AP-7 (drug)
Template:Chembox AP-7 is a selective NMDA receptor (NMDAR) antagonist that competitively inhibits the glutamate binding site and thus activation of NMDAR. It has anticonvulsant effects.<ref name="pmid3047315">Template:Cite journal</ref>
AP-7 functions specifically as a NMDA recognition site blocker, in contrast with 7-chlorokynurenate, which acts as a glycine site modulation blocker.<ref name="pmid22248144">Template:Cite journal</ref>
Animal studies
AP-7 injected directly into the dorsal periaqueductal grey (DPAG) of rats produced an anxiolytic effect, whereas direct injection outside of the DPAG did not elicit anxiolytic effects, suggesting that the anxiolytic effect of NMDA antagonists in rats may depend on their action in the DPAG.<ref name="pmid1672463">Template:Cite journal</ref>
The DPAG of the brain is thought to deal with fear-like defensive behavior via NMDA and glycine B receptors.<ref name="pmid11801295">Template:Cite journal</ref> These excitatory glutamate receptors work with the inhibitory GABA receptors to achieve equilibrium in the DPAG of the brain.<ref name="pmid9512072">Template:Cite journal</ref>
AP-7 has been known to cause muscle rigidity and catalepsy in rats following bilateral microinjections (0.02-0.5 nmol) into the globus pallidus and ventral-posterior portions of the caudate-putamen.<ref name="pmid2159826">Template:Cite journal</ref>
The optically pure D-(−)-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid [D-AP7], has also been examined. In groups of hypoxia-treated rats, D-AP7 enhanced motility, exhibited anxiogenic-like effect and impaired consolidation in passive avoidance. Both AP-7 and D-AP7 function as potent, specific antagonists of the NMDA receptor.<ref name="pmid14506312">Template:Cite journal</ref>