Comparative study of propranolol and dicyclohexylamine protection of alpha-receptor blockade

During the course of a study into protection against alpha-receptor blockade, it was observed that the dicyclohexylamine (DCHA) salt of 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid exhibited protection, whilst the free acid did not protect against alpha-receptor blockade. A study has been made into the protection of alpha-receptor blockade by DCHA and this compared with the beta-blocker propranolol, with which DCHA may share some structural similarity. It was also observed that at higher concentrations DCHA itself produced spiked contractions of the vas deferens. These properties of DCHA and their interrelationships with those of propranolol are discussed.