Synthesis and Neurotoxic Potential of Racemic and Chiral Dihydroxytetrahydroquinoline Derivatives

The synthesis and preliminary neurotoxic investigation of (±), (+) and (−)-3-amino-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline, (±)-3-amino-6,8-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline and (±)-3-aminomethyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline are described. While exhibiting relatively no dopamine and only moderate norepinephrine depletions, these compounds elicit serotonin depletions equal to those provided by the well-known serotonergic neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine in whole mouse brain.