Structure-activity relationships of BDB and its monomethyl and dimethyl derivatives

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the behavioral effects of 3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-2-butanamine (BDB), N-methyl BDB (MBDB), and N,N-dimethyl BDB (MMBDB) in the newly hatched chicken. The primary amine, BDB, produced effects that are commonly seen in the chicken after administration of both hallucinogens and psychomotor stimulants (i.e., distress vocalization, tremor, and wing extension). It also produced abnormal body posture and bursting forward locomotion, effects elicited only by hallucinogens. Loss of righting reflex also occurred at the highest (16 mg/kg) dose of BDB, and this effect is typical of d-amphetamine but has not been reported for hallucinogens. The monomethylated derivative of BDB, MBDB, was less potent than BDB, and the N,N-dimethyl analogue of BDB, MMBDB, had no effect on behavior at the doses tested.