The cardiovascular activity of 2-amino-5-(3,4-dichlorophenoxymethyl)-2-oxazoline (APMO)

The cardiovascular activity of APMO was studied in dogs. When compared on a mg/kg basis, its pressor effect was less than that of d-amphetamine. APMO has a diphasic action on blood pressure: a depressor followed by a pressor activity. Upon repeated administration, tachyphylaxis developed to its pressor but not to its depressor effect. The pressor effect of the APMO was antagonized either by reserpine or by phenoxybenzamine pretreatments. This finding suggests that the compound is acting indirectly through the release of norepinephrine from peripheral nerve endings. Spinalectomy did not significantly affect its pressor activity. This finding indicates that the brain is not involved in its pressor effect.