A 2-amino-2-oxazoline derivative as an antidepressant in mice.

2-Amino-2-oxazolines are heterocyclic compounds with interesting pharmacological properties. Several derivatives of this chemical series were studied in psychopharmacological tests. One derivative 4,5-dihydro-5-[methyl(4-phenyl-1-piperazinyl)]-2-oxazolamine (COR 32-24), had an antidepressant profile. Its structure can be compared to trazodone in its phenylpiperazine group and to toloxatone in its oxazoline group. This molecule antagonized reserpine-induced hypothermia and ptosis, oxotremorine-induced hypothermia and high-dose apomorphine-induced hypothermia. It also potentiated yohimbine-induced sublethality and decreased the immobility of forced swimming. It had no monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity. These results suggest a profile close to that of viloxazine and to that of a classic antidepressant.