TC-2559 free base is a α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists with an EC50 of 0.18 μM. TC-2559 free base shows much weaker potencies on the group of b4-containing nAChR subtypes, α2β4, α4β4 and α3β4 receptors, with EC50s in the range of 10-30 µM. TC-2559 free base can increase the discharge of dopamine cells in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of rats in vitro, enhancing the excitability and aggressive behavior of VTA dopamine neurons. TC-2559 free base inhibits STAT3 to exert anti-inflammatory properties and relieves mice mechanical allodynia and improve rats cognitive deficits. TC-2559 free base can be used for the study of nerve pain.
