3,4-Dihydro-1H-1,4-oxazino[4,3-a]indoles as potential antidepressants.

A series of 3,4-dihydro-1H-1,4-oxazino[4,3-a]indoles bearing basic side chains has been synthesized by a novel chemical process. These compounds have been screened for potential antidepressant activity. One of these derivatives, 3,4-dihydro-1,10-dimethyl-1-(3-methylaminopropyl)-1H-1,4-oxazino[4,3-a]indole (AY-23,673), was particularly potent in the prevention of reserpine ptosis test in mice, with an ED50 of 0.5 mg/kg ip.