A novel orally active Group 2 metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist

Non-specific metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonists have previously been shown to potentiate responses of spinal neurones to ionotropic glutamate receptor agonists. In this study we show that LY354740, which is a highly selective Group 2 mGluR agonist with nanomolar potency in vitro, also mimics the above effects following local ejection on spinal neurones in vivo, an action which is blocked by a Group 2 antagonist. Despite its polar nature, LY354740 is also active given either by the i.v. or the oral route (2.5-20 mg/kg) and thus will be a useful agent for investigating the role of Group 2 mGluRs both physiologically and clinically.