[Mechanism of action of tetrahydro-N, N-dimethyl-5, 5-diphenyl-3-furanemethanamine, a putative nootropic, anti-epileptic and antidepressant compound].

Pharmacological studies on tetrahydro-N, N-dimethyl-5, 5-diphenyl-3-furanemethanamine (AE14) pointed out its prominent action in the passive avoidance test, its antagonist effect on electrogenic (maximal electroshock, MES) or pentetrazole-induced tonic convulsions, and its anti-immobility effect in the forced swim test (FST) in mice. These pharmacological data suggest that AE14 could exhibit nootropic, antiepileptic and antidepressant actions. Molecular pharmacology studies (receptology, bioresponse) with AE14 showed a selective M1 muscarinic agonism, one of the most potent currently known, and an affinity for site 2 of the sodium ion channels, at least as strong as those of first or second generation antiepileptics (phenytoin, lamotrigine). These molecular effects show that AE14 could be a potential second generation anti-Alzheimer drug, a third generation antiepileptic, and an adjunct for antidepressants.