Initial Cross-Over Test of A Positive Allosteric Modulator of Alpha-7 Nicotinic Receptors to Aid Cessation in Smokers With Or Without Schizophrenia.

ABSTRACT: Preclinical research shows that compounds acting at α7 nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) can reduce nicotine self-administration, suggesting that a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of α7 receptors, JNJ-39393406, may aid smoking cessation. Moreover, individuals with schizophrenia, who have very high rates of smoking, have reduced expression of α7 nAChRs and may particularly benefit from this compound. In two parallel studies using a within-subject cross-over design, 36 healthy smokers (Study 1) and 62 smokers with schizophrenia (Study 2), both groups high in quit interest, attempted to initiate quitting temporarily during each of two 3-week phases. Treatments were the α7 nicotinic receptor PAM JNJ-39393406 (100 mg b.i.d.) or placebo (double-blind, counter-balanced). In each phase, all smoked

SUBMITTER: Perkins KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5916362 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature