2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine

2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP) is a potent, selective, and systemically active research compound that acts primarily as a selective antagonist at the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5). It also shows weak antagonism at the NMDA receptor and acts as a positive allosteric modulator at the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4 (mGluR4). Originally developed by Novartis in the late 1990s, MPEP has been used extensively in preclinical research for its neuroprotective, antidepressant, anxiolytic, and anti-addictive effects in animal models. Its primary significance has been as a lead compound in the search for more selective mGluR5 antagonists[1][3][5].

Other names

2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine6-methyl-2-(phenylethynyl)-pyridine