Synthesis and pharmacological investigation of 9-methyl-1,2,3,4,6,7,12,12b-octahydro-7-oxo-indolo[2,3-a]quinolizine

The title ketone, a supposed metabolite of 9-methyl-1,2,3,4,6,7,12,12b-octa hydroindolo[2,3-a]quinolizine (MIQ), was prepared and found different on ch romatographic comparison from the isolated metabolite M-4. However, the pha rmacological screening of this compound evidenced, among others, some inter esting properties as inhibition of arachidonic acid induced platelet aggreg ation and protection from both hypobaric and cyanide induced hypoxia in mic e. These activities suggest a possible cerebroprotective action to be furth er investigated. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.