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| Formula | C20H21NO2 | 
| Molar mass | 307.393 g·mol−1 | 
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MDO-NPA (10,11-methylenedioxy-N-n-propylnoraporphine) is a synthetic aporphine derivative used as a research tool in neuropharmacology. It was developed as a methylenedioxy prodrug of N-n-propylnorapomorphine (NPA). A noteworthy advantage that the MDO-NPA congener has over NPA and apomorphine is that MDO-NPA has a high oral bioavailability, whereas the other two do not and must be delivered via subcutaneous injection or intraperitoneally.
In vivo O-dealkylation releases NPA, yielding an orally effective, relatively long-acting dopaminergic agent that acts at central dopamine receptors. Evidence for this prodrug behavior includes blockade of MDO-NPA’s behavioral effects and prevention of NPA formation by the microsomal oxidase inhibitor SKF-525A. [1]
In animal models, MDO-NPA produces robust dopamine-mediated behavioral effects with “depot-like” properties, and across studies has shown dose-dependent agonist/antagonist interactions and, for certain stereoisomers, limbic-selective actions. [1] [2] MDO-NPA exists as two distinct enantiomers. One of these enantiomers is active as a dopamine agonist while the other is active as a dopamine antagonist. [3]
MDO-NPA has not been developed as a therapeutic drug and remains primarily of experimental interest alongside related aporphine congeners. [2]