CGS 7525A, a new, centrally active alpha 2 adrenoceptor antagonist

CGS 7525A, a new tetracyclic compound, was evaluated for alpha 2 adrenoceptor antagonism in receptor binding assays and in behavioral and electrophysiological tests. 3H-Clonidine, but not 3H-prazosin, binding was potently inhibited in vitro by CGS 7525A. In vivo, CGS 7525A attenuated the suppressant action of clonidine on phenylquinone-induced writhing and on locus coeruleus neuronal firing rate. Mianserin was nearly equipotent with CGS 7525A in the 3H-clonidine binding assay, but considerably less potent in the measures of alpha 2 adrenoceptor antagonism in vivo. Both CGS 7525A and mianserin displaced 3H-spiroperidol binding from frontal cortex 5-HT2 binding sites. Although yohimbine resembled CGS 7525A in most respects, its activity at 5-HT2 binding sites was relatively low, CGS 7525A was not associated with any appreciable blockade of norepinephrine or serotonin uptake in vitro. Thus, CGS 7525A appears to be a promising new pharmacological tool for investigating the behavioral function of brain alpha 2 adrenoceptors.