SSR-180,575 is a drug which acts as a selective
agonist
An agonist is a chemical that activates a receptor to produce a biological response. Receptors are cellular proteins whose activation causes the cell to modify what it is currently doing. In contrast, an antagonist blocks the action of the ago ...
at the
peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, also known as the mitochondrial 18 kDa translocator protein or TSPO. It has been shown to have
neuroprotective
Neuroprotection refers to the relative preservation of neuronal structure and/or function. In the case of an ongoing insult (a neurodegenerative insult) the relative preservation of neuronal integrity implies a reduction in the rate of neuronal los ...
and cardioprotective effects and to stimulate
steroidogenesis
A steroid is a biologically active organic compound with four rings arranged in a specific molecular configuration. Steroids have two principal biological functions: as important components of cell membranes that alter membrane fluidity; and ...
of
pregnenolone
Pregnenolone (P5), or pregn-5-en-3β-ol-20-one, is an endogenous steroid and precursor/ metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of most of the steroid hormones, including the progestogens, androgens, estrogens, glucocorticoids, and minera ...
in the brain, which may be linked to its neuroprotective action.
See also
*
Emapunil
Emapunil (AC-5216, XBD-173) is an anxiolytic drug which acts as a selective agonist at the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor, also known as the mitochondrial 18 kDa translocator protein or TSPO. This protein has multiple functions, among which ...
References
TSPO ligands
Indoles
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