Abstract |
Nefiracetam (1-10 microM), a nootropic (or cognition-enhancing) agent, persistently potentiated currents through Torpedo acetylcholine ( ACh) receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes as a result of interacting with a protein kinase C pathway and the ensuing protein kinase C phosphorylation of the receptors. A similar effect was found in neuronal nicotinic ACh receptors (alpha4beta2 and alpha7). In contrast, the other nootropic agents such as piracetam and aniracetam had no potentiating action on the receptors. A sustained enhancement in the activity of nicotinic ACh receptors induced by nefiracetam caused a marked increase in the glutamate release, leading to a long-term potentiation-like facilitation of hippocampal synaptic transmissions. One of the consistent neuropathologic features of the Alzheimer brain is a loss of nicotinic ACh receptors. This fact, together with the results of our study, raises the possibility that the loss of nicotinic ACh receptors may be a key factor in the decline of cognitive function observed in Alzheimer disease and that agents targeting neuronal nicotinic ACh receptors like nefiracetam could, therefore, be of great therapeutic importance.
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Authors | T Nishizaki, T Matsuoka, T Nomura, T Kondoh, S Watabe, T Shiotani, M Yoshii |
Journal | Alzheimer disease and associated disorders
(Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord)
Vol. 14 Suppl 1
Pg. S82-94
( 2000)
ISSN: 0893-0341 [Print] United States |
PMID | 10850735
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Nootropic Agents
- Pyrrolidinones
- Receptors, Nicotinic
- Glutamine
- nefiracetam
- Protein Kinase C
- Acetylcholine
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Topics |
- Acetylcholine
(metabolism)
- Alzheimer Disease
(physiopathology)
- Animals
- Cognition Disorders
- Electrophysiology
- Glutamine
(metabolism)
- Hippocampus
(drug effects, physiology)
- Nootropic Agents
(pharmacology)
- Oocytes
- Protein Kinase C
(metabolism)
- Pyrrolidinones
(pharmacology)
- Receptors, Nicotinic
(drug effects, physiology)
- Synaptic Transmission
(drug effects, physiology)
- Xenopus
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