Small Molecule Activators of the TRK Receptors for Neuroprotection

Abstract

Our central hypothesis is that asterriquinone activators of the Trk receptors would prevent the neuronal cell death associated with traumatic brain injury and would improve cognitive and motor outcomes. We have developed agonists to TrkA and TrkB. The TrkA agonist has been tested in a preclinical model of cognitive impairment and a model of traumatic brain injury. The drug improves learning in a Morris water maze paradigm and reduces infarct volume in a controlled cortical impact model of brain injury. Preliminary pharmacokinetic data indicates the drug is orally available. Further analogs with improve potency and specificity are being developed.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2011
Accession Number
ADA555936

Entities

People

  • Michael C. Pirrung
  • Nicholas J. Webster
  • Stan Krajewski

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Blood
  • Blood Coagulation
  • Blood Proteins
  • Blood-Brain Barrier
  • Brain
  • Brain Injuries
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cognitive Impairment
  • Learning
  • Mathematical Models
  • Molecules
  • Neural Networks
  • Neurons
  • Proteins
  • Small Molecules
  • Wounds And Injuries

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Medicine
  • Psychology

Readers

  • Neuroscience
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.