RELATIVE PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF 2,2-DIMETHYL-1,2,3,4-TETRAHYDROISOQUINOLINIUM CHLORIDES

¹ From The Burroughs Wellcome & Co. U.S.A. Experimental Research Laboratories, Tuckahoe, N. Y.

Representative quaternary tetrahydroisoquinolinium chlorides, substituted in the 6 and 6,7 positions with hydroxy, methoxy and ethoxy groups, were studied for their relative toxicities and effects on circulation and smooth muscle.

In accordance with other data on quaternary tetrahydroisoquinolinium chlorides these compounds have been found to be relatively quite toxic.

These quaternary tetrahydroisoquinolinium chlorides were predominantly pressor in contrast to analogous secondary and tertiary isoquinoline derivatives.

Vagotomy abolished the depressor phase of the 6-hydroxy derivative, and atropine inhibited the pressor phase of three of the compounds.

Respiration was consistently stimulated.

Pulse was consistently slowed.

Epinephrine was sensitized by all the compounds.

Isolated intestine was depressed by some compounds and both stimulated and depressed by others. Rabbit and guinea pig uteri were stimulated.