| Ampakines
have a broad range of potential therapeutic applications. These
include relief of the effects of sleep deprivation, poor memories,
stupidity (yes, they could be smart drugs!), Alzheimers, other
forms of dementia, and general cognitive decline. Memory decline
in human aging and dementia is linked to dysfunction of the cholinergic
system.
Ampakines increase excitatory monosynaptic (that is - by one
synapse between two neurons) responses, allowing increased communication
rates through the neural network. There is hope that ampakines
may improve long-term
potentiation that assists in memory.
CX-516 (Ampalex) is known to enhance response of neuronal receptors,
and it suspected to be a potential therapy for Alzheimer's Disease.
Preliminary results suggest that CX516 and other ampakines hold
promise for the treatment of schizophrenia. A 2006 study at the
University of
Alberta found that CX-546 reversed respitory depression in
rats. It worked for both opiod and barbituate-induced repitory
depression.
A research team centered at Wake Forest University is verifying
and extending preliminary data demonstrating that the novel class
of medicines known as "Ampakines" is protective against
cognitive deficits associated with sleep deprivation. Ampakines
already have been proven safe in humans, and are currently in
clinical trials for the restoration of mental function in patients
with dementia. It is envisioned that Ampakines may provide an
alternative to current stimulant medications used by pilots.
Scientists continue to delve into the neuroanatomical, neurochemical,
and molecular basis of wakefulness, which remains largely a mystery.
It is known that multiple brain areas (hypothalamus, thalamus,
and basal forebrain) must integrate and relay information from
the brainstem to the cortex for the brain to be wakeful.
Ampakines for Schizophrenia |