SYNTHESIS AND DOPAMINERGIC ACTIVITY OF 3-(3,4-DIHYDROXYPHENYL)-1-N-PROPYLPYRROLIDINE HYDROBROMIDE

3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-1-n-propylpyrrolidine hydrobromide was synthesized by a 6-step reaction sequence and was evaluated, and compared with apomorphine, for central dopaminergic agonist activity. The compound produced behavioral and biochemical changes characteristic of central dopaminergic stimulation. Administration of 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-n-propylpyrrolidine hydrobromide to rats resulted in the reversal of the reserpine syndrome, stereotypic behavior, contralateral turning following 6-hydroxydopamine lesion of the substantia nigra, a decrease in dopamine turnover and inhibition of prolactin release. Evidently, 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-n-propylpyrrolidine hydrobromide is a dopaminergic agonist. The compound exhibited a lower potency but a slightly longer duration of action than apomorphine.