PQCA is a highly selective and potent muscarinic M1 receptor positive allosteric modulator. PQCA has an EC50 value of 49 nM and 135 nM on rhesus and human M1 receptor, respectively. PQCA is inactive for other muscarinic receptors. PQCA has potential to reduce the cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer’s disease[1][2].
PQCA (3-30 mg/kg; oral administration; single- or pair-housed male rhesus monkeys) treatment attenuates the scopolamine deficits in PAL and CPT tasks. Blockade of muscarinic signaling by scopolamine produces significant impairments in both tasks[1].
[1]. Lange HS, et al. The M1 Muscarinic Positive Allosteric Modulator PQCA Improves Performance on Translatable Tests of Memory and Attention in Rhesus Monkeys. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2015 Dec;355(3):442-50.
[2]. Uslaner JM, et al. The muscarinic M1 receptor positive allosteric modulator PQCA improves cognitive measures in rat, cynomolgus macaque, and rhesus macaque. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2013 Jan;225(1):21-30.