PDE4 inhibitor

PDE4 inhibitors are known to possess procognitive (including long term memory-improving),[2] wakefulness-promoting,[3] neuroprotective,[4][5] and anti-inflammatory effects.

[14] Similarly PDE4B inhibition appears to be required for the antipsychotic effects of PDE4 inhibitors,[13] in line with this view PDE4B polymorphisms and altered gene expression in the central nervous system have been associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in a postmortem study.

[14] PDE4 inhibition is also known to attenuate ethanol seeking and consumption in rats,[17] hence suggesting its possible utility in the treatment of alcohol dependence.

Indeed, one experiment has found that intake of a PDE4 oral medication for psoriasis has significantly reduced alcohol consumption in serious human drinkers compared with those taking the placebo.

[19] The clinical development of PDE4 inhibitors has been hampered by their potent emetic effects, which appear to be related to their inhibition of PDE4D which is expressed in the area postrema.