Novel α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) potentiator LT‐102: A promising therapeutic agent for treating cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia

Abstract Aims We aimed to evaluate the potential of a novel selective α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) potentiator, LT‐102, in treating cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) and elucidating its mechanism of action. Methods The activity of LT‐102 was examined by Ca 2+ influx assays and patch‐clamp in rat primary hippocampal neurons. The structure of the complex was determined by X‐ray crystallography. The selectivity of LT‐102 was evaluated by hERG tail current recording and kinase‐inhibition assays. The electrophysiological characterization of LT‐102 was characterized by patch‐clamp recording in mouse hippocampal slices. The expression and phosphorylation levels of proteins were examined by Western blotting. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests. Results LT‐102 is a novel and selective AMPAR potentiator with little agonistic effect, which binds to the allosteric site formed by the intradimer interface of AMPAR's GluA2 subunit. Treatment with LT‐102 facilitated long‐term potentiation in mouse hippocampal slices and reversed cognitive deficits in a phencyclidine‐induced mouse model. Additionally, LT‐102 treatment increased the protein level of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and the phosphorylation of GluA1 in primary neurons and hippocampal tissues. Conclusion We conclude that LT‐102 ameliorates cognitive impairments in a phencyclidine‐induced model of schizophrenia by enhancing synaptic function, which could make it a potential therapeutic candidate for CIAS.