Ampakines or AMPAkines are a subgroup of AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulators with a benzamide or closely related chemical structure.[1][2] They are also known as "CX compounds".[1] Ampakines take their name from the AMPA receptor (AMPAR), a type of ionotropic glutamate receptor with which the ampakines interact and act as positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of.[1] Although all ampakines are AMPAR PAMs, not all AMPAR PAMs are ampakines.
They are currently being investigated as potential treatment for a range of conditions involving mental disability and disturbances such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or neurological disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), among others.[1]
More recently developed ampakine compounds are much more potent and selective for the AMPA receptor target, and while none of the newer selective ampakine compounds have yet come onto the market, various ampakines are in clinical trials.[1]
- ^ a b c d e Froestl W, Muhs A, Pfeifer A (2012). "Cognitive enhancers (nootropics). Part 1: drugs interacting with receptors". J. Alzheimers Dis. 32 (4): 793–887. doi:10.3233/JAD-2012-121186. PMID 22886028.
- ^ O'Neill, M. J.; Bleakman, D.; Zimmerman, D. M.; Nisenbaum, E. S. (2004). "AMPA Receptor Potentiators for the Treatment of CNS Disorders". Current Drug Targets. CNS and Neurological Disorders. 3 (3): 181–194. doi:10.2174/1568007043337508. PMID 15180479.