Body
Ampakines are positive allosteric modulators of AMPA receptors. They slow receptor deactivation and desensitization, which amplifies transmission at glutamatergic synapses that are already active. After incomplete spinal cord injury, descending input to spared motoneurons is reduced but not eliminated, and amplifying transmission at the remaining synapses may restore motor output. This study evaluates the ampakine CX1739 in people with chronic incomplete cervical spinal cord injury. The first phase establishes the safety of single doses. The second phase administers a short course of the drug and measures effects on voluntary movement and bladder function.