trans-N-n-Propyl-7-hydroxy-octahydrobenzo(f)quinoline, a rigid 3-PPP analogue with greater potency but lack of selectivity for dopamine autoreceptors.

trans- and cis-7-hydroxy-octahydrobenzo(f)quinoline were synthesized as analogues of the selective dopamine autoreceptor agonist 3-PPP. The trans compound appeared more effective than 3-PPP in the dopamine autoreceptor test model, but it also exhibited postsynaptic dopamine receptor stimulating activity. The cis compound was inactive in both these test models. It is concluded that in the trans compound the dopamine autoreceptor stimulating potency of 3-PPP has been much enhanced at the cost of dopamine autoreceptor selectivity.