AniracetamvsSunifiram

Aniracetam is a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors, binding to the allosteric site and slowing receptor desensitization, which prolongs excitatory postsynaptic currents and facilitates long-term potentiation. It also modulates group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR2/mGluR3), which regulate presynaptic glutamate release. Uniquely among racetams, aniracetam increases dopamine and serotonin release in the prefrontal cortex via modulation of monoamine transporter activity and vesicular release, contributing to its anxiolytic and mood-enhancing effects. It reduces GABAergic inhibition in the hippocampus through indirect modulation of GABA-A receptors, facilitating NMDA receptor activation and memory consolidation. The lipophilic phenylacetyl group enables rapid blood-brain barrier penetration.

Sunifiram (DM-235) is a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors (GluA1-4 subunits) — an ampakine that slows receptor desensitization and deactivation, enhancing glutamatergic excitatory neurotransmission and calcium influx through the receptor. This calcium influx activates CaMKII (calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II), which phosphorylates GluA1 at Ser831 and is a key enzyme in long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory consolidation. Sunifiram also activates protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, which phosphorylate GluA2 and regulate receptor trafficking. It increases acetylcholine release in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, likely via presynaptic nicotinic receptor activation or enhanced glutamatergic drive onto cholinergic neurons. Downstream, these mechanisms enhance CREB phosphorylation, Arc expression, and synaptic AMPA receptor insertion — the molecular basis of memory formation.