Neuropsychotoxic and neuroprotective potentials of dextromethorphan and its analogs
Eun-Joo Shin1, Jae-Hyung Bach, Sung Youl Lee
1Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chunchon, Korea.
Abstract:
Dextromethorphan (3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan) has complex pharmacologic effects on the central nervous system. Although some of these effects are neuropsychotoxic, this review focuses on the neuroprotective effects of dextromethorphan and its analogs. Some of these analogs, particularly dimemorfan (3-methyl-17-methylmorphinan) and 3-hydroxymorphinan, have promising neuroprotective properties with negligible neuropsychotoxic effects. Their neuroprotective effects, the mechanisms underlying these effects, and their therapeutic potential for the treatment of diverse neurodegenerative disorders are discussed.
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