The action of compound WA-335 on the central nervous system.

Compound WA-335 (9,10-dihydro-10-(-1-methyl-4-piperidylidene)9-anthrol) was studied with regard to its antidepressant and central antiserotonin action in mice and rats. WA-335 depresses reserpine-induced hypothermia, particularly in mice, but does not affect ptosis induced with this neuroleptic. The compound diminishes spontaneous motility in mice and rats, including mice stimulated with amphetamine. WA-335 acts synergistically with amphetamine in which it potentiates stereotyping and enhances motility. The compound has no influence on the action of L-DOPA and does not alter hypothermia or increase motility induced with this amino acid. WA-335 does not affect the drop in body temperature or stereotype induced with apomorphine. In mice, WA-335 inhibits motility elicited with L-5-hydroxytryptophan, and in rats as well as mice prevents occurrence of head-twitches due to activation of serotonin neurons. The compound has no effect on the righting reflex abolished with fenfluramine in frogs, and given together with reserpine slightly counteracts abolition of this reflex. WA-335 raises the level of serotonin in the brains of rats, and lowers the level of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. In addition, WA-335 exhibits cholinolytic activity and abolishes the symptoms elicited with oxotremorin in mice and rats.