(RS)-MCPG

(RS)-MCPG (also sometimes written as MCPG) is a non-selective, competitive antagonist of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). It is a racemic mixture, meaning it contains equal amounts of both the (R) and (S) enantiomers. MCPG is commonly used in research to investigate the role of mGluRs in various physiological processes and neurological disorders.

As a competitive antagonist, (RS)-MCPG binds to the same site on the mGluR as glutamate, the endogenous ligand. However, unlike glutamate, (RS)-MCPG does not activate the receptor. Instead, it prevents glutamate from binding, thereby blocking the receptor's normal function.

(RS)-MCPG exhibits varying affinities for different mGluR subtypes. While it can antagonize all three groups of mGluRs (Group I, Group II, and Group III), its potency and selectivity differ across these groups. This lack of strong selectivity can sometimes make it challenging to interpret experimental results using (RS)-MCPG. Researchers often use more selective mGluR antagonists when possible to isolate the effects of specific mGluR subtypes.

While used in research extensively, (RS)-MCPG is not typically used clinically.