A series of 4-substituted 10H-theino[2,3-b][1,5]benzodiazepines has been synthesized. These compounds have been assessed for their ability to block a conditioned avoidance response (CAR) and to produce catalepsy in rats and have been compared with several typical and atypical neuroleptics. The compounds which inhibit CAR at doses which produce no catalepsy are believed to cause less extrapyramidal side effects in the clinic. A number of compounds (9, 12, 17, 29, and 34) show potent neuroleptic activity, yet maintain a favorable separation of activity on these two parametrs. Three 5-piperazinyl-10H-thieno[2,3-b][1,4]benzodiazepine derivatives (46-48) analogous to compounds in the [1,5] series have been prepared for comparison and were found to be inactive.

The synthesis of [1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b][1,5]-, imidazolo[4,5-b][1,5]-, and pyrido[2,3-b][1,5]benzodiazepines is described. The antidopaminergic and anticholinergic activities of the compounds have been examined by the respective in vitro [3H]spiperone and [3H]QNB receptor binding assay. The neuroleptic potential has been further evaluated in terms of their ability to produce hypothermia and catalepsy in mice and a conditioned avoidance response in rats. Only compounds from the triazolobenzodiazepine series show antipsychotic potential. The lack of activity in the imidazolo- and pyridobenzodiazepine series indicates that the basicity of the heteroarene moiety may be determinant for activity.

The synthesis of 2-halo-1-adamantanemethanamines, 4-protoadamantanemethanamines, and 4-protoadamantaneamines is described. The anti-Parkinson activity of these amines in terms of reversal of reserpine-induced catalepsy in rats has been evaluated and compared with amantadine. 2-Bromo- and 2-chloro-1-adamantanemethanamines are shown to be twice as active as amantadine.

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