THE EFFECTS OF 2 NEW AMPHETAMINE-LIKE DERIVATIVES ON THE PHAGOCYTIC ABILITY OF THE PROTOZOAN, TETRAHYMENA-PYRIFORMIS

Six new amphetamine-like molecules ine-4-yl]-1-methyl-2-[1-methyl-2-ph enylethyiamino] ethanamines) were synthesised and their physicochemica l behaviour was studied. The log P values (index of lipophilicity) of the derivatives were calculated according to Rekker's fragmental syste m. One derivative representative of each series (C-5508 and C-5512) wa s selected, and their biological effects on the phagocytic ability of the protozoan, Tetrahymena pyriformis, were studied as a basic functio nal test for an amphetamine-like action. Furthermore, the action of bo th derivatives when administered concomitantly with haloperidol was al so investigated. The data indicate that both derivatives significantly increased the phagocytic ability of the protozoan (p < 0.001), presum ably via an alternative pathway to that of one of the dopamine monoami nergic pools. The administration of haloperidol significantly suppress ed phagocytosis (p < 0.001). However, cultures exposed to the derivati ves and to haloperidol indicated quantitatively different reactions. T he lipophilic behaviours of the derivatives provide a possible explana tion for such distinct effects.