Phencyclidine-like effects of tetrahydroisoquinolines and related compounds.

A series of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines, tetrahydrothieno[2,3-c]pyridines, and related compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit binding of [3H]-1-[1-(2-thienyl)piperidine and [3H]-N-allylnormetazocine to phencyclidine (PCP) and sigma receptors, respectively. A representative series of compounds was evaluated in behavioral assays to determine the ability of the compounds to induce PCP-like stereotyped behavior and ataxia. All of the compounds caused stereotyped behavior and ataxia, indicating their agonist actions at the PCP site.