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-octahydroindolo[2,3-a]quinolizine (MIQ), was prepared and found different on chromatographic comparison from the isolated metabolite M4. However, the pharmacological screening of this compound evidenced, among others, some interesting properties as inhibition of arachidonic acid induced platelet aggregation and protection from both hypobaric and cyanide induced hypoxia in mice. These activities suggest a possible cerebroprotective action to be further investigated.