Resolved 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-n-propylpiperidine and its analogues: central dopamine receptor activity.

Seven enantiomeric pairs of N-alkyl analogues of 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-n-propylpiperidine (3-PPP, 12) have been synthesized and evaluated pharmacologically (biochemistry and behavior) in order to examine their ability to interact with central dopamine (DA) receptors, particularly DA autoreceptors. In the R series it seems as if all compounds behave as classical DA receptor agonists with affinity and intrinsic activity for both pre- and postsynaptic receptors. The same bifunctional profile seems to be valid for the S enantiomers with N-substituents larger or bulkier than n-propyl. Likewise, the S enantiomers with ethyl or n-propyl N-substituents seem to have affinity for both pre- and postsynaptic receptors. In the total series, (S)-(-)-3-PPP [(S)-12] seems to be the most interesting compound both from the theoretical and the therapeutical point of view, possibly attenuating DA function in two different ways by stimulating the presynaptic receptors and blocking the postsynaptic receptors. This compound has been selected for extended pharmacological studies as a potential antipsychotic drug.