Recent developments in novel antidepressants targeting α4β2-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Basic Information

ID: ALA3352239

Journal: J Med Chem

Title: Recent developments in novel antidepressants targeting α4β2-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Authors: Yu LF, Zhang HK, Caldarone BJ, Eaton JB, Lukas RJ, Kozikowski AP.

Abstract: Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been investigated for developing drugs that can potentially treat various central nervous system disorders. Considerable evidence supports the hypothesis that modulation of the cholinergic system through activation and/or desensitization/inactivation of nAChR holds promise for the development of new antidepressants. The introductory portion of this Miniperspective discusses the basic pharmacology that underpins the involvement of α4β2-nAChRs in depression, along with the structural features that are essential to ligand recognition by the α4β2-nAChRs. The remainder of this Miniperspective analyzes reported nicotinic ligands in terms of drug design considerations and their potency and selectivity, with a particular focus on compounds exhibiting antidepressant-like effects in preclinical or clinical studies. This Miniperspective aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the potential for using nicotinic ligands in the treatment of depression, which may hold some promise in addressing an unmet clinical need by providing relief from depressive symptoms in refractory patients.

CiteXplore: 24901260

DOI: 10.1021/jm401937a

Patent ID: