title: Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 antagonists MPEP and MTEP.
abstract: Glutamate regulates the function of central nervous system (CNS), in part, through the cAMP and/or IP3/DAG second messenger-associated metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). The mGluR5 antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine (MPEP) has been extensively used to elucidate potential physiological and pathophysiological functions of mGluR5. Unfortunately, recent evidence indicates significant non-specific actions of MPEP, including inhibition of NMDA receptors. In contrast, in vivo and in vitro characterization of the newer mGluR5 antagonist 3-[(2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl]pyridine (MTEP) indicates that it is more highly selective for mGluR5 over mGluR1, has no effect on other mGluR subtypes, and has fewer off-target effects than MPEP. This article reviews literature on both of these mGluR5 antagonists, which suggests their possible utility in neurodegeneration, addiction, anxiety and pain management.
authors.affiliation: New Health Sciences Inc., Bethesda, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Lea
authors.forename: Alan I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Faden
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D010146:Pain / Q000378:metabolism; D011725:Pyridines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D064529:Receptor, Metabotropic Glutamate 5; D018094:Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000378:metabolism; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: C472365:3-((2-methyl-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)ethynyl)pyridine; C578935:GRM5 protein, human; D011725:Pyridines; D064529:Receptor, Metabotropic Glutamate 5; D018094:Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate; D013844:Thiazoles; C121465:6-methyl-2-(phenylethynyl)pyridine