Pro-Cognitive Effects of Non-Peptide Analogues of Soluble Amyloid Peptide Precursor Fragment sAPP.

We studied pro-cognitive effect of two heterocyclic low-molecular-weight compounds that serve as non-peptide analogues of soluble fragment of amyloid peptide precursor (sAPP). Intracerebroventricular and systemic administration of peptide mimetics P2 and P5 improved weak memory on the model of passive avoidance in chicks and in the object location task in mice. Both compounds were effective if administered close to the moment of training or 4 h after it. The time windows and dose range for the pro-cognitive effects of the mimetics were similar to those observed in previous studies with sAPP peptide fragments.

[Growth-regulating activity of N-benzyl- and O-benzyl-containing compounds belonging to a new group of synthetic analogues of natural auxins].

We studied the effect of benzylamine, benzyl alcohol, and their derivatives (constituting a new group of synthetic analogues of natural auxins) on rooting of leaf and stem cuttings, rhizogenesis and growth of barley plantlets and tomato seedlings, and tomato plant productivity. These compounds promoted rooting of leaf and stem bean cuttings, increased rhizogenic activity, and stimulated the development of root systems in barley and tomato seeds. The activity of the compounds studied was similar to that of standard substances (3-indoleacetic acid potassium salt and 2-naphthylacetic acid). The benzyl group attached to the oxygen or nitrogen atom was shown to be the smallest molecular structure which provided auxin activity of the compounds. Derivatives of benzyl alcohol containing the quaternary ammonium fragment possessed auxin and anti-gibberellin (retardant) properties. They were selected by chemical synthesis of low-molecular-weight bioregulators with desired properties (a combination of chemical fragments with complementary physiological activity in the molecule). Auxin and anti-gibberellin (retardant) activities produced a synergistic effect. Germination of seeds treated with these compounds was accompanied by a more significant increase in the weight and length of roots (compared to standard auxins). The rate of seedling establishment reached 100%. The development of fruits and accumulation of reserve nutrient substances were synchronized and accelerated after spraying vegetating plants with solutions of studied compounds. The synergistic effect underlay a significant increase in the amount and quality of the crop (e.g., tomatoes).