PHARMACOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE NOVEL ACH RELEASER A-TROPANYL 2-(4-BROMOPHENYL)PROPIONATE (PG-9).

PG-9 is a 2-arylpropionic acid ester, structurally related to atropine. It has central antinociceptive and antiamnesic effects in mice and rats. These effects are exerted without impairment of motor coordination and without typical cholinergic symptomatology. PG-9 potentiates evoked contractions of smooth and striated muscle. The mechanism of PG-9 action in the central and peripheral nervous systems appears to involve potentiation of endogenous cholinergic activity and enhancement of extracellular ACh levels. Moreover, in vitro administration of PG-9 increases secretion of NGF by astrocytes in a concentration- dependent manner.