Anticonvulsant activity of indanylspirosuccinimide Mannich bases

A series of Mannich bases derived from spiro [indan-1,3'pyrrolidine-2',5'-dione] were evaluated for anticonvulsant activity. This activity varied as a function of the amine substituent and several compounds showed protective effects in both the maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol (scMet) assays. In addition, fluorenyl- and cyclopentyl-derived spirosuccinimides, as well as extended chain analogues, were tested and proved to be inactive. A time versus effect study was conducted employing the MES assay and the hydroxyethylpiperazine-derived Mannich base of spiro [indan-1,3 pyrrolidine-2',5',dione]. This compound acted rapidly and its protective half-life was increased as larger doses were administered.