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A series of pyrazinocarbazoles, analogues of short acting antidepressant pirlindole (2,3,3a,4,5,6-hexahydro-8-methyl-1H-pyrazino[3,2,1-j,k]carbazole hydrochloride), were tested as inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) and B (MAO-B). Rigid analogues exhibited potent and selective inhibition of MAO-A and have size limits (X:Y:Z) of 13.0 x 7.0 x 4.4 A. Besides MAO-A inhibition flexible analogues also demonstrated potent inhibition of MAO-B and in contrast to rigid analogues their inhibitory activity did not show the dependence on these sizes. The qualitative information (steric and electrostatic coefficients) from the 3D-QSAR with CoMFA models for MAO-A and -B are different, and this information can be used to determine the structural features influencing inhibitor selectivity.

The range of the biochemical reactions which can be catalyzed by ADH I and ADH IV is extremely wide. The most characterized functions of these enzymes are protection against excess endogenous acetaldehyde, products of lipid peroxidation, exogenous alcohols and some xenobiotics. It was found also that ADH I and ADH IV are important members of the enzyme system synthesizing retinoic acid (especially during embryogenesis). They can oxidize some steroids and participate in bioamine and prostaglandin metabolism but so far the extent of their contribution to the latter processes is under discussion. Recent data suggest a correlation between the activity of ADH I in some organs and fine physiological processes including behavior regulation and craving for alcohol in albino rats. ß

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