ABT-418 (CAS 147388-83-8) is an agonist at neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors displaying the highest potency at α4β2 and α2β2 subtypes (EC50= approximately 6 and 11 μM, respectively).1 Displays anxiolytic activity in a rat model and was 6-fold more potent than diazepam.2 Reduces distractibility in a primate model3 and may have relevance in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder4. Improves cognition in Alzheimer’s disease patients.5
1) Papke et al. (1997), Activation and inhibition of rat neuronal nicotinic receptors by ABT-418; Br. J. Pharmacol., 120 429
2) Brioni et al. (1994), Anxiolytic-like effects of the novel cholinergic channel activator ABT-418; J. Pharmacol. Exp. Therap., 271 353
3) Prendergast et al. (1998), Central nicotinic receptor agonists ABT-418, ABT089, and (-)-nicotine reduce distractibility in adult monkey; Psychopharmacology (Berl), 136 50
4) Beiderman and Spencer (2000), Non-stimulant treatments for ADHD; Eur. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 9 Suppl1 151
5) Potter et al. (1999), Acute effects of the selective cholinergic channel activator (nicotinic agonist) ABT-418 in Alzheimer’s disease; Psychopharmacology (Berl), 142 334
