Synthesis of 3a,4-dihydro-3H-[1]benzopyrano[4,3-c]isoxazoles, displaying combined 5-HT uptake inhibiting and α2-adrenoceptor antagonistic activities: A novel series of potential antidepressants

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0960-894X(03)00525-0

The synthesis of a series of novel 3-piperazinylmethyl-3a,4-dihydro-3H-[1]benzopyrano[4,3-c]isoxazoles as novel dual 5-HT reuptake inhibitors and α₂-adrenoceptor antagonists is described. Their affinity at the three different human α₂-adrenoceptor subtypes and the 5-HT transporter site is reported. The in vivo activity of the compounds was measured in two different assays: (1) inhibition of pCA-induced excitation, which evaluates the ability to block the central 5-HT transporter, and (2) inhibition of xylazine-induced loss of righting, which evaluates the ability to block central α₂-adrenoceptors.