Antitussive and respiratory effects of three newly synthesized methanobenzazonine derivatives and their d- and l-isomers were investigated to understand the relationship between the
cough and respiratory centers.
Antitussive effects were evaluated with the PEC (
puncture electrode-induced
cough) method in conscious d-, dl-, and l-ST-2123; d-, dl-, and
l-ST-2121 into the right carotid artery at a dose range of 0.2-0.8 mg caused no effect on respiration. dl-ST-2121 at 0.4 to 0.8 mg and
l-ST-2121 at 0.2 to 0.8 mg depressed respiration dose-dependently.
Codeine (0.2-0.8 mg) depressed respiration slightly.
Morphine (0.2-0.8 mg) depressed respiration more strongly. All the methanobenzazonine derivatives used, when given intraperitoneally, showed
antitussive potencies that were 1/3-1/2 the potency of
codeine. The
antitussive potencies of the d-, dl-, and l-isomers of the three derivatives used were discussed on the bases of chemical structures and
drug receptors. These results provide evidence of a discrepancy between the
cough and respiratory centers in the brain stem.