Central Nervous System of Some 2-Pyridyl Compounds.

Abstract

[alpha]-Phenyl [gamma]-2(pyridyl) propyl ketone (EJA II) is a potent central nervous system depressant causing loss of righting reflex of short duration in mice, rats, rabbits and cats. ED50 in mice is 0.89 [plus or minus] 0.06 mM/kg. Protection against electroshock was noted at non-toxic levels. Several related 2-pyridyl and 2-quinolyl compounds show similar action. Activity is decreased by 4-pyridyl substitution and abolished by reduction of the ring to piperidyl or by N-methylation. Additional phenyl groupings tend to give rise to convulsant activity.