In 1321N1 cells stably expressing rat P2X receptors, A-438079 blocks BzATP-(10 μM) evoked changes in intracellular calcium concentrations with an IC50 of 321 nM. A-438079 is also selective for the P2X7 receptor, at concentrations up to 100 μM.
In vivo
Intraperitoneal injection of A-438079 (5 and 15 mg/kg) 60 min after triggering seizures reduces seizure severity and neuronal death within the hippocampus. A-438079 has superior neuroprotective effects compared with an equally dose of phenobarbital (25 mg/kg). A-438079 partially but significantly prevents the 6-OHDA-induced depletion of striatal DA stores. Pretreatment with A-438079 reduces nociceptive behaviour scores in the HC model. A-438079 (80 μmol/kg, i.v.) reduces noxious and innocuous evoked activity of different classes of spinal neurons in neuropathic rats. A-438079 (100 and 300 μmol/kg, i.p.) significantly raises withdrawal thresh-olds in both the SNL and CCI models.
