1-Methyl-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1MeTIQ) 1 and various 5-or 6, 7-substituted analogues were synthesized and assayed for neurotoxicity towards SH-SY5Y cells. Among mono-substituted derivatives of 1, hydroxyl substitution decreased the toxicity, while methoxyl substitution increased it. Disubstituted derivatives of 1, 5a and 5b, showed the opposite tendency. Hydroxy-1MeTIQ derivatives were tested for neuroprotective activity, ...