includes a hydrate and a solvate thereof.

When the cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof has crystalline polymorphs, the cyclic amine derivative (I) or the pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof includes all crystalline polymorphs and mixtures of them.

The cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof can be synthesized in accordance with a method described in the known literature (International Publication No. <CIT>) or a known literature (International Publication No. <CIT>), for example.

In the present specification, the term "rise in intracellular calcium concentration" means that the intracellular calcium concentration rises to an extent that abnormal excitatory transmission of neurons occurs, and is indicated by, for example, an intracellular calcium concentration beyond a normal range, the length of a duration of a rise in intracellular calcium concentration beyond a normal range, or the number of rises in intracellular calcium concentration per unit time beyond a normal range, as an index.

In the present specification, the term "inhibition of a rise in intracellular calcium concentration" means that abnormal excitatory transmission of neurons that has occurred is inhibited, or a state without abnormal excitatory transmission of neurons is maintained, and is indicated by, for example, an intracellular calcium concentration within a normal range, the length of a duration of a rise in intracellular calcium concentration within a normal range, or the number of rises in intracellular calcium concentration per unit time within a normal range, as an index. The term "inhibition of a rise in intracellular calcium concentration" also means that the rise in intracellular calcium concentration is inhibited by <NUM>% or more, <NUM>% or more, <NUM>% or more, <NUM>% or more, <NUM>% or more, <NUM>% or more, <NUM>% or more, <NUM>% or more, <NUM>% or more or <NUM>% as compared with the case where the rise in intracellular calcium concentration is not inhibited.

The aforementioned diseases related to neuronal hyperexcitability according to the invention are: central nervous diseases selected from the group consisting of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, anxiety neurosis, bipolar disorder, and epilepsy; disorders of memory; sequelae of intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction; and pruritus.

The invention relates to the cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof for use as a medicine for treating or preventing a disease related to neuronal hyperexcitability in a mammal (for example, mouse, rat, hamster, rabbit, cat, dog, cow, sheep, monkey or human), and especially to a human.

When the cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof is used as a medicine, the cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof directly or in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can be orally or parenterally administered.

As the dosage form when a medicine containing the cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient is orally administered, for example, tablets (including sugar-coated and film-coated tablets), pills, granules, powders, capsules (including soft capsules and micro capsules), syrups, emulsions and suspensions can be mentioned. As the dosage form when a medicine containing the cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient is parenterally administered, for example, injections, infusions, drops, suppositories, endermic liniments and adhesive patches can be mentioned. It is further effective to prepare a sustained-release formulation by using the cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof in combination with an appropriate base (for example, a butyric acid polymer, a glycolic acid polymer, a butyric acid-glycolic acid copolymer, mixtures of a butyric acid polymer and a glycolic acid polymer, or a polyglycerol fatty acid ester).

Formulations having the aforementioned dosage forms can be prepared in accordance with production methods known in the field of drug formulation. In this case, if necessary, production can be made by adding an excipient, a binder, a lubricant, a disintegrating agent, a sweetening agent, a surfactant, a suspending agent or an emulsifying agent, which is generally used in the field of drug formulation.

Tablets can be prepared, for example, by adding an excipient, a binder, a disintegrating agent or a lubricant. Pills and granules can be prepared by adding, for example, an excipient, a binder or a disintegrating agent. Powders and capsules can be prepared by adding, for example, an excipient. Syrups can be prepared by adding, for example, a sweetening agent. Emulsions or suspensions can be prepared by adding, for example, a surfactant, a suspending agent or an emulsifier.

As the excipient, for example, lactose, glucose, starch, sucrose, microcrystalline cellulose, powdered glycyrrhiza, mannitol, sodium hydrogen carbonate, calcium phosphate and calcium sulfate can be mentioned.

As the binder, for example, a starch paste solution, a gum arabic solution, a gelatin solution, a tragacanth solution, a carboxymethylcellulose solution, a sodium alginate solution and glycerin can be mentioned.

As the disintegrating agent, for example, starch and calcium carbonate can be mentioned.

As the lubricant, for example, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, calcium stearate and purified talc can be mentioned.

As the sweetening agent, for example, glucose, fructose, invert sugar, sorbitol, xylitol, glycerin and simple syrup can be mentioned.

As the surfactant, for example, sodium lauryl sulfate, polysorbate <NUM>, sorbitan monofatty acid ester and stearic acid polyoxyl <NUM> can be mentioned.

As the suspending agent, for example, Gum arabic, sodium alginate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methyl cellulose and bentonite can be mentioned.

As the emulsifier, for example, Gum arabic, tragacanth, gelatin and polysorbate <NUM> can be mentioned.

When a medicine comprising the cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient is prepared in the aforementioned dosage forms, a coloring agent, a preserving agent, a fragrance, a flavoring agent, a stabilizer or a thickener generally used in the field of drug formulation can be added.

The dose per day of a medicine containing the cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient varies depending upon e.g., the state or body weight of the patient or the type or administration route of a compound. For example, in oral administration to an adult (weight: about <NUM>), the amount of the cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof serving as an active ingredient falls within the range of <NUM> to <NUM> and administration is preferably made in <NUM> to <NUM> divided doses. For example, in parenteral administration to an adult (weight: about <NUM>), the amount of the cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof serving as an active ingredient falls within the range of <NUM> to <NUM> per body weight (<NUM>), and the injectable solution is preferably intravenous administered.

The cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof may be blended with other medicinal agents in an appropriate ratio or used in combination with other medicinal agents to supplement or enhance a therapeutic or prophylactic effect or reduce the dose. The cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof may be administered concurrently with other medicinal agents or may be administered continuously therewith in an arbitrary order. As the other medicinal agents, for example, but are not limited to, therapeutic agents for the aforementioned disease related to neuronal hyperexcitability can be mentioned. Examples thereof include donepezil, memantine, galantamine, rivastigmine, entacapone, levodopa, benserazide hydrochloride, carbidopa, zonisamide, amantadine hydrochloride, bromocriptine mesylate, pergolide mesylate, cabergoline, pramipexole hydrochloride hydrate, rotigotine, talipexole hydrochloride, ropinirole hydrochloride, apomorphine hydrochloride hydrate, selegiline hydrochloride, trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride, biperiden hydrochloride, promethazine hydrochloride, istradefylline, droxidopa, riluzole, protirelin tartrate hydrate, taltirelin hydrate, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, sulpiride, risperidone, perospirone, olanzapine, quetiapine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, sertraline, escitalopram, milnacipran, duloxetine, mirtazapine, amoxapine, amitriptyline, imipramine, clomipramine, dosulepin, trimipramine, nortriptyline, lofepramine, setiptiline, maprotiline, mianserin, lithium carbonate, carbamazepine, sodium valproate, lamotrigine, tofisopam, clotiazepam, etizolam, lorazepam, alprazolam, bromazepam, diazepam, clonazepam, cloxazolam, ethyl loflazepate, flutoprazepam, tandospirone citrate, disulfiram, cyanamide, acamprosate, valproic acid, ethosuximide, phenobarbital, carbamazepam, phenytoin, ambenonium chloride, edrophonium chloride, acetylcholine chloride, neostigmine bromide, sugammadex sodium, neostigmine methyl sulfate, piracetam, pyridostigmine bromide, bethanechol chloride, neostigmine methyl sulfate, atropine sulfate hydrate, pregabalin, epalrestat, mexiletine, aspirin, ticlopidine hydrochloride, clopidogrel sulfate, cilostazol, warfarin potassium, dabigatran etexilate methanesulfonate, edoxaban tosylate hydrate, rivaroxaban, apixaban, amobarbital, eszopiclone, estazolam, quazepam, suvorexant, secobarbital sodium, zopiclone, zolpidem tartrate, dexmedetomidine hydrochloride, triazolam, triclofos sodium, nitrazepam, haloxazolam, phenobarbital sodium, flunitrazepam, flurazepam hydrochloride, brotizolam, bromovalerylurea, pentobarbital calcium, chloral hydrate, midazolam, ramelteon, rilmazafone hydrochloride, lormetazepam and nalfurafine hydrochloride.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Examples; however, the present invention is not limited to them.

The test compounds used were <NUM>-(<NUM>-(dimethylamino)piperidin-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-(<NUM>-ethyl-<NUM>-imidazol-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-hydroxypropan-<NUM>-one (hereinafter, referred to as "compound <NUM>"), (S)-<NUM>-(<NUM>-(dimethylamino)piperidin-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-(<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-imidazol-<NUM>-yl)propan-<NUM>-one (hereinafter, referred to as "compound <NUM>"), <NUM>-(<NUM>-(dimethylamino)piperidin-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-(<NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl)-<NUM>-imidazol-<NUM>-yl)propan-<NUM>-one (hereinafter, referred to as "compound <NUM>") and <NUM>-(<NUM>-(dimethylamino)piperidin-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-(<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-imidazol-<NUM>-yl)propan-<NUM>-one sulfate monohydrate (hereinafter, referred to as "compound <NUM>") shown in Table <NUM>, and were synthesized according to the methods described in known literatures (International Publication Nos. <CIT> and <CIT>).

Further, the test compounds used were <NUM>-((R)-<NUM>-(<NUM>-(dimethylamino)piperidin-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-(<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-imidazol-<NUM>-yl)propan-<NUM>-one (hereinafter, referred to as "compound <NUM>"), <NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-(<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-imidazol-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-(<NUM>-(<NUM>-methylpipzerazin-<NUM>-yl)piperidin-<NUM>-yl)propan-<NUM>-one (hereinafter, referred to as "compound <NUM>"), <NUM>-(<NUM>-(dimethylamino)piperidin-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-(<NUM>-propyl-<NUM>-imidazol-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-hydroxypropan-<NUM>-one (hereinafter, referred to as "compound <NUM>"), <NUM>-((R)-<NUM>-(dimethylamino)pyrrolidin-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-hydroxy-<NUM>-(<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-imidazol-<NUM>-yl)propan-<NUM>-one (hereinafter, referred to as "compound <NUM>"), <NUM>-(<NUM>-chloro-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-imidazol-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-(<NUM>-(dimethylamino)piperidin-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-hydroxypropan-<NUM>-one (hereinafter, referred to as "compound <NUM>"), <NUM>-(<NUM>-(dimethylamino)piperidin-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-(<NUM>-isopropyl-<NUM>-imidazol-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-hydroxypropan-<NUM>-one (hereinafter, referred to as "compound <NUM>"), <NUM>-(<NUM>-(dimethylamino)piperidin-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-(<NUM>-(<NUM>-methoxyethyl)-<NUM>-imidazol-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-hydroxypropan-<NUM>-one (hereinafter, referred to as a "compound of Comparative Example <NUM>") and <NUM>-(<NUM>-(dimethylamino)piperidin-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-(<NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoropropyl)-<NUM>-imidazol-<NUM>-yl)-<NUM>-hydroxypropan-<NUM>-one (hereinafter, referred to as a "compound of Comparative Example <NUM>") shown in Table <NUM>.

Among the test compounds shown in Table <NUM>, compound <NUM>, compound <NUM> and compound <NUM> were synthesized according to the methods described in known literatures (International Publication Nos. <CIT> and <CIT>). Compound <NUM>, compound <NUM> and compound <NUM> were synthesized by the methods described in Examples given below. The compounds of Comparative Example <NUM> and Comparative Example <NUM> were synthesized by the methods described in Reference Examples given below. Their raw materials and intermediates were synthesized by the methods described in Reference Examples given below. Note that commercially-available products were used for the compounds which were used in synthesizing the compounds of Reference Examples and whose synthesis methods are not described below.

In the following description, the names of the solvents shown in the NMR data represent the solvents used in the measurement. The <NUM> NMR spectra were measured by using JNM-AL <NUM> series Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer (JEOL, Ltd. Chemical shifts are expressed by δ (unit: ppm) using tetramethylsilane as the reference, and the respective signals, respectively have the following meanings: s (singlet), d (doublet), t (triplet), q (quartet), quint (quintet), sept (septet), m (multiplet), br (broad), dd (double doublet), dt (double triplet), ddd (double double doublet), dq (double quartet), td (triple doublet), and tt (triple triplet). The ESI-MS spectra were measured by using Agilent Technologies <NUM> Series, G6130A (from Agilent Technology). Commercially available products were used for all the solvents. For flash column chromatography, YFLC W-prep2XY (from YAMAZEN) was used.

<NUM>-Iodopropane (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and potassium carbonate (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) were added to a solution of <NUM>-imidazole-<NUM>-carbaldehyde (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (<NUM>), and the reaction liquid was stirred at <NUM> for <NUM> hours. Water was added to the reaction liquid and then the reaction liquid was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with a <NUM>% aqueous solution of sodium chloride, and then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate) to obtain <NUM>-propyl-<NUM>-imidazole-<NUM>-carbaldehyde (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol, <NUM>%) as a yellow oil. <NUM>H-NMR (<NUM>, CDCl<NUM>) δ: <NUM> (<NUM>, t, J=<NUM>), <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>, m), <NUM> (<NUM>, t, J=<NUM>), <NUM> (<NUM>, s), <NUM> (<NUM>, s), <NUM> (<NUM>, s).

Dess-Martin reagent (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) was added to a solution of (<NUM>-chloro-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-imidazol-<NUM>-yl)methanol (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in dichloromethane (<NUM>) at <NUM> and the reaction liquid was stirred at the same temperature for <NUM> hours. A <NUM>% aqueous solution of sodium thiosulfate and a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate were added to the reaction liquid and then the reaction liquid was extracted with chloroform. The organic layer was washed with a <NUM>% aqueous solution of sodium chloride, and then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate) to obtain <NUM>-chloro-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-imidazole-<NUM>-carbaldehyde (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol, <NUM>%) as a white solid. <NUM>H-NMR (<NUM>, CDCl<NUM>) δ: <NUM> (<NUM>, s), <NUM> (<NUM>, s), <NUM> (<NUM>, s).

<NUM>-Iodopropane (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and potassium carbonate (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) were added to a solution of <NUM>-imidazole-<NUM>-carbaldehyde (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (<NUM>) and the reaction liquid was stirred at <NUM> for <NUM> hours. Water was added to the reaction liquid and then the reaction liquid was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with a <NUM>% aqueous solution of sodium chloride, and then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate) to obtain <NUM>-isopropyl-<NUM>-imidazole-<NUM>-carbaldehyde (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol, <NUM>%) as a yellow oil. <NUM>H-NMR (<NUM>, CDCl<NUM>) δ: <NUM> (<NUM>, t, J=<NUM>), <NUM> (<NUM>, q, J=<NUM>), <NUM> (<NUM>, s), <NUM> (<NUM>, s), <NUM> (<NUM>, s).

<NUM>-Bromoethyl methyl ether (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol), potassium carbonate (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol), and sodium iodide (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) were added to a solution of <NUM>-imidazole-<NUM>-carbaldehyde (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (<NUM>) and the reaction liquid was stirred at <NUM> for <NUM> hours. Water was added to the reaction liquid and then the reaction liquid was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with a <NUM>% aqueous solution of sodium chloride, and then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate) to obtain <NUM>-(<NUM>-methoxyethyl)-<NUM>-imidazole-<NUM>-carbaldehyde (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol, <NUM>%) as a white solid. <NUM>-NMR (<NUM>, CDCl<NUM>) δ: <NUM> (<NUM>, s), <NUM> (<NUM>, t, J=<NUM>), <NUM> (<NUM>, t, J=<NUM>), <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>, m), <NUM> (<NUM>, s).

<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-Trifluoro-<NUM>-iodopropane (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) and potassium carbonate (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) were added to a solution of <NUM>-imidazole-<NUM>-carbaldehyde (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (<NUM>) and the reaction liquid was stirred at <NUM> for <NUM> hours. Water was added to the reaction liquid and then the reaction liquid was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with a <NUM>% aqueous solution of sodium chloride, and then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel, hexane/ethyl acetate) to obtain <NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoropropyl)-<NUM>-imidazole-<NUM>-carbaldehyde (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol, <NUM>%) as a colorless oil. <NUM>-NMR (<NUM>, CDCl<NUM>) δ: <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>, m), <NUM> (<NUM>, t, J=<NUM>), <NUM> (<NUM>, s), <NUM> (<NUM>, s), <NUM> (<NUM>, s).

A solution of lithium diisopropylamide in tetrahydrofuran (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of <NUM>-(<NUM>-dimethylaminopiperidin-<NUM>-yl)ethanone (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (<NUM>) at -<NUM> and the reaction liquid was stirred at the same temperature for <NUM> hour. A solution of <NUM>-(<NUM>-methoxyethyl)-<NUM>-imidazole-<NUM>-carbaldehyde (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (<NUM>) was added to the reaction liquid at the same temperature. The reaction liquid was stirred for <NUM> hour and stirred at <NUM> for further <NUM> hour. A saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride and an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate were sequentially added to the reaction liquid and then the reaction liquid was extracted with chloroform. The organic layer was washed with a <NUM>% aqueous solution of sodium chloride and then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (NH silica gel, chloroform/methanol) to obtain the compound of Comparative Example <NUM> (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol, <NUM>%) as a colorless oil. <NUM>-NMR (<NUM>, DMSO-d6) δ: <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>, m), <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>, m), <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>, m), <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>, m), <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>, m), <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>, m), <NUM> (<NUM>, s), <NUM> (<NUM>, t, J=<NUM>), <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>, m), <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>, m), <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>, m), <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>, m), <NUM> (<NUM>, s), <NUM> (<NUM>, s).

A solution of lithium diisopropylamide in tetrahydrofuran (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of <NUM>-(<NUM>-dimethylaminopiperidin-<NUM>-yl)ethanone (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (<NUM>) at -<NUM> and the reaction liquid was stirred at the same temperature for <NUM> hour. A solution of <NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoropropyl)-<NUM>-imidazole-<NUM>-carbaldehyde (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (<NUM>) was added to the reaction liquid at the same temperature. The reaction liquid was stirred for <NUM> hour and stirred at <NUM> for further <NUM> hour. A saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride and an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate were sequentially added to the reaction liquid and then the reaction liquid was extracted with chloroform. The organic layer was washed with a <NUM>% aqueous solution of sodium chloride and then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (NH silica gel, chloroform/methanol) to obtain the compound of Comparative Example <NUM> (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol, <NUM>%) as a colorless oil.

A solution of lithium diisopropylamide in tetrahydrofuran (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of <NUM>-(<NUM>-dimethylaminopiperidin-<NUM>-yl)ethanone (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (<NUM>) at -<NUM> and the reaction liquid was stirred at the same temperature for <NUM> hour. A solution of <NUM>-propyl-<NUM>-imidazole-<NUM>-carbaldehyde (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (<NUM>) was added to the reaction liquid at the same temperature. The reaction liquid was stirred for <NUM> hour and stirred at <NUM> for further <NUM> hour. A saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride and an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate were sequentially added to the reaction liquid and then the reaction liquid was extracted with chloroform. The organic layer was washed with a <NUM>% aqueous solution of sodium chloride and then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (NH silica gel, chloroform/methanol) to obtain compound <NUM> (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol, <NUM>%) as a colorless oil.

A solution of lithium diisopropylamide in tetrahydrofuran (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of <NUM>-(<NUM>-dimethylaminopiperidin-<NUM>-yl)ethanone (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (<NUM>) at -<NUM> and the reaction liquid was stirred at the same temperature for <NUM> hour. A solution of <NUM>-chloro-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-imidazole-<NUM>-carbaldehyde (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (<NUM>) was added to the reaction liquid at the same temperature, and stirred for <NUM> hour. The reaction liquid was then stirred at <NUM> for further <NUM> hour. A saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride and an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate were sequentially added to the reaction liquid and then the reaction liquid was extracted with chloroform. The organic layer was washed with a <NUM>% aqueous solution of sodium chloride and then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (NH silica gel, chloroform/methanol) to obtain compound <NUM> (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol, <NUM>%) as a colorless oil.

A solution of lithium diisopropylamide in tetrahydrofuran (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of <NUM>-(<NUM>-dimethylaminopiperidin-<NUM>-yl)ethanone (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (<NUM>) at -<NUM> and the reaction liquid was stirred at the same temperature for <NUM> hour. A solution of <NUM>-isopropyl-<NUM>-imidazole-<NUM>-carbaldehyde (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (<NUM>) was added to the reaction liquid at the same temperature. The reaction liquid was stirred for <NUM> hour and stirred at <NUM> for further <NUM> hour. A saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride and an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate were sequentially added to the reaction liquid and then the reaction liquid was extracted with chloroform. The organic layer was washed with a <NUM>% aqueous solution of sodium chloride and then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography (NH silica gel, chloroform/methanol) to obtain compound <NUM> (<NUM>, <NUM> mmol, <NUM>%) as a colorless oil.

(Example <NUM>) Effect of the cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof on high potassium-induced rise in intracellular calcium concentration of rat spinal dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons.

The cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof was examined for its inhibitory effect on high potassium-induced rise in intracellular calcium concentration of DRG neurons.

The SD rats (<NUM> to <NUM> weeks old, male; Charles River Laboratories Japan, Inc. ) were anesthetized and euthanized by bloodletting from abdominal aorta. After incision of the dorsal part, the spinal column was excised and cooled in ice. The dorsal column was cut off, and the spinal cord was removed from the ventral side of the spinal column. Then, DRGs (L4 to L6) with nerve fibers were excised with tweezers. The excised DRGs were dipped in ice-cold Leibovitz's L-<NUM> medium (Thermo Fisher Scientific), and the nerve fibers were removed under a stereoscopic microscope to separate DRG.

The separated DRGs were made fine slits with ophthalmic scissors, followed by incubation at <NUM> for <NUM> minutes with Collagenase A (Roche Molecular Systems). After centrifugation at <NUM> × g for <NUM> minutes, the supernatant was removed, and <NUM>% Trypsin-EDTA (Thermo Fisher Scientific) was added, followed by incubation at <NUM> for <NUM> minutes. DMEM (Thermo Fisher Scientific) containing <NUM>% penicillin-streptomycin (Thermo Fisher Scientific) and <NUM>% fetal bovine serum (Thermo Fisher Scientific) was added thereto. After centrifugation at <NUM> × g for <NUM> minutes, the supernatant was removed. After the removal of the supernatant, Neurobasal-A Medium (Thermo Fisher Scientific) containing <NUM>% penicillin-streptomycin and <NUM>% B-<NUM> (Thermo Fisher Scientific), which was prepared as a DRG nerve culture medium, was added. Then, the cells were dissociated by micropipetting. The dissociated cells were passed through a <NUM> cell strainer (Greiner) and centrifuged at <NUM> × g for <NUM> minutes. After the centrifugation, the supernatant was removed, and the cells were suspended by the culture medium. This cell suspension was inoculated to a polylysine-coated <NUM> dish (Matsunami Glass Ind. ) coated in advance with laminin (Sigma-Aldrich), cultured overnight at <NUM> under <NUM>% CO<NUM>, and then used in the measurement of change in intracellular calcium concentration.

Cal-<NUM>, AM(registered trademark) (AAT Bioquest) was used as a alcium fluorescent dye. The medium was removed from the cells cultured in the dish, and the cells were washed twice with a perfusate. Then, a Cal-<NUM>, AM solution adjusted to <NUM>µmol/L was added thereto, and the cells were cultured at <NUM> for <NUM> to <NUM> hours under <NUM>% CO<NUM>. The perfusate was an aqueous solution containing NaCl (<NUM> mmol/L), KCl (<NUM> mmol/L), CaCl<NUM>·<NUM><NUM>O (<NUM> mmol/L), MgCl<NUM>·<NUM><NUM>O (<NUM> mmol/L), D(+)-glucose (<NUM> mmol/L) and HEPES (<NUM> mmol/L), adjusted to pH <NUM>. Then, the dish was washed by perfusion at <NUM>/min for <NUM> minutes.

Change in intracellular calcium concentration was measured by analyzing with analytical software, change in fluorescence intensity of the cells loaded with the calcium fluorescent dye in images taken under a confocal laser microscope system (Nikon Instech Co. The laser wavelength was <NUM>, and the images were acquired at intervals of <NUM> to <NUM> sheets per minute.

For the induction of neuronal excitation, a treatment with a high potassium solution (hereinafter, "high potassium treatment") was performed in order to induce a rise in intracellular calcium concentration by the depolarization of cell membranes. The high potassium treatment and a treatment with the cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof (compounds <NUM> to <NUM>, compound of Comparative Example <NUM> and compound of Comparative Example <NUM>) (hereinafter, "compound treatment") of the cells were performed by the perfusion and replacement of a solution. The perfusion rate was controlled to <NUM>/min using a tube pump. The induction of a rise in intracellular calcium concentration by the high potassium treatment was performed by treating the cells for <NUM> minute using an aqueous solution containing NaCl (<NUM> mmol/L or <NUM> mmol/L), KCl (<NUM> mmol/L or <NUM> mmol/L), CaCl<NUM>·<NUM><NUM>O (<NUM> mmol/L), MgCl<NUM>·<NUM><NUM>O (<NUM> mmol/L), D(+)-glucose (<NUM> mmol/L) and HEPES (<NUM> mmol/L), adjusted to pH <NUM>. The high potassium treatment was performed <NUM> times at <NUM>-minute intervals. Each of the compound <NUM> to <NUM>, the compound of Comparative Example <NUM> and the compound of Comparative Example <NUM> was dissolved at <NUM> mmol/L in distilled water (Otsuka Pharmaceutical Factory), then diluting the solution into <NUM>µmol/L with a perfusate, and the compound treatment was performed by treating the cells with the resulting solution. The compound treatment was continuously performed from <NUM> minutes before the beginning of the third run of the high potassium treatment to after the end of the eighth run of the high potassium treatment (hereinafter, "compound treatment group"). For a control, a treatment using a solution obtained by diluting distilled water with a perfusate was continuously performed from <NUM> minutes before the beginning of the third run of the high potassium treatment to after the end of the eighth run of the high potassium treatment (hereinafter, "vehicle treatment group"). However, as for the compounds <NUM> to <NUM>, the compound of Comparative Example <NUM> and the compound of Comparative Example <NUM>, the induction of a rise in intracellular calcium concentration by the high potassium treatment was performed by treating the cells for <NUM> minute with an aqueous solution containing NaCl (<NUM> mmol/L), KCl (<NUM> mmol/L), CaCl<NUM>·<NUM><NUM>O (<NUM> mmol/L), MgCl<NUM>·<NUM><NUM>O (<NUM> mmol/L), D(+)-glucose (<NUM> mmol/L) and HEPES (<NUM> mmol/L), adjusted to pH <NUM>.

The taken images were analyzed using ImageJ <NUM>. 51j8 (National Institutes of Health). The luminance value of each cell was measured over time to prepare a curve of time-dependent change in luminance value. An area under the curve (AUC) of time-dependent change in luminance value was calculated for each run of the high potassium treatment. The response rate of each cell was calculated as the ratio of total AUC of the seventh and eighth runs of the high potassium treatment to total AUC of the first and second runs of the high potassium treatment according to expression <NUM> given below. Next, the inhibition rate of a rise in intracellular calcium concentration of each cell was calculated according to expression <NUM> given below on the basis of the response rate of each cell and an average of response rate of all the cells in the vehicle treatment group. An average of inhibition rate for all the cells in each group was regarded as the inhibition rate for each group, and the inhibition rate of a rise in intracellular calcium concentration for the vehicle treatment group was defined as <NUM>%. <MAT> <MAT>.

The inhibitory effects of the compounds <NUM> to <NUM> on a rise in intracellular calcium concentration induced by the high potassium treatment of the DRG neurons are shown in Table <NUM>. In the table, "Inhibition rate" represents the calculated inhibition rate of a rise in intracellular calcium concentration (which is an average value; the number of cells in each group was <NUM> to <NUM>). In the table, "Compound <NUM>", "Compound <NUM>", "Compound <NUM>" and "Compound <NUM>" represent the compound treatment group for each compound. In the table, "#" and "###" indicate statistically significant (#: p < <NUM>, ###: p < <NUM>, Dunnett's multiple comparison test) difference compared with the vehicle treatment group.

In all the compound treatment groups, a rise in intracellular calcium concentration was significantly inhibited, as compared with the vehicle treatment group. This demonstrated that the compounds <NUM> to <NUM> inhibit a high potassium-induced rise in intracellular calcium concentration of DRG neurons. The inhibition rate of a rise in intraneuronal calcium concentration in the compound treatment groups using the compounds <NUM> to <NUM> of the general formula (I) wherein R<NUM> is a hydroxyl group was stronger than that in the compound treatment group by the compound <NUM> of the general formula (I) wherein R<NUM> is a hydrogen atom.

The inhibitory effects of the compounds <NUM> to <NUM>, the compound of Comparative Example <NUM> and the compound of Comparative Example <NUM> examined in the same way as above are shown in Table <NUM> (which is an average value;; the number of cells in each group was <NUM> to <NUM>). In the table, "Compound <NUM>", "Compound <NUM>", "Compound <NUM>", "Compound <NUM>", "Compound <NUM>", "Compound <NUM>", "Compound of Comparative Example <NUM>" and "Compound of Comparative Example <NUM>" represent the compound treatment group using each compound. In the table, "###" indicates a statistically significant (###: p < <NUM>, Dunnett's multiple comparison test) difference compared with the vehicle treatment group.

In the compound <NUM> to <NUM> treatment groups, a rise in intracellular calcium concentration was inhibited. Among them, in the compound <NUM> to <NUM> treatment groups, a rise in intracellular calcium concentration was significantly inhibited, as compared with the vehicle treatment group. On the other hand, a rise in intracellular calcium concentration was not inhibited by the compound of Comparative Example <NUM> and the compound of Comparative Example <NUM> in their respective treatment groups.

These results demonstrated that the cyclic amine derivative (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof serves as an agent for inhibiting a rise in intraneuronal calcium concentration.

Claim 1:
A cyclic amine derivative represented by the following general formula (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof for use in the treatment or prevention of a disease related to neuronal hyperexcitability selected from the group consisting of central nervous diseases selected from the group consisting of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, anxiety neurosis, bipolar disorder and epilepsy; spinal cord injury; disorders of memory; sequelae of intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction; and pruritus:
<CHM>
wherein A represents a group represented by the following general formula (IIa), (IIb) or (IIc):
<CHM>
wherein R<NUM> represents a hydroxyl group or a hydrogen atom, R<NUM> represents a methyl group, an ethyl group, a n-propyl group, an isopropyl group, a n-butyl group, a difluoromethyl group or a <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trifluoroethyl group, R<NUM> represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, a bromine atom or a chlorine atom, each R<NUM> independently represents a methyl group or an ethyl group, n represents <NUM> or <NUM>, and when R<NUM> represents a hydroxyl group, carbon marked with * represents asymmetric carbon.