Effect of Talampanel (an AMPA Receptor Blocker) on Brain Activity

Objectives. The purpose of this pilot study is to identify human neurophysiological parameters that are sensitive to talampanel, as assessed by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalography (EEG). Talampanel is a highly selective, orally active antagonist of the AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptor. The study will test two hypotheses: (1) talampanel will, in a dose-dependent fashion, suppress the motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude and intracortical facilitation as determined by TMS, and (2) talampanel will, in a dose-dependent fashion, cause alterations in EEG power within specific frequency bands. We plan to administer a low (25 mg) and high (50 mg) dose of talampanel and placebo to normal volunteers and measure various TMS and EEG parameters that we hypothesize may be influenced by AMPA receptor blockade. We will simultaneously assay serum levels of talampanel. We will use statistical tests to correlate changes in the TMS and EEG measures with drug concentration. The results of this study will allow us to undertake a follow-up study in which we will determine the effects of AMPA receptor blockade by talampanel on human motor and cognitive function. Our ultimate goal is to determine whether drug-induced blockade of AMPA receptors can be achieved without unacceptable neurological impairment. Study population. This will be a blinded and placebo-controlled pilot study using 12 normal volunteers. Design. Normal volunteers accepted into the study will be subjected to the following exams: (a) TMS determination of MEP amplitude and paired-pulse testing at baseline and at peak serum levels after drug or placebo administration, (b) digital EEG recording for 1 h at baseline before administration of drug or placebo and during a period of 3 h after administration. Samples for serum chemistry, liver function tests, hematology, and urinalysis will be obtained at admission, at discharge, and in every clinic visit during the study. Blood samples for determining serum talampanel levels will be obtained at 1, 2, 3, and 8 h after drug administration. MEPs at interstimulus intervals of 2 to 20 ms will be compared among subjects before and after drug administration, by a repeated measures analysis of variance. Talampanel levels will be correlated with MEP amplitudes by regression analysis. Clinical endpoint. This pilot study will identify information on the best TMS interstimulus interval or intervals for measuring changes in cortical excitability after AMPA blockade, as well as the EEG frequency band most sensitive to AMPA blockade with talampanel. Because talampanel is a highly selective AMPA receptor antagonist, we will be able to infer that the parameters that are sensitive to talampanel can be used as empirical assays of AMPA receptor function in humans.