Phosphodiesterase inhibition and lipolytic action of the stereoisomers of trimetoquinol.

The isomers and racemate of trimetoquinol [TMQ; 6-7-dihydroxy-1-(3',4',5'-trimethoxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline] as well as N-(3',4',5'-trimethoxyphenethyl)dopamine were all shown to be effective at promoting glycerol release from rat epididymal fat tissue. The rank order of potency observed for these compounds was (-)-TMQ greater than or equal to (+/-)-TMQ greater than greater than (+)-TMQ = N-(3',4',5-trimethoxyphenethyl)dopamine. (+/-)-TMQ and (-)-TMQ were the only agents capable of producing a maximal lipolytic response. None of the compounds tested were able to exhibit significant c-AMP phosphodiesterase inhibition. This study is the first report which shows that the beta-adrenoceptor activity of the isomers of TMQ does not correlate with an inhibition of c-AMP phosphodiesterase. An alternate mechanism of action for these compounds is proposed.