200px|thumb|right|class=skin-invert-image|[[CX-516, one of the earliest and a prototypical ampakine.]]

Ampakines or AMPAkines are a subgroup of AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulators with a benzamide or closely related chemical structure. They are also known as "CX compounds". As the AMPA receptors also mediate respiratory drive, CX717 is also being investigated as a therapy in opioid-induced respiratory depression and spinal-cord injury.

Mechanism of action

Ampakines work by allosterically binding to a type of ionotropic glutamate receptor, called AMPA receptors.

The ampakines are mostly low-impact AMPAR PAMs, though with some exceptions, such as tulrampator (S-47445, CX-1632).

Side effects

Few side effects have been determined, but an ampakine called farampator (CX-691) has side effects including headache, drowsiness, nausea, and impaired episodic memory.

Medical applications

An ampakine called CX456 has been proposed as a treatment for Rett syndrome, after favorable testing in an animal model.

Ampakines have been investigated by DARPA to treat sleep deprivation-induced cognitive decline.

See also

  • List of investigational antidepressants

References

Further reading

  • Ampakine Article Abstracts
  • Recent Article About CX717
  • Article on Ampakines with reference to Alzheimers
  • US Patent 5,650,409
  • US Patent 6,030,968
  • US Patent 6,730,677
  • US Patent 7,307,073