THE NEXT-GENERATION OF CHOLINESTERASE-INHIBITORS

Clinical trials with tacrine (THA) have resulted in elevations of live r enzymes in Alzheimer patients that showed improvement. In an effort to minimize these side effects several THA analogues were synthesized. These analogues were compared to THA in biochemical as well as behavi oural studies. The biochemical effects of these drugs on plasma cholin esterase activity and cholinergic receptors as well as the effect of t hese drugs on spatial learning in adult rats were examined. It is poss ible that some of these analogues with more potent cholinergic effect than THA might be the next generation of cholinesterase inhibitors whi ch can be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.