(R,S)-AM1241

Description

AM1241 is a cannabinoid (CB) receptor agonist that is selective for CB₂ over CB₁ with K_i values of 7.1 and 580 nM for human recombinant receptors transfected into HEK and CHO cells, respectively, in a radioligand binding assay. It is considered a protean agonist as it has neutral antagonist and partial agonist activity, depending on the assay utilized. It is also acts in a species-dependent manner in vitro, acting as an agonist at human CB₂ receptors (EC₅₀ = 190 nM) but an inverse agonist at rat and mouse CB₂ receptors (EC₅₀s = 216 and 463 nM, respectively). AM1241 produces antinociception to thermal stimuli in rat hindpaw. The antinociceptive actions of AM1241 were blocked by the CB₂ receptor-selective antagonist AM630 but not by the CB₁ receptor-selective antagonist AM251 . AM1241 is neuroprotective, preventing HIV-1 glycoprotein Gp120-induced apoptosis in primary human and murine neural progenitor cells and increasing cell survival and differentiation. It increases hippocampal neurogenesis and decreases astro- and gliogenesis in GFAP/Gp120 transgenic mice when administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg daily for ten days. AM1241 also delays motor impairment in a murine model of amytrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The Uses of (R,S)-AM1241

(2-Iodo-5-nitrophenyl)[1-[(1-methyl-2-piperidinyl)methyl]-1H-indol-3-yl]methanone is a compound from the aminkalkylindole family which exerts potent and selective agonist activity for the cannabinoid receptor CB2.

The Uses of (R,S)-AM1241

(R,S)-AM1241 has been used as a cannabinoid CB2 agonist:

• to study its inhibitory effect on bone cancer-induced pain and bone loss
• to study the effect of its interaction with 17βestradiol on proliferation activity in primary human osteoblasts
• to evaluate the sites of CB2 mediated antinociception in vivo.

Biochem/physiol Actions

AM1241 acts as an antinociceptive agent in several animal pain models. It has a potential to delay disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mouse model. Intrathecal, intravenous or intraperitoneal administration of AM1241 reduces hyperalgesia and allodynia in neuropathic rats.