PMID: 16521062Mar 8, 2006Paper

Pregabalin: new therapeutic contributions of calcium channel alpha2delta protein ligands on epilepsy and neuropathic pain

Revista de neurologia
J F Horga de la Parte, A Horga

Abstract

To review and update the contributions of a new class of drugs, named calcium channel alpha2delta protein ligands, on the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain. A novel class of anticonvulsants are ligands for the auxiliary-associated protein alpha2delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels in the central nervous system. Gabapentin and pregabalin are members of this group. Pregabalin is a higher-potency and higher-effective analogue of gabapentin that act as a potent ligand for this site. The anticonvulsant action of pregabalin is probably due to its ability to reduce neurotransmitter release from activated epileptogenic neurons, without demonstrated effects on GABAergic receptors or mechanisms. In well-done clinical trials, pregabalin 150-600 mg/day has been shown to be highly effective and well tolerated as adjunctive therapy in patients with partial seizures. In several randomized, double-blind, clinical trials, oral pregabalin 150-600 mg/day was superior to placebo in relieving neuropathic pain associated with diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. Pregabalin demonstrates in humans an extensive and rapid absorption and a highly predictable and linear pharmacokinetics, a profile that makes it easy to use i...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.