Anabaseine is a non-selective nicotinic agonist. Anabaseine stimulates all AChRs, preferentially stimulates skeletal muscle and brain α7 subtypes[1][2]. Anabaseine is also a weak partial agonist at α4β2 nAChRs[3].
Anabaseine is a full agonist at α7 AChR in the central nervous system (CNS) and a full agonist at α1β1?δ and α1β1γδ (Torpedo) in the peripheral nervous system[1].Anabaseine acts as neuromuscular agonist on the frog rectus abdominis muscle (EC50: 0.25-0.74 μM)[1].
Anabaseine (3.6 μmol/kg; subcutaneous injection) elevates ACh levels[1].
References:
[1]. Kem W, et al. The Nemertine Toxin Anabaseine and Its Derivative DMXBA (GTS-21): Chemical and Pharmacological Properties. Mar Drugs. 2006;4(3):255-273.
[2]. Summers KL et al. Nicotinic agonist modulation of neurotransmitter levels in the rat frontoparietal cortex. Jpn J Pharmacol. 1997 Jun;74(2):139-46.
[3]. Andrud K, et al. Investigation of the Possible Pharmacologically Active Forms of the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Agonist Anabaseine. Mar Drugs. 2019;17(11):614. Published 2019 Oct 29.