Sigma Sites Research Articles

Neuropeptide Y and the calcitonin gene-related peptide attenuate learning impairments induced by MK-801 via a sigma receptor-related mechanism.

It has been shown recently that low doses of sigma (sigma) receptor ligands like 1,3-di-(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG), (+)N-allylnormetazocine [(+)SKF 10,047] and (+)pentazocine can antagonize learning impairments induced by dizocilpine (MK-801), a non-competitive antagonist at the NMDA receptor channel. This antagonism has been proposed to involve sigma receptor sites since it is blocked by the administration of purported sigma antagonists such as NE-100 and BMY-14802. It has also been demonstrated that peptides of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) families modulate, in vivo, sigma labelling and electrophysiological effects in the hippocampal formation. Accordingly, we investigated if NPY- and CGRP-related peptides modulate cognitive processes by interacting with sigma sites in mice. In order to test this hypothesis, a step-down passive avoidance task was used. Interestingly, similarly to various sigma agonists, NPY, peptide YY (PYY) and the Y1 agonist [Leu31Pro34]NPY (but not NPY[13-36], a purported Y2 agonist), as well as hCGRPalpha and the purported CGRP2 agonist [Cys(ACM)2-7]hCGRPalpha (but not CGRP[8-37], a CGRP1 receptor antagonist), significantly attenuated learning impairments induced by MK-801. Furthermore, the effects of NPY, [Leu31Pro34]NPY, hCGRPalpha and [Cys(ACM)2-7]hCGRPalpha were blocked by the administration of the sigma antagonist, BMY-14802. The present data suggest that NPY- and CGRP-related peptides can indirectly interact in vivo with sigma receptors to modulate cognitive processes associated with NMDA receptor function.

Differential labeling of dopamine and sigma sites by [ 3H]nemonapride and [ 3H]raclopride in postmortem human brains

The difference between the binding of [ 3H]nemonapride and [ 3H]raclopride has been used to quantify dopamine D 4 receptors in postmortem schizophrenic brain studies. Recent work, however, has suggested that at least part of the differential between [ 3H]nemonapride and [ 3H]raclopride binding may represent σ rather than D 4 receptor sites. We applied the nemonapride-raclopride subtraction method to postmortem, non-schizophrenic human striatum to examine the variation in dopaminergic receptor binding labeled by these ligands. Variation in σ receptor binding labeled by [ 3H]nemonapride was studied in frontal cortex, striatum and cerebellum. Specific binding was defined by sulpiride (dopamine receptor ligand), PPAP ( σ receptor ligand) and haloperidol (mixed dopaminergic/ σ agent), respectively. Haloperidol defined a combination of sites, which were approximately the sum of the dopaminergic and σ components defined by sulpiride and PPAP, respectively. Significant inter-individual variation in the amount of specific binding for dopaminergic and σ receptor sites was observed. However, no significant nor consistent observation of striatal dopamine D 4 receptors or D 4-like binding sites was observed in the striatum even though two independent sets of tissues, with different dissections were used. The inconsistencies in some previous postmortem studies appear to be at least partially explained by the inclusion of both σ and dopaminergic components in [ 3H]nemonapride binding and the inherent high inter-individual variability of the different components.

Multiple [3H]-nemonapride binding sites in calf brain.

[3H]-Nemonapride has been the ligand of choice to label D4 dopamine receptors. Its specificity was questioned when it was discovered that sigma (sigma) sites were also labeled by [3H]-nemonapride. To further characterize the binding of [3H]-nemonapride, three areas of calf brain (striatum, frontal cortex and cerebellum) were examined. In all three areas, [3H]-nemonapride labeled multiple sites. Dopaminergic and sigma sites were the most prominent. The sigma binding profile was sigma-1 like with a Ki binding profile as follows (in order of decreasing potency): haloperidol, PPAP, pentazocine, DTG, U-50488, R(+)-3-PPP. Experiments using sulpiride and pentazocine to block striatal dopaminergic and sigma sites, respectively, revealed additional, not previously characterized binding sites for [3H]-nemonapride. One component which was present in striatum but not in frontal cortex or cerebellum, had affinity for some neuroleptics and WB-4101, but not for typical serotonergic agents. Thus, [3H]-nemonapride has no selectivity for dopamine receptors unless stringent experimental conditions are met.

High affinity of sigma 1-binding sites for sterol isomerization inhibitors: evidence for a pharmacological relationship with the yeast sterol C8-C7 isomerase.

1. The sigma-drug binding site of guinea-pig liver is carried by a protein which shares significant amino acid sequence similarities with the yeast sterol C8-C7 isomerase (ERG2 protein). Pharmacologically-but not structurally-the sigma 1-site is also related to the emopamil binding protein, the mammalian sterol C8-C7 isomerase. We therefore investigated if sterol C8-C7 isomerase inhibitors are high affinity ligands for the (+)-[3H]-pentazocine labelled sigma 1-binding site. 2. Among the compounds which bound with high affinity to native hepatic and cerebral as well as to yeast expressed sigma 1-binding sites were the agricultural fungicide fenpropimorph (Ki 0.005 nM), the antihypocholesterinaemic drugs triparanol (Ki 7.0 nM), AY-9944 (Ki, 0.46 nM) and MDL28,815 (Ki 0.16 nM), the enantiomers of the ovulation inducer clomiphene (Ki 5.5 and 12 nM, respectively) and the antioestrogene tamoxifen (Ki 26 nM). 3. Except for tamoxifen these affinities are essentially identical with those for the [3H]-ifenprodil labelled sterol C8-C7 isomerase of S. cerevisiae. This demonstrates that sigma 1-binding protein and yeast isomerase are not only structurally but also pharmacologically related. Because of its affiliations with yeast and mammalian sterol isomerases we propose that the sigma 1-binding site is localized on a sterol isomerase related protein, involved in postsqualene sterol biosynthesis.

Synthesis and evaluation of [ 18F] labeled benzamides: High affinity sigma receptor ligands for PET imaging

We have synthesized and characterized four new fluorinated halobenzamides as sigma receptor ligands for use with positron emission tomography (PET). All the compounds were found to have high sigma-1 affinities (K i = 0.38-0.98 nM), and the 4-fluoro-substituted benzamides were found to be more potent sigma-2 ligands (K i = 3.77-4.02 nM) than their corresponding 2-fluoro analogs (K i = 20.3–22.8 nM). The [ 18F] radiochemical syntheses of two of the analogs gave overall yields between 3–10% (EOS), radiochemical purities >99%, and specific activities between 800–1200 Ci/mmol (29.6–44.4 TBq/mmol). Rat biodistribution and blocking experiments were performed with 2-[ 18F]( N-fluorobenzylpiperidin-4 yl)-4-iodobenzamide, the analog with the best K i value for sigma-1 sites (0.38 nM). Results of these experiments demonstrate specific uptake of the compound in tissues believed to contain sigma receptors, such as lungs, kidneys, heart, brain, and spleen and indicate its potential as a candidate for use in PET imaging of tissues containing these receptors.

The Pharmacology of the Novel and Selective Sigma Ligand, PD 144418

The pharmacology of PD 144418 (1-propyl-5-(3-p-tolyl-isoxazol-5-yl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) was characterized using neurochemical, biochemical and behavioral techniques. For sigma (σ1 and σ2, respectively) sites, PD 144418 affinities were determined using whole guinea pig brain membranes with [3H](+)-pentazocine and neuroblastoma × glioma cell membranes using [3H]1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG) in the presence of 200 nM (+)-pentazocine. PD 144418 exhibited an affinity for σ1 of 0.08 nM (Ki) versus a Ki of 1377 nM for σ2 site. Additional receptor binding studies indicated that PD 144418 lacked affinity for dopaminergic, adrenergic, muscarinic and a variety of other receptors. In vitro studies indicated that PD 144418 reversed the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-induced increase in cyclic GMP (cGMP) in rat cerebellar slices without affecting the basal levels, suggesting that σ1 sites may be important in the regulation of glutamine-induced actions. PD 144418 potentiated the decrease in 5-hydroxytryptophan caused by haloperidol in the mesolimbic region, but by itself had no effect in 5-hydroxytrypamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) synthesis. Behaviorally, similar to other σ ligands, PD 144418 antagonized mescaline-induced scratching at doses that did not alter spontaneous motor activity. This action is suggestive of potential antipsychotic property. It exhibited no anxiolytic and antidepressant properties in the models used. These results show that PD 144418 is a very selective σ1 agent, devoid of any significant affinity for other receptors and that σ1 site may modulate actions in the CNS. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sigma binding in a human neuroblastoma cell line.

Behaviorally, sigma1 agents modulate opioid analgesia. To examine possible mechanisms responsible for these interactions, we have identified a cell line containing both sigma1 and opioid receptors. [3H](+)-pentazocine binding in BE(2)-C human neuroblastoma cells is high affinity (KD 3.4 +/- 0.7 nM) and high density (Bmax 2.98 +/- 0.14 pmol/mg protein). Competition studies reveal a selectivity profile similar to that of sigma1 sites in guinea pig brain. (+)-Pentazocine has no effect upon either basal or forskolin-stimulated cyclase in the BE(2)-C cells, but cAMP accumulation is inhibited by the morphine, DPDPE and naloxone benzoylhydrazone. (+)-Pentazocine at concentrations as high as 10 microM does not affect this opioid effect, implying that sigma1/opioid interactions are not mediated at the level of the cell. This suggest that their behavioral interactions result from interacting neural circuits. Although (+)-pentazocine is without effect in the cyclase system, it does block carbachol-stimulated phosphoinositol turnover (IC50 6.5 +/- 1.14 microM). The specificity of the effect is confirmed by the ability of haloperidol (1 microM) to shift the IC50 value of (+)-pentazocine 2-fold to the right.

Preclinical neurochemical and electrophysiological profile of 1192U90, a potential antipsychotic

11192U90 was submitted to receptor binding and monoamine uptake assays. It bound potently at serotonin 5-HT2, dopaminergic D2, serotonin 5-HT1A, and adrenergic alpha 1 and alpha 2 receptors. It also bound to dopaminergic D1, serotonin 5-HT3, serotonin 5-HT4, and sigma sites, albeit with lower affinity. It was essentially inactive at 22 other sites, including those for cholinergic M1 and M2. It weakly inhibited uptake of 3H-norepinephrine, 3H-serotonin and 3H-dopamine. Acute doses of 1192U90 (5 and 20 mg/kg P.O.) increased whole-brain levels of dopamine metabolites but did not affect levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Subcutaneous injection of 1192U90 (0.8 mg/kg/day) and clozapine (20 mg/kg/day) for 28 days preferentially decreased the number of spontaneously active dopamine cells in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) but not the substantia nigra (SN) of rats, as measured by population sampling. This outcome is characteristics of atypical antipsychotics like clozapine. Acute injections of 1192U90 reversed the rate-inhibiting effects of microiontophoretically applied dopamine and intravenously injected apomorphine and d-amphetamine on dopamine cell firing. Intravenous injection or iontophoretic application of 1192U90 or the 5-HT1A agonist (+/-)8-OH-DPAT inhibited the firing rates of dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) neurons in rats, and the effects of both compounds were blocked by iontophoretically applied S(-) propranolol, a 5-HT1A antagonist. The results suggest that 1192U90 is a preferential dopamine D2 antagonist as well as a 5-HT1A agonist that may prove to be an atypical antipsychotic.

RU 3117 a steroidal compound with high affinity for sigma sites in rat testis membranes.

RU 3117 belongs to a new series of steroids which exhibited a high relative binding affinity (RBA) for (+)[3H]PPP sites in rat testis membranes; its RBA was about 40 times higher than that of progesterone. Furthermore, it is devoid of any binding to classical steroid receptors; therefore in order to study its binding parameters on rat testis membranes it was tritiated. [3H]RU 3117 bound at least two distinct sites with Ka values of 0.4 +/- 0.06 x 10(9) M(-1) and 1.3 +/- 0.2 x 10(7) M(-1). Using this marker, competition studies with cold haloperidol showed that a part of this binding was haloperidol-sensitive, whereas another part was haloperidol-resistant. Interestingly, progesterone described as a sigma ligand competes with [3H]RU 3117 binding, with an RBA of 1.6%. When haloperidol was preincubated (250 nM) with rat testis membranes, in order to mask the sigma sites, we observed that DTG (1,3-di-O-tolylguanidine) and haloperidol displayed a very low RBA (< 0.1%) and were not able totally to displace the [3H]RU 3117 binding up to 50 microM. Furthermore, benztropine exhibited a significant RBA of 19% but its displacement curve showed a plateau (500-50,000 nM). These results showed that part of the haloperidol-resistant sites was benztropine sensitive but another part was displaced neither by haloperidol nor by benztropine. The presence of these remaining binding sites was confirmed by preincubating a mixture of haloperidol and benztropine with testis membranes. Under these conditions, [3H]RU 3117 displayed a Ka of 1.0 +/- 0.01 x 10(7) M(-1), and we observed that these sites were recognized, up to now, only by the steroids RU 1968 and RU 54173 which are also devoid of any binding to classical nuclear steroid receptors.

Differentiation of sigma ligand-activated receptor subtypes that modulate NMDA-evoked [3H]-noradrenaline release in rat hippocampal slices.

1. It is now widely accepted that there are two classes of sigma (sigma) binding sites, denoted sigma(1) and sigma(2), and recently sigma(3) subtype has been proposed. Selective sigma(1) and sigma(2) receptor agonists are known to modulate the neuronal response to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) in vivo and in vitro. To identify the site of action of a series of recently synthesised high affinity sigma ligands, the present in vitro series of experiments was carried out on NMDA-evoked [3H]-noradrenaline ([3H]-NA) overflow from preloaded hippocampal slices of the rat. 2. The ligands (+)-cis-N-methyl-N-[2,(3,4-dichlorophenyl) ethyl]-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl) cyclohexylamine (BD-737) and (+)-pentazocine, considered as the prototypic sigma(1) agonists, potentiated the NMDA response from 10 nM to 100 nM. This potentiation faded between 100 nM and 1 microM ligand concentrations. On the other hand, 1,3-di(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG), a mixed sigma(1)/sigma(2) agonist, at concentrations greater than 100 nM inhibited the NMDA-evoked [3H]-NA release. Spiperone, considered as active on putative sigma(3) receptors, was without effect on the NMDA response, or on the potentiating effect of BD-737. 3. The high affinity sigma antagonists haloperidol and 1[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-4-methylpiperazine (BD-1063), inactive by themselves on the NMDA-induced response, at concentrations above 30 nM totally prevented the potentiating effect of (+)-pentazocine (100 nM) as well as the inhibitory effect of DTG (300 nM) on NMDA-evoked [3H]-NA release. Whereas haloperidol and BD-1063, at concentrations < 1 microM, were inactive on the potentiating effect of BD-737 (100 nM). 4. 4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-alpha-4-fluorophenyl-4-hydroxy-1-piperidinebutanol (reduced haloperidol), N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-N-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethylamine (BD-1008), inactive by themselves on the NMDA-evoked [3H]-NA release, failed to reverse the effects of (+)-pentazocine and DTG, but at concentrations of 30 nM to 1 microM antagonised the BD-737-induced potentiation of the NMDA response. Conversely, N,N-dipropyl-2-[4-methoxy-3-(2-phenylethoxy)phenyl]-ethylamine monohydrochloride (NE-100) blocked the effects of (+)-pentazocine as well as those of BD-737, but not those of DTG. 5. The present results provide in vitro functional evidence for a sigma receptor type preferentially sensitive to BD-737, reduced haloperidol, BD-1008 and also to NE-100, that differs from the already identified sigma(1), sigma(2) and sigma(3) sites.

Inhibition of 5-HT3 receptor function by imidazolines in mouse neuroblastoma cells: potential involvement of sigma 2 binding sites.

The influence of several imidazolines and sigma-site ligands on cation influx through the 5-HT3 receptor channel in N1E-115 mouse neuroblastoma cells was studied by measuring the 2-min influx of the organic cation [14C] guanidinium induced by 1 microM 5-HT (in the presence of 10 microM substance P in all experiments). In addition, we determined specific binding of [3H]DTG (1,3-di(2-tolyl)-guanidine), a selective sigma-site radioligand, and [3H] GR65630 (3-(5-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-1-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-1- propanone), a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, to membranes prepared from N1E-115 cells. The 5-HT-induced [14C]guanidinium influx was inhibited by the imidazolines, ondansetron, antazoline, idazoxan, BDF 6143 (4-chloro-2-(2-imidazolin-2-ylamino)-isoindoline), cirazoline, naphazoline, clonidine and by the guanidine agmatine, but not by the catecholamine adrenaline. The inhibitory effect of the imidazolines on cation influx through the 5-HT3 receptor channel was mimicked by the sigma-site ligands, (+/-)-ifenprodil, (+)-3-PPP ((R)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-propylpiperidine), DTG (1,3-di-tolyl-guanidine). haloperidol, dizocilpine, and ketamine as well as by the polyamines, arcaine and spermidine.-Ondansetron inhibited [3H]GR65630 binding with high affinity, whereas inhibition of binding of this radioligand to the 5-HT3 receptor by antazoline, BDF 6143, idazoxan, cirazoline, (+/-)-ifenprodil, (+)-3-PPP, DTG and haloperidol occurred in the high micromolar range. In the competition experiments with [3H]DTG, (+/-)-ifenprodil, haloperidol, unlabelled DTG, BDF 6143 and (+)-3-PPP inhibited binding of the radioligand at moderate affinity (Ki values in the range of 1 microM or lower), whereas ondansetron, antazoline, idazoxan, cirazoline, naphazoline, clonidine, tolazoline, efaroxan, RX821002 (2-[2-(2-methoxy-1,4-benzodioxanyl)]imidazoline), ketamine and spermidine exhibited affinity, in the high micromolar or millimolar range only. Comparison of the potencies of the ligands (pIC50% values) in inhibiting 5-HT-induced [14C]guanidinium influx with their affinities (pKi values) at the 5-HT recognition sites of the 5-HT3 receptor and at the sigma 2-sites of the N1E-115 cells by means of multiple regression analysis revealed a significant correlation with the affinities at both sites. In conclusion, our data suggest that imidazolines and sigma-ligands, which as a rule possess low affinity for the 5-HT recognition site of the 5-HT3 receptor, may be assumed to exert their inhibitory effect on cation influx through the 5-HT3 receptor channels, at least in part, by interacting with sigma 2-binding sites.

Synthesis, in vitro validation and in vivo pharmacokinetics of [ 125I]N-[2-(4-Iodophenyl)Ethyl]- N-Methyl-2-(1-Piperidinyl) ethylamine: A high-affinity ligand for imaging sigma receptor positive tumors

N-[2-(4-iodophenyl)ethyl]- N-methyl-2-(1-piperidinyl)ethylamine, IPEMP, and the corresponding bromo derivative, BrPEMP, have been synthesized and characterized. Both BrPEMP and IPEMP were evaluated for sigma-1 and sigma-2 subtype receptor affinities and found to possess very high affinities for both receptor subtypes. The precursor for radioiodination n-tributylstannylphenylethylpiperidinylethylamine was prepared from its bromo derivative by palladium-catalyzed stannylation reaction. Radioiodinated 4-[ 125I]PEMP was readily prepared in high yields and high specific activity by oxidative iododestannylation reaction using chloramine-T as oxidizing agent. Sites labeled by 4-[ 125I]PEMP in guinea pig brain membranes showed high affinity for BD1008, haloperidol, and (+)-pentazocine (Ki = 5.06 ± 0.40, 32.6 ± 2.75, and 48.1 ± 8.60 nM, respectively), which is consistent with sigma receptor pharmacology. Competition binding studies of 4-[ 125I]PEMP in melanoma (A375) and MCF-7 breast cancer cells showed a high affinity, dose-dependent inhibition of binding with known sigma ligand N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]- N-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl) ethylamine, BD1008 (Ki = 5, 11 nM, respectively), supporting the labeling of sigma sites in these cells. Haloperidol, however showed a weaker (Ki = 100–200 nM) affinity for the sites labeled by 4-[ 125I]PEMP in these cells. Biodistribution studies of 4-[ 125I]PEMP in rats showed a fast clearance of this radiopharmaceutical from blood, liver, lung, and other organs. A co-injection of 4-IPEMP with 4-[ 125I]PEMP resulted in 37%, 69%, and 35% decrease in activity in liver, kidney, and brain (organs possessing sigma receptors), respectively at 1-h postinjection. These results suggest that 4-[ 125I]PEMP is a promising radiopharmaceutical for pursuing further studies in animal models with tumors.

Synthesis of a potential M1 muscarinic agent [76Br]bromocaramiphen

[76Br]bromocaramiphen was prepared from the iodo-analogue by a Cu+ nucleophilic bromodeiodination exchange. The radiolabelling yield was 40–45%. The radiochemical and chemical purities assessed by radio-TLC and HPLC were 98%. The precursor, iodocaramiphen, was synthesized from commercially available 1-phenylcyclopentanecarboxylic acid with a 10% overall yield in a 5 step procedure. This synthesis includes the formation of 1-(p-nitrophenyl)-, 1-(p-aminophenyl)- and 1-(p-iodophenyl) cyclopentane carboxylic acid. In vivo studies in rats showed high uptake in brain. A 10% decrease was observed by coinjecting with the radiotracer a cold load of QNB, a non subtype selective muscarinic ligand. The metabolite study performed in the pons tissues indicated that there was still 92% of unchanged radiotracer 30 min p.i. After coinjection of dextrometorphan, a sigma ligand, a reduction of the radioactivity uptake by 20 to 27% was observed in the pons, the cortex, the striatum and the cerebellum. These data suggest that [76Br]bromocaramiphen is not a potential probe for investigating the status of central M1 muscarinic receptors because of its high lipophilicity (log P7.4 = 2.4) and its affinity for sigma sites.

18F]Haloperidol binding in baboon brain in vivo

The binding of [ 18F]haloperidol to dopamine D2 and to sigma recognition sites in baboon brain was examined using positron emission tomography (PET). Studies were performed at baseline and after treatment with either haloperidol (to evaluate saturability), (+)-butaclamol (which has specificity for dopamine D2 receptors) or (−)-butaclamol (which has specificity for sigma sites). Binding was widespread. Treatment with (−)-butaclamol had no effect, whereas (+)-butaclamol selectively reduced the uptake in striatum. Haloperidol increased the clearance rate from all brain regions. These results indicate that the binding profile of [ 18F]haloperidol does not permit the selective examination of either dopamine D2 or sigma sites using PET.

Synthesis and evaluation of aryl-substituted N-(arylethyl)-N-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethylamines and corresponding arylacetamides for sigma receptor affinity.

A series of aryl-monosubstituted arylacetamides (4-9) and arylethylenediamine (10-18) compounds were synthesized based on the structure of the high-affinity sigma ligand N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-N-methyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethylamine (2). These compounds were prepared to evaluate the effect of aromatic substitution patterns on sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptor binding affinity and selectivity. The data indicate that 10-18 possessed higher affinity than 4-9 for both sigma sites, especially when substituted with an electron-withdrawing group. The diamine compounds 10-18 were selective for sigma-1 binding sites, whereas the arylacetamide compounds 4-9 generally exhibited an increased selectivity for sigma-2 sites compared to sigma-1. No clear pattern between the orientation of aromatic substituents and the sigma binding activity was observed.

Effects of sigma ligands on the ability of rimcazole to inhibit PCP hsp70 induction

Phencyclidine (PCP) can result in schizophrenia-like behavior. It binds at the PCP site on the NMDA-receptor calcium channel and at the sigma receptor. PCP also induces the heat shock gene hsp70 in retrosplenial cortex neurons. An antipsychotic drug, rimcazole, inhibits PCP hsp70 induction. Rimcazole binds predominately to sigma-2 sites. It is hypothesized that sigma ligands without antipsychotic properties and with some sigma-2 affinity should partially reverse the effects of rimcazole. (+)-3-PPP, (+)-cyclazocine, and (+)-pentazocine bind predominately to sigma-1 sites. (+)-3-PPP is also a modest sigma-2 ligand. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (200–260 g) were injected intraperitoneally (IP) with (+)-3-PPP (50 mg/kg), rimcazole (60 mg/kg) and, after 5 min, with PCP (40 mg/kg). Brains were sectioned (100 μm) and presence of the hsp70 gene protein product, HSP70, was determined immunocytochemically. (+)-3-PPP significantly ( p < 0.05) diminished the ability of rimcazole to inhibit PCP hsp70 induction in the retrosplenial cortex. (+)-Cyclazocine (15mg/kg, IP) and (+)-pentazocine (80mg/kg, IP) given in an analogous manner did not diminished the ability of rimcazole to inhibit PCP hsp70 induction.

Functional and binding properties of sigma receptors in rat cerebellum.

Autoradiographic studies have shown that sigma receptors are enriched in the locus coeruleus, the origin of noradrenergic projections to the cerebellum, as well as in the Purkinje, molecular, and granular layers and the interpositus cerebellar nucleus of the cerebellum itself. In contrast, the cerebellum is relatively poor in phencyclidine (PCP) binding sites, which have been historically confused with sigma sites. The high ratio of sigma to PCP receptors in cerebellum is advantageous for discriminating sigma-mediated physiological effects. sigma agonists and antagonists have been shown to regulate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-stimulated norepinephrine release in hippocampus, which is innervated by locus coeruleus projections. We now report that sigma drugs also regulate norepinephrine release from cerebellum. In contrast to findings in the hippocampus, where regulation is via sigma 1 and sigma 2 receptors, sigma-mediated regulation in cerebellum seems to be primarily via sigma 1 receptors. In radioligand binding studies, we find that sigma receptors primarily of the sigma 1 type are present in the cerebellum. We further report that binding to sigma receptors in cerebellum is not affected by the addition of NMDA or glycine or by the presence of NMDA antagonists, suggesting that sigma receptors are not located within the NMDA-operated cation channel in this brain region.

Blockade by sigma site ligands of high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels in rat and mouse cultured hippocampal pyramidal neurones.

1. The effects of a series of structurally-dissimilar sigma site ligands were examined on high voltage-activated Ca2+ channel activity in two preparations of cultured hippocampal pyramidal neurones. 2. In mouse hippocampal neurones under whole-cell voltage-clamp, voltage-activated Ca2+ channel currents carried by barium ions (IBa) were reduced with the rank order (IC50 values in microM): 1S,2R-(-)-cis-N-methyl-N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]- 2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexylamine (7.8) > rimcazole (13) > haloperidol (16) > ifenprodil (18) > opipramol (32) > carbetapentane (40) = 1-benzylspiro[1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-1,4-piperidine] (42) > caramiphen (47) > dextromethorphan (73). At the highest concentrations tested, the compounds almost abolished IBa in the absence of any other pharmacological agent. 3. The current-voltage characteristics of the whole-cell IBa were unaffected by the test compounds. The drug-induced block was rapid in onset and offset, with the exceptions of carbetapentane and caramiphen where full block was achieved only after two to three voltage-activated currents and was associated with an apparent increase in the rate of inactivation of IBa. 4. In rat hippocampal neurones loaded with the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye Fura-2, rises in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration evoked by transient exposure to 50 mM K(+)-containing medium, either in the absence or in the presence of 10 microM nifedipine (to block L-type high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels), were also reversibly attenuated by the sigma ligands. The rank order potencies for the compounds in these experimental paradigms were similar to that observed for blockade of IBa in the electrophysiological studies. 5. These results indicate that, at micromolar concentrations, the compounds tested block multiple subtypes of high voltage-activated Ca2+ channels. These actions, which do not appear to be mediated by high-affinity sigma binding sites, may play a role in some of the functional effects previously described for the compounds.

Blockade by sigma site ligands of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate‐evoked responses in rat and mouse cultured hippocampal pyramidal neurones

1. The effects of a range of structurally-dissimilar compounds which possess affinity for sigma binding sites were examined on the responses of cultured hippocampal pyramidal neurones to the excitatory amino acid analogues N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), kainate and (RS)-alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA). 2. In mouse hippocampal neurones under whole-cell voltage-clamp, the compounds tested reversibly attenuated NMDA-, but not kainate- or AMPA-, evoked currents with a rank order potency (IC50 values in microM): ifenprodil (0.8) > (+)-N-allylnormetazocine (1.1) > dextromethorphan (1.8) = haloperidol (1.9) > (+)-pentazocine (7.2) > 1S,2R-(-)-cis-N-methyl-N-[2-(3, 4-dichlorophenyl) ethyl]-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexylamine (17) = rimcazole (18) > 1,3-di(2-tolyl)guanidine (37) > opipramol (96) > caramiphen (110) = carbetapentane (112) > > (+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine (485). 3. The attenuation of NMDA-evoked responses was not mediated through interactions with the agonist, glycine (except haloperidol) or polyamine (except ifenprodil) binding sites on the NMDA receptor-channel complex but, in the light of the voltage- and, in some cases, use-dependent nature of their antagonism, an interaction with the ion channel appears to be a likely mechanism of action for many of the compounds. 4. Micromolar concentrations of selected sigma site ligands also reduced NMDA-evoked rises in intracellular free calcium concentration in Fura-2-loaded cultured hippocampal neurones of the rat with the same rank order potency as observed in the electrophysiological studies. 5. The data indicate that, at micromolar concentrations, the sigma site ligands tested act as NMDA receptor antagonists, an action which does not appear to be mediated by high-affinity sigma binding site(s). The functional effects of micromolar concentrations of sigma site ligands cannot, therefore, be attributed exclusively to interactions with high-affinity sigma binding sites.

Autoradiographic characterization of binding sites for [ 3H]NE-100 in guinea pig brain

The receptor binding specificity and neuroanatomical distribution of [ 3H]NE-100 (N, N- dipropyl-2- [4- methoxy-3- (2- phenylethoxy) phenyl] ethylamine monohydrochloride)-labeled sigma receptor in guinea pig brain were examined using quantitative autoradiography. NE-100 potently inhibited [ 3H]NE-100 binding to slide-mounted sections of guinea pig brain with the IC 50 value of 1.09 nM, therefore, NE-100 apparently has high affinity binding sites. Competition studies, under conditions similar to those used to visualize the receptor, yielded the following rank order of potency: NE-100 > haloperidol > DuP734 > (+)pentazocine ⪢ (−)pentazocine. Non-sigma ligands such as phencyclidine (PCP), MK-801 and (−)sulpiride had negligible affinities for [ 3H]NE-100 binding sites. High densities of [ 3H]NE-100 binding sites displaceable by haloperidol were present in the granule layer of the cerebellum, the cingulate cortex, the CA3 region of the hippocampus, the hypothalamus and the pons. The distribution of [ 3H]NE-100 binding sites was consistent with that of [ 3H](+)pentazocine, a sigma 1 ligand. These sigma sites may possibly be related to various aspects of schizophrenia.