Pharmacological characterization of DM232 (unifiram) and DM235 (sunifiram), new potent cognition enhancers

CNS Drug Rev. 2006 Spring;12(1):39-52. doi: 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2006.00039.x.

Abstract

DM232 (unifiram) and DM235 (sunifiram) are potent cognition-enhancers, which are four order of magnitude more potent than piracetam. These compounds, although not showing affinity in binding studies for the most important central receptors or channels, are able to prevent amnesia induced by modulation of several neurotransmission systems. These compounds are able to increase the release of acetylcholine from rat cerebral cortex, and, as far as unifiram is concerned, to increase the amplitude of fEPSP in rat hippocampal slices. In vitro experiments, performed on hippocampal slices, also supported the hypothesis of a role of the AMPA receptors for the cognition-enhancing properties of unifiram and sunifiram.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System / drug effects
  • Cognition / drug effects*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Nootropic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Nootropic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Piperazines / pharmacology*
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use
  • Pyrroles / pharmacology*
  • Pyrroles / therapeutic use
  • Synaptic Transmission / drug effects

Substances

  • Nootropic Agents
  • Piperazines
  • Pyrroles
  • DM 235
  • DM 232