STUDIES OF PHENANTHRENE DERIVATIVES VI. AMINO ALCOHOLS OF THE ETHANOLAMINE AND PROPANOLAMINE TYPE

¹ From the Laboratory of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan

3-[2-(diethylamino)-1-hydroxy-ethyl] phenanthrene was found to have a minimal analgesic dose in cats of 38.5 mgm. per kilogram by mouth or 22.2 mgm. per kilogram by intramuscular injection. It was emetic; it slowed the heart rate, quickened the respiration, lowered the temperature, dilated the pupils and produced typical morphine-like excitement and clonic convulsions in the cat. Its A.F.D. for mice was 533.4 mgm. per kilogram subcutaneously, but it did not cause circular turning movements or erection of the tail. Convulsions occurred with 25 per cent or more of the A.F.D. without an accompanying increase in reflexes. Morphine-like decrease in respiratory activity in rabbits and morphine-like intestinal effect in dogs were not observed.

Phenanthrene compounds having the same side-chain but with the amino hydrogens unsubstituted or substituted with other groups and compounds having the same diethylamino group attached to an oxo-ethyl or an hydroxy-n-propyl side-chain were not only less effective analgesics but bore less resemblance to morphine in other respects.

Phenanthrene itself and -diethylamino-ethanol were not analgesic in the cat up to 500 mgm. per kilogram.