Therapeutic Uses of Ampakines

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