Ampullosporin A, a peptaibol from Sepedonium ampullosporum HKI-0053 with neuroleptic-like activity.

The potential neuroleptic-like effect of ampullosporin A, a new peptaibol, isolated from the fungus Sepedonium ampullosporum HKI-0053, was characterized using specific behavioural models and methods. Ampullosporin A (amp) disrupted the retrieval of a well-trained conditioned reaction and normalized the behavioural effects of subchronic ketamine treatment in the social interaction test in a dose which showed only inconsiderable side effects. The experiments demonstrated that the substance did not antagonize the apomorphine (apo) induced hyperactivity. On the other hand, the locomotor stimulation induced by the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 was nearly completely suppressed by ampullosporin A, supposing interactions with the glutamatergic system. Binding studies demonstrated no interaction with dopaminergic D(1) and D(2) receptors. However, amp can alter the activity of glutamate receptors. The results resemble characteristics of an atypical neuroleptic drug. But further experiments are necessary to validate the suggested neuroleptic-like activity.