[From ergot alkaloids to nicergoline/Chemical points of view (author's transl)].

The author reports the rationale of a line of research that has led to pharmacologically active ergoline derivatives from the more complex ergot alkaloids. Specific compounds showing oxytocic, alpha-adrenolytic and antiserotoninic activity were synthesized and the relationship between structure and activity discussed. Out of the compounds, 10-methoxy-1,6-dimethyl-ergoline-8 beta-methanol-(5-bromonicotinate) (nicergoline) was chosen as the most interesting product for a detailed further development.