B-193 is a serotonin 5-HT2 receptor antagonist of the β-carboline family. It shows affinity for serotonin 5-HT2 and α1-adrenergic receptors and much lower affinity for serotonin 5-HT1 and α2-adrenergic receptors. The drug also inhibits serotonin-induced contractions in the rat fundus stomach strip. Conversely, it does not inhibit serotonin or norepinephrine reuptake.
B-193 reverses the effects of various serotonergic agents in animals, such as the head-twitch response induced by 5-HTP and LSD and the hyperthermia induced by fenfluramine and mCPP, among various others. On the other hand, it does not influence effects of most dopaminergic agents, including reserpine, levodopa, and apomorphine, though it did enhance amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion. The drug produces antidepressant-like effects in rodents and was regarded as having the profile of an atypical antidepressant. The toxicity of B-193 has been studied.
B-193 was first described in the scientific literature by 1989.
See also Substituted β-carboline Pertine
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