Idazoxan
Encyclopedia
Idazoxan is a drug
which is used in scientific research. It acts as both a selective α2 adrenergic receptor
antagonist
, and an antagonist for the imidazoline receptor
. Idazoxan has been under investigation as an antidepressant
, but it did not reach the market as such. More recently, it is under investigation as an adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia
. Due to its alpha-2 receptor antagonism it is capable of enhancing therapeutic effects of antipsychotics, possibly by enhancing dopamine
neurotransmission
in the prefrontal cortex
of the brain, a brain area thought to be involved in the pathogenesis
of schizophrenia.
Drug
A drug, broadly speaking, is any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function. There is no single, precise definition, as there are different meanings in drug control law, government regulations, medicine, and colloquial usage.In pharmacology, a...
which is used in scientific research. It acts as both a selective α2 adrenergic receptor
Adrenergic receptor
The adrenergic receptors are a class of metabotropic G protein-coupled receptors that are targets of the catecholamines, especially noradrenaline and adrenaline ....
antagonist
Receptor antagonist
A receptor antagonist is a type of receptor ligand or drug that does not provoke a biological response itself upon binding to a receptor, but blocks or dampens agonist-mediated responses...
, and an antagonist for the imidazoline receptor
Imidazoline receptor
Imidazoline receptors are receptors for clonidine and other imidazolines.-Classes:There are three classes of imidazoline receptors:* I1 receptor – mediates the sympatho-inhibitory actions of imidazolines to lower blood pressure, * I2 receptor – an allosteric binding site of monoamine oxidase and is...
. Idazoxan has been under investigation as an antidepressant
Antidepressant
An antidepressant is a psychiatric medication used to alleviate mood disorders, such as major depression and dysthymia and anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder. According to Gelder, Mayou &*Geddes people with a depressive illness will experience a therapeutic effect to their mood;...
, but it did not reach the market as such. More recently, it is under investigation as an adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a disintegration of thought processes and of emotional responsiveness. It most commonly manifests itself as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking, and it is accompanied by significant social...
. Due to its alpha-2 receptor antagonism it is capable of enhancing therapeutic effects of antipsychotics, possibly by enhancing dopamine
Dopamine
Dopamine is a catecholamine neurotransmitter present in a wide variety of animals, including both vertebrates and invertebrates. In the brain, this substituted phenethylamine functions as a neurotransmitter, activating the five known types of dopamine receptors—D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5—and their...
neurotransmission
Neurotransmission
Neurotransmission , also called synaptic transmission, is the process by which signaling molecules called neurotransmitters are released by a neuron , and bind to and activate the receptors of another neuron...
in the prefrontal cortex
Prefrontal cortex
The prefrontal cortex is the anterior part of the frontal lobes of the brain, lying in front of the motor and premotor areas.This brain region has been implicated in planning complex cognitive behaviors, personality expression, decision making and moderating correct social behavior...
of the brain, a brain area thought to be involved in the pathogenesis
Pathogenesis
The pathogenesis of a disease is the mechanism by which the disease is caused. The term can also be used to describe the origin and development of the disease and whether it is acute, chronic or recurrent...
of schizophrenia.