Abstract
The compound α-(2-piperidyl)benzhydrol hydrochloride, MRD-l08, is a new chemical type of stimulant which induces a coordinated hyperactivity in experimental animals and causes changes in behavior patterns. These effects are qualitatively different from those induced by amphetamine in that the animals do not become irritable, and appetite is not affected. Convulsions do not occur with less than LD50 doses, and the convulsions are not followed by an after-depression as are those induced by amphetamine.
The new substance antagonizes mild to moderate degrees of barbiturate depression, but not lethal barbiturate depression. In this respect it differs from amphetamine which is ineffective in shortening the sleeping time of barbiturate-depressed animals, and from pentylenetetrazole which antagonizes lethal barbiturate depression. The lethal effects of MRD-108 are poorly antagonized by barbiturates in contrast to those of pentylenetetrazole which are easily antagonized and to those of amphetamine which are attenuated.
Other pharmacologic properties of MRD-108 include little or no pressor action, a depression of respiration with large doses in the lightly pentobarbitalized rabbit, and a stimulation of righting reflexes in the low-decerebrate cat.
Footnotes
- Received September 5, 1953.
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