Abstract
N-Allyl derivatives of uracil (U), thymine (T) and 6-methyluracil (6-MU) were prepared, and their pharmacological activities (hypnotic activity and anticonvulsant activity against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) -induced seizures) and interactions with three sedative-hypnotics [pentobarbital (PB), barbital (B) and diazepam (DZ)] were investigated in mice. N1, N3-Diallyluracil (DAU) alone exhibited hypnotic and anticonvulsant activities. None of the other allyl derivatives showed both pharmacological activities. As regards interactions, most of the compounds tested prolonged PB-induced sleep at either 80 or 160 mg/kg, i.p. Further, U, T, and 6-MU (160 mg/kg, i.p.) also prolonged the PB-induced sleeping time. DAU showed a prolonging effect on PB-induced sleep when given by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection. DAU, N1, N3-diallylthymine (DAT) and N1-monoallyluracil (N1-MAU) significantly prolonged the B-induced sleeping time at a dose of 160 mg/kg, i.p. Further, DAU and DAT (40 mg/kg, i.p.) enhanced DZ-induced motor incoordination. These results indicate that U and related compounds possess central nervous system (CNS) - depressant effects and DAU is the most potent among the N-allyl derivatives tested.
