Synthesis of 3a,4-dihydro-3H-[1]benzopyrano[4,3-c]isoxazoles, displaying combined 5-HT uptake inhibiting and alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonistic activities: a novel series of potential antidepressants.

The synthesis of a series of novel 3-piperazinylmethyl-3a,4-dihydro-3H-[1]benzopyrano[4,3-c]isoxazoles as novel dual 5-HT reuptake inhibitors and alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonists is described. Their affinity at the three different human alpha(2)-adrenoceptor subtypes and the 5-HT transporter site is reported. The in vivo activity of the compounds was measured in two different assays: (1). inhibition of pCA-induced excitation, which evaluates the ability to block the central 5-HT transporter, and (2). inhibition of xylazine-induced loss of righting, which evaluates the ability to block central alpha(2)-adrenoceptors.