ONO 1603, a novel prolyl endopeptidase inhibitor investigated as a potential antidementia drug, demonstrated neuroprotective and neurotrophic effects in cerebellar granule cells similar to tetrahydroaminoacridine (THA). At a concentration of 0.03 microM, ONO 1603 promoted neuronal survival, enhanced neurite outgrowth, increased m3-muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) mRNA levels, and stimulated mAChR-mediated signaling pathways. These findings suggest that ONO 1603 shares pharmacological similarities with THA, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease by enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission and neuronal function.
