Oxotremorine

Oxotremorine is a synthetic cholinergic drug developed in the 1960s. It belongs to the class of tertiary amine oximes and is a selective agonist of the M1 muscarinic receptor. The compound was first synthesized in 1961 by a team of chemists at Hoffmann-La Roche, a Swiss pharmaceutical company.

Oxotremorine is known for its potent agonist activity at muscarinic receptors, particularly at the M1 receptor subtype. This leads to a range of effects that are consistent with enhanced cholinergic transmission, including tremors, increased salivation, and various behavioral effects such as lethargy and enhanced susceptibility to hypnosis.

In addition to its use in basic research, oxotremorine has also been explored for potential therapeutic applications. The compound has been studied in animal models of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, where its ability to enhance cholinergic transmission has shown promise. However, due to its narrow therapeutic index and potential for side effects, the use of oxotremorine in humans is largely limited to research settings.

Oxotremorine has been found to cause a range of side effects in animal studies, including tremors, salivation, and nausea. At higher doses, the compound can be fatal due to its ability to disrupt normal neurotransmitter function. Despite these limitations, oxotremorine remains an important tool for researchers studying the mechanisms of cholinergic transmission and the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.