Synthesis and some pharmacological properties of a conformationally restricted imipramine analogue

The synthesis of the semi-rigid imipramine analogue 2-(N,N-dimethylaminomethylene)-2,3,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-quino[1,8-ab] [I]-benzazepine is described. The compound was pharmacologically evaluated in a number of general in vivo screening tests for antidepressive activity. From these preliminary tests the compound appeared to show an imipramine-like activity. However, it did not have an effect on the noradrenaline depletion by 4, alpha-dimethyl-m-tyramine. These results are discussed on the basis of the conformational requirements determining the pharmacological profile of antidepressants.