Imipramine, amitriptyline, desmethylimipramine and nortriptyline were evaluated for their anti-tetrabenazine activity in hypothyroid, propylthiouracil-treated rats. Imipramine and amitriptyline were not significantly different in their effect in euthyroid or in hypothyroid rats. Desmethylimipramine and nortriptyline showed significantly higher activity in hypothyroid rats than in euthyroid ones. Their effect in hypothyroid rats was significantly higher than that of the parent (dimethyl) compounds.
The implications of these results are discussed.
Supported by a grant from the Joint Research Fund of the Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School.The authors gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Mr. Z. Abraham.