Convulsant action of Ro-4-1778 and its modification by barbiturates and tranquillisers.

This compound (Ro-4-1778) 'which is chemically (l-(p-chlorophenethyl)6-7dimethoxy-2-methyl 1, 2, 3, 4 tetrahydro isoquinoIine) was synthesised by Brossi et aI. (1960). Its analgesic activity in rats has been reported by Gupta and Gaitonde (1964). An observation was made that the drug produced analgesia in a dose range 10-50 mg/Kg, but in a few animals receiving a dose of 50 mg/Kg., there wasan evidence of hyperexcitability and some animals even developing convulsions. With higher doses of Ro-4-1778, the convulsant action became more marked. It was thought worthwhile to study the convulsant action of the drug and effectof pentobarbitone, reserpine, and chlordiazepoxide in modifying the convulsions to help in elucidating the probable site and mechanism of action.