Neurochemical and electrophysiological studies on FR115427, a novel non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist

The pharmacological profile of FR115427 has been examined using ligand binding and electrophysiological techniques. Binding of [3H]dizocilpine in the presence of L-glutamate was inhibited by the (+) isomers of dizocilpine and FR115427. The corresponding (-) isomers were less active, and stereoselectivity was particularly marked in the case of FR115427. In contrast to dizocilpine, the affinity of FR115427 for [3H]dizocilpine binding sites was little affected by addition of either L-glutamate and/or glycine. In a cortical wedge preparation, FR115427 inhibited N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced responses in a non-competitive, use-dependent manner. Intracellularly recorded excitatory synaptic responses in hippocampal neurones were only partially inhibited by FR115427 thereby confirming a selective effect on the NMDA-mediated component of neuronal excitation induced by the endogenous neurotransmitter. The data suggest that FR115427 is a non-competitive, use-dependent NMDA receptor antagonist with more pronounced stereoselectivity and less marked use dependence than dizocilpine.