The present invention relates to novel substituted oxindole derivatives of theformula (l)(see formula I)in which X1, X2, X3, X4, A, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8,R9, a, m, and n areasdefined in the specification. The present invention also relates topharmaceuticalagents containing said derivatives, and the use thereof for the treatment ofvasopressin-dependent illnesses.