OXOTREMORINE

Definition

ChEBI: Oxotremorine is a N-alkylpyrrolidine.

General Description

Oxotremorine [1-(-pyrrolidono)-4-pyrrolidino-2-butyne] has been regarded as a CNS muscarinicstimulant. Its action on the brain produces tremors inexperimental animals. It increases ACh brain levels in ratsup to 40% and has been studied as a drug in the treatment ofAlzheimer disease. Although earlier studies suggested thatthis approach of elevating levels of ACh to treat Alzheimerdisease is useful, this belief was highly disputed by manyresearchers.

Clinical Use

Nevertheless, oxotremorine, as a cholinergicagonist, facilitates memory storage. These findings haveserved as important leads in the development of agents usefulin treating Alzheimer disease. Although it possessesgroups that do not occur in other highly active muscarinicagents, oxotremorine’s trans conformation shows that distancesbetween possible active centers correspond with (+)-muscarine.

Safety Profile

Poison by ingestion and intraperitoneal routes. Moderately toxic by intravenous route. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx.