A known anti-histamine shows promise in preventing glutamate excitotoxicity and preserving normal levels of acetylcholine.
Drug Summary: Dimebon (pronounced deh-mah-bonn) is an anti-histamine drug with a 20-year history of use in Russia. Its potential as a neuroprotective agent was recently recognized when a large chemical libraryscreen found that the class of molecules it belongs to, gamma-carbolines was likely to be effective in blocking neuronal receptors for glutamate (see Glutamate excitotoxicity below) and in blocking cholinesterases (see Low levels of Acetylcholine below). Studies are now being undertaken to assess its efficacy. Reports focused on Dimebon's use in HD are not yet available, but studies testing its potential in treating Alzheimer's Disease have had encouraging results. These studies have included both lab studies (using rats and nerve cells in culture) and clinical studies with Alzheimer's patients. Dimebon has shown the potential to treat problems common to the two diseases, including glutamateexcitotoxicity and low levels of acetylcholine. Clinical studies indicate that these protective effects may make a significant difference in alleviating symptoms and improving overall quality of life.
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