Description
AM1241 is a cannabinoid (CB) receptor agonist that is selective for CB
2 over CB
1 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 CB
2 receptors (EC
50 = 190 nM) but an inverse agonist at rat and mouse CB
2 receptors (EC
50s = 216 and 463 nM, respectively). AM1241 produces antinociception to thermal stimuli in rat hindpaw. The antinociceptive actions of AM1241 were blocked by the CB
2 receptor-selective antagonist AM630 but not by the CB
1 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).
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.
