N-Isopropyl derivatives of dopamine and 5,6-dihydroxy-2-aminotetralin.

Secondary and tertiary amino homologs of the title compounds have been prepared, bearing an N-isopropyl group. In peripheral evaluation, certain members of the series exhibited beta-adrenergic agonist effects of lower activity than isoproterenol. N-Methyl-N-isopropyl-5,6-dihydroxytetralin exhibited marked properties consistent with its being an alpha agonist, and it is concluded that introduction of considerable bulk about the nitrogen of a catecholamine does not a priori destroy alpha-agonist effects. The compounds qualitatively paralleled the effects of dopamine in assays based upon direct intrastriatal administration in rats, although they were less potent than dopamine.