Abstract:
A dihydrodibenzocycloheptyliden-ethyl-piperazine derivative of the general formula: ##STR1## in which, R=--CH═CH 2  ; --CH 2  OH; --COOH; --CO 2  C 2  H 5  ; --CH═CH--CO 2  CH 3  ; --CH═CH--CO 2  CH 3 , --C 6  H 5 , ##STR2##  or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are disclosed. The compounds of the invention are useful in pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of pathologies responsive to vasodilatory agents.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 635,898, filed July 30, 1984, now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention concerns pharmacologically active compounds derived from dihydrodibenzocycloheptylidenethylpiperazine, useful in the treatment of pathologies responsive to vasodilatory agents. 
     Many agents displaying such activity are known. For example, cinarizine and flunarizine are antiulcer agents. However, the activity of these agents is not always satisfactory. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide new pharmacologically active compounds displaying this activity. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This object is attained according to the present invention by novel compounds derived from dihydrodibenzocyclohepyliden-ethylpiperazine of the general formula (I-B) ##STR3## wherein, R=--CH═CH 2  ; --CH 2  OH; --COOH; --CO 2  C 2  H 5  ; --CH═CH--CO 2  CH 3  ; ##STR4## 
     Salts and other derivatives of the compounds of Formula I-B, likewise of pharmacological interest, such as N-oxides and quaternary ammonium salts are also included within the scope of the present invention, as well as the process for the production of said compounds and their derivatives, and therapeutic applications of the same. 
     The compounds according to the present invention possess a marked vasodilatory activity, as will be set forth further below. 
     The compounds defined by the general formula I-B are prepared by reacting an piperazine of general formula II-B ##STR5## wherein R is the same as defined for general formula I-B, with a halogen derivative of the formula III-B ##STR6## wherein, W is a chlorine or bromine atom. 
     The reaction is carried out in an inert solvent and in the presence of a hydrogen halide binder, which may be an inorganic or organic base, or an excess of the original amine. The compounds of general formula I-B may also be prepared by reacting the piperazine of formula IV-B ##STR7## with a halogen derivative of the general formula W--CH 2  --R, wherein W and R are the same as before. 
     The reaction is carried out in the same conditions as before. 
     Finally, the compounds of general formula I-B may also be prepared by reacting the aldehyde of formula V-B ##STR8## with a piperazine of the general formula II-B (as before), in the presence of a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride or catalytic hydrogenation. 
     An alternative form for the compounds of formula I-B includes salts thereof with minimal acids, such as, for example, hydrochloric, sulfuric or nitric acid, or with organic acids, such as, for example, oxalic, salycylic, citric, maleic or fumaric acid. The employment of hydrochloric or maleic acid is, however, preferable, due to their favorable pharmacological properties. 
     In the embodiments which follow, the compounds of formula I-B are designated for purposes of simplicity by the alphabetic expression &#34;WAS- . . . &#34; followed by a number which is exclusive for the specific combination of substituent choices as set forth. 
     The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Examples 1 and 2 show chemical synthesis of the compounds according to the present invention: 
    
    
     EXAMPLE 1 
     Preparation of N-benzyl-N&#39;-2-(10,11-dihydrodibenzo-(a,d)-cyclohept-5-yliden)-ethyl piperazine 
     This compound is designated as WAS-4206. 
     A mixture of 5.10 g (20 mmoles) of 2-chloro-1-(10,11-dihydrodibenzo-(a,d)-cyclohept-5-yliden)-ethane and 3.52 g (20 mmoles) of N-benzylpiperazine is refluxed in 100 ml of acetonitrile for 4 hours in the presence of 2.52 g (3 mmoles) of sodium bicarbonate 
     The mixture is then cooled and filtered followed by elimination of the solvent and recrystallization of the residue from 10 ml of acetone. In this manner, 3.78 g of N&#39;-2-(10,11-dihydro-dibenzo-(a,d)-cyclohept-5-yliden)ethylpiperazine are obtained. 
     Yield: 48%. 
     Analytical data: 
     
         ______________________________________Melting point:         128-130° C.IR:           3055, 3015, 2930, 2800, 1600, 1485,         1450, 1145, 1010, 770, 755, 740 and         700.NMR:          7.25/sc(13H); 6.0/t(1H); 3.50/t(2H);         3.10/sc(8H); 2.5/s(4H); 2.35/sc(2H)______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 2 
     Preparation of N-2-(10,11-dihydrobenzo-(a,d)-cyclohept-5-yliden)-ethyl-N&#39;-(2-thenyl)-piperazine 
     This compound is briefly designated as WAS-4226. 
     A mixture of 5.10 g (20 mmoles) of 2-chloro-1-(10,11-dihydrodibenzo-(a,d)cyclohept-5-ylidene)-ethane and 3.64 g (20 mmoles) of N-2-thenylpiperazine is refluxed in 100 ml of chloroform for 6 hours in the presence of 2.52 g (30 mmoles) of sodium bicarbonate. 
     The mixture is cooled and filtered, and the solvent is eliminated, after which the residue is suspended in 50 ml of acetone and treated with an excess of saturated maleic acid in acetone. The precipitate is filtered and recrystallized from water. A product of 6.24 g of N-2-(10,11-dihydrodibenzo-(a,d)-cyclohept-5-yliden)-ethyl-N&#39;-2-(thenyl)piperazine associated at 1:2 with maleic acid is obtained. 
     Yield: 50%. 
     
         ______________________________________Melting point:         202° C. (decomposition)IR:           3070, 3010, 1690, 1625, 870, 775,         760, 745 and 650.NMR:          8.8/sc(4H); 7.6/sc(1H); 7.3/t(10H);         6.25/s(1H); 6.05/s(1H);         2.5-4.0/sc(16H)______________________________________ 
    
     EXAMPLE 3 
     Preparation of N-benzyl-N&#39;-2-(10,11-dihydrodibenzo-(a-d)-cyclohept-5-yliden)-ethylpiperazine (WAS-4206) 
     A mixture of 6.08 g (20 mmoles) of N-2-(10,11-clihydrodibenzo-(a,d)-cyclohept-5-yliden)ethylpiperazine and 2.53 g (20 mmoles) of benzyl chloride in 100 ml of acetonitrile is heated under reflux for 6 hours in the presence of 2.52 g (30 mmole) of sodium bicarbonate. Working-up as in Example 1 yields 3.54 g of WAS-4206 (Yield: 45%). The analytical data are the same as for Example 1. 
     EXAMPLE 4 
     Preparation of N-2-(10,11-dihydrodibenzo-(a,d)-cyclohept-5-yliden)-ethyl-N&#39;-(2-thenyl)-piperazine (WAS-4226) 
     A mixture of 4.68 g (20 mmole) of (10,11-dihydrodibenzo-(a,d)-cyclohept-5-yliden)ethanal and 3.64 g (20 mmoles) of N-2-thenyl-piperazine in 100 ml of methanol is treated with 0.76 g (20 mmoles of sodium borohydride in 10 ml of methanol. 
     Working up is as in Example 2 yields 6.86 g of WAS-4226 dimaleate. (Yield: 55%). 
     The analytical data are the same as for Example 2. 
     In Table 1 some columns are headed by alphabetical signs, with the following significance: 
     
         ______________________________________Column A =     No. of ExampleColumn B =     Brief denomination of the compound obtained     and analyzed.Column C =     Indicates the number corresponding to the     former Example (1 or 2) in which the method     of preparation has been described in detail.Column D =     Melting point in degrees C.______________________________________ 
    
     
                                           TABLE 1__________________________________________________________________________                   Analytical DataA   B     R           C D    NMR__________________________________________________________________________Ex. 10    WAS-4207     CHCHC.sub.6 H.sub.5                 1 120-122                        7.2/sc(13); 5.5-6.1/sc(3);                        2.5-3.7/sc(16)Ex. 21    WAS-4220      ##STR9##   2 144 (*)                        8.55/d(2); 7.45/d(2); 7.1/sc(8) 6.0/t(1);                        2.5-4.0/sc(16)Ex. 22    WAS-4221      ##STR10##  2 189 (*)                        7.6/sc(1); 7.2/sc(10); 6.0/t(1);                        2.5-4.0/sc(16)Ex. 23    WAS-4222      ##STR11##  2 192 (*)                        7.2/sc(8); 5.95/t(1); 2.5-3.75/sc(22)Ex. 24    WAS-4223      ##STR12##  2 178 (*)                        7.25/sc(8); 6.0/t(1); 1.5-4.0/sc(26)Ex. 25    WAS-4224      ##STR13##  2 186 (*)                        7.15/sc(8); 5.9/t(1); 1.6-3.7/sc(24)Ex. 26    WAS-4225      ##STR14##  2 179 (*)                        7.25/sc(8); 5.3-6.1/sc(4);  2.3-3.7/sc(16)Ex. 27    WAS-4227      ##STR15##  2 161 (*)                        8.6/sc(2); 7.8/sc(2); 7.25/sc(8) 6.0/t(1);                        2.5-3.7/sc(16)Ex. 29    WAS-4229     CH.sub.2 OH 2 159 (*)                        8.5/sa(1); 7.15/sc(8);                        6.0/t(1); 2.5-4.0/sc(18)Ex. 31    WAS-4231     CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 OCO                 2 181 (*)                        7.25/sc(8); 6.0/t(1);                        1.8-4/sc(21)Ex. 32    WAS-4232      ##STR16##  2 148 (*)                        7.7-8.5/sc(4); 7.2/sc(8); 6.0/t(1);                        2.5-4.0/sc(16)Ex. 33    WAS-4233     COOH        2 197 (*)                        7.15/sc(8); 6.0/t(1);                        2.5-3.5/sc(19)Ex. 34    WAS-4234      ##STR17##  2 191 (*)                        7.6/sc(1); 7.2/sc(10); 6.0/t(1);                        2.5-4/sc(16)Ex. 37    WAS-4237     CHCHCOOCH.sub.3                 2 178 (*)                        7.25/sc(8); 5.5-6.1/sc(3);                        2.5-4/sc(19);Ex. 38    WAS-4238     ClC.sub.6 H.sub.5                 2 183 (*)                        7.2/sc(12); 6.0/t(1);                        2.5-4/sc(16)Ex. 39    WAS-4239      ##STR18##  2 160 (*)                        7.2/sc(8); 5.9/t(1); 4.9/sa(1);                        2.5-4/sc(16); 1.6/sc(15)Ex. 72    WAS-4601      ##STR19##  2 105 (*)                        8.3/sa(2); 7.2/sc(8); 6.0/t(1);                        2.5-4.0/sc(26)Ex. 73    WAS-4602     C.sub.6 H.sub.5CO                 2 176 (*)                        7.2/sc(13); 6.0/t(1);                        2.5-4.0/sc(16)Ex. 74    WAS-4604      ##STR20##  2 186 (*)                        9.5/sa(1); 7.5/sc(1); 7.2/sc(10); 6.0/t(1);                        2.5-4/sc(19)Ex. 75    WAS-4605      ##STR21##  2 172 (*)                        7.2/sc(13); 5.4-6.1/sc(3) 2.5-4.0/sc(16)__________________________________________________________________________ 
    
     PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
     The compounds according to the present invention possess vasodilatory activity. What follows is a description of the methods used for evaluation of the above-mentioned pharmacological activity, together with the results obtained with the most representative compounds among those according to the present invention. 
     Vasodilatory Activity 
     The results corresponding to this trial are shown in Tables 2 and 3, which follow. 
     The results have been expressed symbolically by crosses, the number of which being proportional to the intensity of effect, with the maximum value of four crosses representing an intensity of action comparable to the standard drug used. The significance of the symbols is as follows: 
     ++++Very intense activity 
     +++Considerable activity 
     ++Low activity 
     +Low activity 
     0 Null activity 
     In order to test the vasodilatory activity, the first trial employs the technique of the isolated rat hind-quarters (Table 2), which involves antagonizing the vasoconstrictive effect of perfusion of hyperkalaemic Tyrode solution, according to the method of F. N. Fastier and F. H. Smirk (J. Pharm. Exp. Therap. 89, 256-170 (1947)), and then calculating for the products which show the greatest activity, the ED 30 , that is the dose which produces a 30% vasodilatory activity with respect to the basic vasoconstriction. 
     For the remaining, less active products, the activity is expressed in the form of crosses with respect to the standard drugs, in this case, cinnarizine and flunarizine. 
     
                       TABLE 2______________________________________  Compound Vasodilatory Activity  Described in           (Rat hind-quarters)Compound Example No.               Evaluation                         ED.sub.30 × 10.sup.-5 × 10______________________________________                         MWAS-4206 1 and 3    ++++      1.93WAS-4207 10         ++++      2.17WAS-4220 21         0         --WAS-4221 22         0         --WAS-4222 23         +         --WAS-4223 24         0         --WAS-4224 25         0         --WAS-4225 26         ++++      1.46WAS-4226 2 and 4    0         --WAS-4227 27         +         --WAS-4229 29         0         --WAS-4231 31         ++        --WAS-4232 32         ++        --WAS-4233 33         0         --WAS-4234 34         0         --WAS-4237 37         ++++      4.23WAS-4238 38         0         --WAS-4239 39         ++        --WAS-4601 72         ++++      4.33WAS-4602 73         0         --WAS-4604 74         +         --WAS-4605 75         ++++      2.97The results obtained with standard drugs are as follows:Cinnarizine     ++++       1.51Flunarizine     ++++      3.47______________________________________ 
    
     In a further trial, the vasodilatory activity is evaluated by the technique of vasodilation in perfused rabbit cerebral territory as described by P. Vaupel and H. Hutten (Arzneim. Forsch./Drug Res. 30(I), 598-602 (1980)), calculating the variation in perfusion pressure after treatment (Table 3). 
     Table 3 employs the same conventional signs based on crosses, with the same relative significance as in Table 2. 
     The standard drug employed is cinnarizine. 
     
                       TABLE 3______________________________________           Vasodilatory Activity           (Rabbit cerebral territory)   Compound                Vasodilatory   Described in            Index (*)Compound   Example No.   Evaluation                           (mm.sup.2)______________________________________WAS-4206   1 and 3       ++        285.3WAS-4207   10            0         16.2WAS-4220   21            ++++      1159.2WAS-4221   22            +++       321.4WAS-4222   23            ++++      454.6WAS-4223   24            ++++      1133.6WAS-4224   25            +++       342.0WAS-4225   26            0         0WAS-4226   2 and 4       0         74.0WAS-4227   27            ++        253.7WAS-4229   29            0         55.6WAS-4231   31            0         0WAS-4232   32            0         46.8WAS-4233   33            0         0WAS-4234   34            0         0WAS-4237   37            0         19.6WAS-4238   38            0         0WAS-4239   39            0         0WAS-4601   72            +         180.8WAS-4602   73            +++       378.3WAS-4604   74            0         20.0WAS-4605   75            ++++      420.9The result obtained with the standard drug is as follows:Cinnarizine       ++++      535.0______________________________________ (*) Calculated by multiplying the % vasodilation by duration of action. 
    
     Toxicity 
     Table 4 sets forth the results of the indicative LD 50  for the most representative of the compounds according to the present invention. 
     The compounds are administered by the intraperitoneal route to Swiss mice, after which the toxic effects are observed, and the mortality rate and the LD 50  7 days post-administration are calculated. 
     
                       TABLE 4______________________________________       Compound       Described   Indicative LD.sub.50Compound    in Example No.                   mg/kg i.p.______________________________________WAS-4206    1 and 3     880WAS-4207    10          925WAS-4220    21          185WAS-4221    22          185WAS-4222    23          185WAS-4223    24          185WAS-4224    25          385WAS-4225    26          175WAS-4226    2 and 4     385WAS-4227    27          175WAS-4229    29          115WAS-4231    31          175WAS-4232    32          115WAS-4233    33          900WAS-4234    34          600WAS-4237    37          3000WAS-4238    38          340WAS-4239    39          340WAS-4601    72          125WAS-4602    73          200WAS-4604    74          900WAS-4605    75          115______________________________________ 
    
     Therapeutical Applications 
     The compound described in the present invention have the following therapeutical applications: 
     Treatment and prophylaxis of cerebral circulatory insufficiency; cerebral vascular accidents, hemiplegic sequaelae, prevention of relapse; dizzy spells and Meunier-type syndromes; protection of the brain against endogenous, toxic, endocrine, infections and drug-induced aggressions; 
     complementary treatment of arterial hypertension; prevention of capillary fragility and hyperpermeability; basic treatment of geriatric cerebral vascular pathology; peripheral vascular disorders; generalized arteriosclerosis and its symptoms; opthalmic and vestibular vascular disorders. 
     PHARMACEUTICAL FORMS AND DOSAGE 
     All of the compounds according to the present invention can be administered by means of all the pharmaceutical forms compatible with their pharmacotechnical and therapeutic properties, at an adequate dosage. This includes tablets, dragees, pills, capsules, powders, lozenges, syrups and the like for oral administration, suppositories for rectal administration, and injection solutions for parenteral administration. The daily dose of the active pharmaceutical product may vary over a wide margin between 0.1 mg and 1,500  mg depending on the therapeutic application and the form of administration. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in dihydrodibenzocycloheptyliden-ethyl-piperazine derivatives and process for preparation thereof, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes can be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of the prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention. 
     What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.