Psychopharmacological profile of salsolinol.

SAL is a tetraisoquinolein (T.I.Q.), resulting from the condensation of acetaldehyde and dopamine. SAL, injected intraperitoneally, is active in tests commonly used to screen potential antidepressants. This effect is especially studied by using antagonism of apomorphine, reserpine, oxotremorine-induced hypothermia. The noradrenergic system seems to be involved in the mechanism of action.