BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Fenamate analogues, econazole and 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‐APB) are inhibitors of transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channels and are used as research tools. However, these compounds have different chemical structures and therapeutic applications. Here we have investigated the pharmacological profile of TRPM2 channels by application of newly synthesized fenamate analogues and the existing channel blockers.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Human TRPM2 channels in tetracycline‐regulated pcDNA4/TO vectors were transfected into HEK293 T‐REx cells and the expression was induced by tetracycline. Whole cell currents were recorded by patch‐clamp techniques. Ca²⁺ influx or release was monitored by fluorometry.

KEY RESULTS Flufenamic acid (FFA), mefenamic acid (MFA) and niflumic acid (NFA) concentration‐dependently inhibited TRPM2 current with potency order FFA > MFA = NFA. Modification of the 2‐phenylamino ring by substitution of the trifluoromethyl group in FFA with –CH₃, –F, –CF₃, –OCH₃, –OCH₂CH₃, –COOH, and –NO₂ at various positions, reduced channel blocking potency. The conservative substitution of 3‐CF₃ in FFA by –CH₃ (3‐MFA), however, gave the most potent fenamate analogue with an IC₅₀ of 76 µM, comparable to that of FFA, but unlike FFA, had no effect on Ca²⁺ release. 3‐MFA and FFA inhibited the channel intracellularly. Econazole and 2‐APB showed non‐selectivity by altering cytosolic Ca²⁺ movement. Econazole also evoked a non‐selective current.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The fenamate analogue 3‐MFA was more selective than other TRPM2 channel blockers. FFA, 2‐APB and econazole should be used with caution as TRPM2 channel blockers, as these compounds can interfere with intracellular Ca²⁺ movement.