Afobazole (Fabomotizole, CM346) is a compound with anxiolytic and neuroprotective activities, is an agonist of sigma1-receptor (S1R, Ki=5.9 uM). Afobazole inhibits migration of microglial cells in response to ATP and UTP chemoattraction in a concentration-dependent manner. Afobazole decreases intracellular calcium elevation produced by focal application of ATP and UTP in isolated microglial cells. Afobazole acts via σ receptors to decrease microglial response to ATP and provides cytoprotection during and after ischemia. Afobazole modulates neuronal response to ischemia and acidosis via activation of sigma-1 receptors.
