Perspectives on cognitive domains, H3 receptor ligands and neurological disease.
Histamine H(3) receptor agonists and antagonists have been evaluated in numerous in vitro and in vivo animal models to better understand how H(3) receptors modulate neurotransmitter function in the central nervous system. Likewise, behavioural models have explored the hypothesis that changes in neurotransmitter release could enhance cognitive function in human diseases. This review examines the reported effects of H(3) receptor ligands and how they influence cognitive behaviour. These data are interpreted on the basis of different cognitive domains that are relevant to neuropsychiatric diseases. Because of the diversity of H(3) receptors, their function and their influence on neurotransmitter systems, considerable promise exists for H(3) ligands to treat diseases in which aspects of learning and memory are impaired. However, because of the complexities of the histaminergic system and H(3) receptors and the lack of clinical data so far, proof of principle for use in human disease remains to be established.
Abbott Laboratories, Department R4MN, Building AP9A/3, Neuroscience Division, 100 Abbott Park Road, Abbott Park, IL 60064-6125, USA. Art.A.Hancock@Abbott.com
Arthur A
AA
Hancock
Gerard B
GB
Fox
D000818:Animals; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D017442:Histamine Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018100:Receptors, Histamine H3 / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D017442:Histamine Agonists; D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D018100:Receptors, Histamine H3