Antidepressant activity of 5-aryl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-5-ols

A series of 5-aryl-2,3,5,6-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-5-ols was prepared and evaluated for potential antidepressant activity in the reserpine-induced hypothermia model and selected central nervous system and autonomic activity tests. Several members of the series, notably the 4-chloro- and 4-fluorophenyl analogues, demonstrated pharmacological activity in the range of imipramine. Both compounds provided a marked potentiation of the 5-hydroxytryptophan-facilitated monosynaptic spike in the spinal cat preparation.