| abstract |
The invention relates to tetracyclic ketones of the general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein n represents 1, 2 or 3; n Im represents an imidazolyl group of the formula: ##STR2## wherein one of the groups represented by R 1 , R 2 and R 3 is a hydrogen atom or a C 1-6 alkyl, C 3 -7cycloalkyl, C 3-6 alkenyl, phenyl or phenylC 1-3 alkyl group, and each of the other two groups, which may be the same or different, represents a hydrogen atom or a C 1-6 alkyl group; n Y represents a group --(CH 2 )m--, where m represents 2, 3 or 4, or a group --X(CH 2 ) p --, where p represents 2 or 3, X represents an oxygen or a sulphur atom or a group NR 4 , where R 4 is a C 1-6 alkyl group, and X is attached to the benzene ring moiety of the molecule; n and physiologically acceptable salts and solvates thereof. n The compounds are potent and selective antagonists of the effect of 5-HT at 5-HT 3 receptors and are useful, for example, in the treatment of psychotic disorders, anxiety, and nausea and vomiting. |