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 are a structurally diverse family of small molecules that positively modulate α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptors, and thereby enhance fast, excitatory transmission throughout the brain. Surprisingly, ampakines have discrete effects on brain activity and behavior.

CX717 is an ampakine compound created by Christopher Marrs and Gary Rogers in 1996 [3] at Cortex Pharmaceuticals. It affects the neurotransmitter glutamate, with trials showing the drug improves cognitive functioning and memory. [4]

Mar 25, 2024 · Ampakines are a class of nootropic compounds that positively modulate AMPA receptors in the brain. AMPA receptors are critical for glutamate transmission and synaptic plasticity, which are fundamental processes in learning, memory, and overall cognitive function.

Recent demonstrations that positive modulators of AMPA-type glutamate receptors (ampakines) increase neuronal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression have suggested a novel strategy for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

CX-516 is an ampakine and nootropic that acts as an AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulator and had been undergoing development by a collaboration between Cortex, Shire, and Servier. It was studied as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease under the brand name Ampalex, and was also being examined as a treatment for ADHD.

Ampakines are orally available small molecules that bind allosterically to AMPARs and enhance excitatory currents elicited by the endogenous agonist glutamate. In preclinical studies, ampakines are effective in ameliorating symptoms in a battery of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases in which excitatory transmission is compromised.

Ampakines are the first peripherally administered drugs that increase excitatory monosynaptic responses in the brain. Because of this effect, the compounds improve communication in complex networks, potently facilitate long-term potentiation (LTP) and induce the expression of neurotrophic factors.

Ampakines are a class of drugs that modulate neurotransmitters in the brain. One of the major neurotransmitters is glutamate, and a reduced level of glutamate-mediated excitatory stimulation has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and a number of …

AMPAkines alleviate pain hypersensitivity as well as depression-like behaviors associated with long-lasting nerve injury and inflammatory insult. Despite advances in pain research, pharmacologic options remain limited. Opioids remain the most potent postoperative analgesic.