Coluracetam: Properties, Mechanism & Research Uses

Coluracetam is a synthetic racetam-class compound investigated in neuroscience research primarily for its ability to enhance high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) in neuronal cells, making it a valuable tool for studying cholinergic signaling pathways.

CAS Number

135463-81-9

Molecular Formula

C19H23N3O3

Molecular Weight

341.40 g/mol

Primary Mechanism

High-affinity choline uptake (HACU) enhancer

Appearance

White to off-white solid powder

Research Application

Cholinergic neuroscience, cognitive function studies

Storage Condition

Store at -20 °C, protect from light and moisture

What Is Coluracetam and How Does It Work?

Coluracetam (CAS 135463-81-9) is a member of the racetam family of synthetic compounds, originally developed in Japan. Unlike earlier racetams that are thought to modulate AMPA receptors or other targets, coluracetam is distinguished by its proposed primary mechanism: enhancement of high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) at the presynaptic membrane.

The HACU system is the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). By facilitating the transport of choline into cholinergic neurons, coluracetam may support increased ACh synthesis and release. This mechanism makes it a unique pharmacological probe for researchers studying cholinergic deficits, neurodegeneration models, and cognitive function at the cellular and systems level.

It is important to note that coluracetam is supplied by Aladdin Scientific strictly as a research reagent. It is not approved for human therapeutic use, and all research should be conducted in compliance with applicable institutional and regulatory guidelines.

Physical and Chemical Properties Relevant to Laboratory Use

Understanding the physicochemical properties of coluracetam is essential for designing reliable in vitro and in vivo experiments:

• Molecular Formula: C19H23N3O3
• Molecular Weight: 341.40 g/mol
• Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
• Solubility: Coluracetam has limited aqueous solubility. It is recommended to dissolve it first in DMSO to prepare a concentrated stock solution, followed by dilution into aqueous buffers. The final DMSO concentration in assay systems should be kept at or below 0.1% to minimize solvent-related cytotoxicity.
• Stability: The compound is stable as a solid when stored correctly. Solutions should be prepared fresh or aliquoted and stored at -20 °C to prevent degradation.

Researchers should verify solubility and stability under their specific experimental conditions, as these can be matrix-dependent.

Storage, Handling and Safety Considerations

Storage: The recommended storage condition for coluracetam (SKU C190679) is -20 °C in a tightly sealed container, protected from light and moisture. Under these conditions, the compound is expected to remain stable for the duration indicated on the Certificate of Analysis (CoA).

Handling: Standard laboratory precautions apply. Personnel should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, lab coat, and eye protection when handling the compound and its solutions. Avoid generating dust when weighing the powder.

Safety: A full Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available from Aladdin Scientific upon request and should be reviewed before use. Coluracetam is intended exclusively for research purposes in qualified laboratory settings by trained professionals. It must not be used in humans or administered as a drug or supplement outside of formally approved clinical or preclinical study protocols.

Disposal: Dispose of waste material in accordance with local institutional, regional, and national regulations governing chemical waste.

Research Applications of Coluracetam

Coluracetam has been explored as a research tool in several neuroscience contexts:

• Cholinergic system research: As an HACU enhancer, coluracetam is used to probe the functional consequences of increased choline uptake and acetylcholine biosynthesis in neuronal cell lines and primary cultures.
• Neurodegeneration models: Researchers have employed coluracetam in animal models to investigate its effects in conditions characterized by cholinergic deficits, such as models relevant to Alzheimer's disease research.
• Cognitive and behavioral studies: Preclinical studies have evaluated coluracetam's impact on learning and memory paradigms, particularly in models with chemically or genetically induced cognitive impairment.
• AMPA receptor modulation: Some research suggests secondary effects on AMPA receptor function, though this is less characterized than the HACU mechanism and warrants further investigation.

All research applications should be referenced against primary literature and conducted under appropriate ethical and regulatory oversight.

Ordering, Purity and Quality Information

SKU: C190679 — Coluracetam, available from Aladdin Scientific.

Purity: Purity specifications are provided on the product-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA), which accompanies each lot. Researchers requiring high-purity material for sensitive assays should consult the current CoA or contact Aladdin Scientific technical support to confirm lot-specific purity data before ordering.

Documentation: Each order is supported by a CoA and an SDS. Bulk quantities and custom packaging may be available; please contact the Aladdin Scientific sales team for pricing and availability.

Quality Assurance: Aladdin Scientific follows rigorous quality control procedures to ensure reagent identity, purity, and consistency across lots. For any questions regarding product quality or suitability for a specific assay, researchers are encouraged to reach out to our technical support team.

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary mechanism of action of Coluracetam?

Coluracetam is primarily believed to act as an enhancer of high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) at presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals. This uptake step is rate-limiting for acetylcholine biosynthesis, so enhancement of HACU may increase the availability of ACh for neurotransmission. Some studies also suggest secondary modulation of AMPA receptors, though this is less well characterized.

How should Coluracetam be dissolved for in vitro experiments?

Due to its limited aqueous solubility, Coluracetam should first be dissolved in DMSO to create a concentrated stock solution (e.g., 10–50 mM). This stock can then be diluted into the appropriate aqueous buffer or cell culture medium to achieve the desired working concentration. Ensure the final DMSO concentration does not exceed 0.1% to avoid solvent-mediated cytotoxicity, and include a vehicle control in all experiments.

What are the recommended storage conditions for Coluracetam (SKU C190679)?

Coluracetam should be stored at -20 °C in a tightly sealed container, away from light and moisture. Under these conditions, the solid compound is stable for the period stated on the Certificate of Analysis. Prepared solutions should be aliquoted to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and stored at -20 °C; freshly prepared solutions are preferred for critical assays.

Is Coluracetam approved for use in humans?

No. Coluracetam supplied by Aladdin Scientific (SKU C190679) is intended solely as a research reagent for use in qualified laboratory settings by trained professionals. It is not approved by any regulatory authority for human therapeutic use, and it must not be administered to humans outside of formally approved clinical trial protocols.

What research areas commonly use Coluracetam as a tool compound?

Coluracetam is commonly used in cholinergic neuroscience research, including studies of acetylcholine biosynthesis and release, models of cholinergic neurodegeneration relevant to Alzheimer's disease, and behavioral paradigms assessing learning and memory. It is also employed to investigate AMPA receptor pharmacology as a secondary area of interest.

References

1. Bessho T, et al. Effect of the novel high affinity choline uptake enhancer 2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)-N-(2,3-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofuro[2,3-b]quinolin-4-yl)acetoamide on deficits of water maze learning in rats. Japanese Journal of Pharmacology. 1996.
2. Murai S, et al. Coluracetam as a potential treatment for major depressive disorder and co-morbid anxiety: review of clinical trials and preclinical findings. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience. (general reference — specific details require verification).
3. Aladdin Scientific. Certificate of Analysis, Coluracetam, SKU C190679. Available upon request from Aladdin Scientific.

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.