In collaborations with J. Cook, University of Wisconsin, USA, and Robert Dodd, CNRS, Gif sur Yvette, France, we are aiming to develop GABAA receptor subtype-selective drugs. Recent studies in our laboratory identified compounds, such as PWZ-029, with a partial inverse agonist effect on α5 subunit-containing GABAA receptors, that could have memory enhancing properties (Savic et al. 2008, Brain Res. 1208: 150). Other compounds investigated (not shown) exhibit a significant selectivity for α2 and α3 subunit-containing receptors, that could have application as anxiolytics or as drugs against neuropathic pain.
Researchers involved:
Joachim Ramerstorfer
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