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Updated: May 30, 2026
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Published on: January 20, 2023
SP-8203 shows neuroprotective effects and improves cognitive impairment in ischemic brain injury through NMDA
Su-Jin Noh1, Jong Min Lee, Ki Sung Lee
1Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Creative Research Initiative Center for Alzheimer's Dementia and Neuroscience Research Institute, MRC, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
The extracts of earth worms, Eisenia andrei, have been used as a therapeutic agent for stroke in the traditional medicine. It is also reported that the protease fraction separated from the extracts has strong anti-thrombotic activity. Besides anti-thrombotic actions, we found that SP-8203, N-[3-(2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-yl)propyl]-N-{4-[3-(2,4-dioxo-1,4-dihydro-2H-quinazolin-3-yl)propylamino]butyl}acetamide, derived from the extracts of earth worms blocked N-methyl-(D)-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated excitotoxicity in a competitive manner. The neuroprotective effects of SP-8203 were attributable to prevention of Ca(2+) influx through NMDA receptors. The systemic administration of SP-8203 markedly reduced neuronal death following middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. SP-8203 significantly improved spatial learning and memory in the water maze test. These results provided strong pharmacological basis for its potential therapeutic roles in cerebral ischemia.
