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Animal studies successfully revealed that a new drug that enhances the activity of a key brain cell receptor involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is capable of reversing learning and memory deficits. The new drug is called AF267B.

In an article in the March 2, 2006, issue of Neuron, Dr. Frank LaFerla of the University of California , Irvine and his colleagues reported the first in vivo studies of the drug's effects.

AF267B was developed by coauthor Abraham Fisher to activate particular receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. These specific receptors, called M1 receptors, are abundant in areas of the brain--the cortex and hippocampus--known to develop severe deposits of plaques and tangles in AD patients. Dysfunction in acetylcholine receptors has been shown to be characteristic of early stages of AD.

The researchers concluded that "the results of the present study show the remarkable therapeutic potential of AF267B. However, more work, including human clinical trials will be necessary.

Source: [EurekAlert]