The neuro- and cardiovascular pharmacology of RS-51324, a potential antidepressant.

Abstract 1. 1. The neuro- and cardiovascular effects of RS-51324 (DL-4(5)-(2,6dichlorophenyl)-2-methoxycarbonyl-amino-4,5 dihydroimidazole) have been explored in animals. 2. 2. Antidepressant activities of RS-51324 were demonstrated by reserpine antagonism and L-DOPA potentiation. 3. 3. Norepinephrine uptake was inhibited but MAO activity was not inhibited by RS-51324. 4. 4. Peripheral vascular responses to serotonin were potentiated although central effects were not demonstrated. 5. 5. Cardiovascular experiments indicated that RS-51324 lacked anticholinergic effects but had mild antihistaminic activity. 6. 6. RS-51324 potentiated tyramine-induced pressor responses. 7. 7. RS-51324 lacks centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant activity. 8. 8. The LD 50 of RS-51324 was greater than 2 gm/kg. 9. 9. RS-51324 appears to be a membrane-pump inhibiting compound with probable antidepressant activity.