Differential regulation of sigma and PCP receptors after chronic administration of haloperidol and phencyclidine in mice

The existence of multiple receptor sites for the psychotomimetic agents phencyclidine (PCP) and some opiate-benzomorphans such as (+)N-allylnormetazocine ([+]SKF 10,047) in the mammalian central nervous system is well documented. These are: 1) sigma/PCP (sigma p) site, which binds both PCP and psychotomimetic opiates but not antipsychotics such as haloperidol, 2) PCP site, which selectively binds PCP analogs, and 3) sigma/haloperidol (sigma h) site, for which certain antipsychotics and (+)SKF 10,047, but not PCP analogs, display high affinity. In this study we examined the regulation of these receptor sites after chronic treatment of mice with either PCP or haloperidol. The following radiolabeled ligands were used to assess binding to the various receptor subtypes: [3H]-1-[1-[3-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine ([3H]PCP-3-OH; sigma p and PCP sites), [3H]thienyl-phencyclidine ([3H]TCP; PCP site), (+)-[3H]SKF 10,047 (sigma p and sigma h sites), and [3H]haloperidol (sigma h and D-2 dopamine receptors). Treatment of mice for 1, 7, 14, and 21 days with PCP (10 mg.kg-1.day-1) failed to induce variations in sigma p, sigma h, and PCP receptor binding. However, similar treatment with haloperidol (4 mg.kg-1.day-1) induced: 1) complete elimination of the binding to sigma h sites, 2) up-regulation of D-2 dopamine receptors, and 3) no change in sigma p and PCP receptor binding after 14 or 21 days of treatment. However, a single day of haloperidol treatment or in vitro incubation of mouse brain membranes with haloperidol failed to alter receptor binding. This study suggests that prolonged treatment of mice with haloperidol induces a loss in sigma h receptors that are presumably associated with certain psychotomimetic effects. This phenomenon is accompanied by an up-regulation of D-2 dopamine receptors.     

Sigma binding sites in the brain; an emerging concept for multiple sites and their relevance for psychiatric disorders

An increasing amount of evidence suggests the existence of specific binding sites for psychotomimetic drugs from the opiate-benzomorphan and arylcyclohexylamine series. The sigma binding sites have preferential affinity for the dextrorotatory isomers of certain opiate benzomorphans, such as (+)SKF 10047, (+)cyclazocine and (+)pentazocine and also for some neuroleptics (e.g., haloperidol). The PCP receptor has preferential affinity for phencyclidine (PCP) analogs and other non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. The physiological significance of the PCP receptor is associated with the blockade of the NMDA type of the glutamate receptor, implying a neuroprotective role of the PCP receptor. However, the significance of the sigma binding sites is less conspicuous. It is not only that drugs from distinct pharmacological classes display a certain degree of affinity for the "sigma/haloperidol" binding sites, but also that drugs which do not induce or block psychotomimetic activity, i.e., (+)3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl) piperidine [(+)3-PPP] and 1,3-di-o-tolyl-guanidine (DTG), display relatively high affinity for the sigma binding sites. The diversity of the compounds which are proposed to interact with the sigma receptors and the variety of the responses elicited by these drugs suggest the existence of sigma receptor subtypes. The finding that the type A of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, which are used in treatment of affective disorders, display high affinity for the sigma binding sites suggests their involvement in affective or schizoaffective disorders. Revealing the existence of sigma receptor subtypes may help to elucidate their association with various psychiatric disorders.     

Differing stereospecificities distinguish opiate receptor subtypes

Paired stereoisomers of compounds active at the proposed mu, kappa and sigma classes of opiate receptors display differing stereoselectivity patterns at the receptor subtypes. The (-) isomers of cyclazocine and SKF-10047 are far more potent than the (+) isomers as displacers of [3H]dihydromorphine from receptors. However, the (-) isomers are only moderately more potent than the (+) isomers at displacing [3H]ethylketocyclazocine from kappa receptors in an assay controlled for radioligand binding to mu receptors, and the (+) and (-) isomers are similar in potency for displacement of [3H]phencyclidine (PCP) from sigma receptors. At the sigma/PCP receptor, (+) ketamine proved four times as potent as (-) ketamine, while the dioxalan derivative dexoxadrol is far more potent than its nearly inactive enantiomer levoxadrol. The results for the sigma/PCP receptor are in agreement with those of behavioral studies. Stereospecificity patterns may provide support for the concept of the opiate receptor subclasses as biochemically distinct entities.     

Facilitation of GABA-induced depression with PCP and sigma receptor agonists was mediated through catecholaminergic pathways

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the interactions of norepinephrine with PCP (phencyclidine) and sigma receptor agonists--modulated GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) response in the cerebellum. Drugs were directly applied to a single cerebellar Purkinje neuron of urethane-anesthesitized rat through a multibarrel pipette. (+)PCMP [1-(-1-phenylcyclohexyl)-3-methyl piperidine], a PCP receptor agonist, and dexoxadrol, a sigma receptor agonist, significantly enhanced GABA induced inhibition. In norepinephrine-depleted animals, however, both (+)PCMP and dexoxadrol did not modulate GABA's effect. In conclusion, our findings indicated that the PCP/sigma-induced facilitation of GABA reactions were mediated through noradrenergic system in the cerebellum.     

Characterization of [3H]desmethylimipramine binding in bovine adrenal medulla: interactions with sigma- and (or) phencyclidine-receptor ligands.

High-affinity binding sites (apparent KD 2.87 nM) for [3H]desmethylimipramine ([3H]DMI), have been demonstrated and characterized in membrane preparations of bovine adrenal medulla. The binding of [3H]DMI improved upon pretreatment of the membrane with KCl and was saturable, sodium dependent, and potently inhibited by nisoxetine and imipramine. [3H]DMI binding was also inhibited by various phencyclidine (PCP)- and (or) sigma-receptor ligands, with the following order of potency: haloperidol > rimcazole > (-)-butaclamol > dextromethorphan > MK-801 > (+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine ((+)-3-PPP) > PCP > N-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl-3,4-piperidine (TCP) > (+)-SKF-10047 > (-)-SKF-10047. The inhibition produced by sigma ligands was not attributed to stimulation of either sigma 1- or sigma 2-receptors, owing to inactivity of the selective sigma-receptor ligands (+)-pentazocine and 1,3-di(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG). The inhibition of [3H]DMI binding by sigma- and PCP-receptor ligands was not attributed to PCP1- or PCP2-receptor stimulation, owing to the decreased potency (100-fold) of these ligands in [3H]DMI assays compared with the affinity for brain PCP1 sites, and the ineffectiveness of the PCP2-ligand N-(1-(2-benzo(b)thiophenyl)cyclohexyl)piperidine (BTCP). Scatchard analysis of the inhibition by the sigma-ligands haloperidol and (+)-3-PPP, as well as the PCP1 receptor ligand MK-801, demonstrated noncompetitive interaction with the site bound by [3H]DMI. These studies indicate that bovine adrenomedullary membranes possess a specific receptor for the noradrenaline uptake inhibitor [3H]DMI, which is sensitive to allosteric modulation produced by PCP and sigma-ligands.     

Phencyclidine

Phenycyclidine (PCP) produces many profound effects in the central nervous system. PCP has numerous behavioral and neurochemical effects such as inhibiting the uptake and facilitating the release of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. PCP also interacts with sigma, mu opioid, muscarinic, and nicotinic receptors. However, the psychotomimetic effects induced by PCP are believed to be mediated by specific PCP receptors, where PCP binds with greater potency than sigma compounds. Electrophysiological, behavioral, and neuro-chemical evidence strongly suggests that at least some of the many PCP actions result from antagonism of excitatory amino acid-induced responses via PCP receptors. The recent isolation and partial characterization of the alpha and beta endopsychosins and the identification of other endogenous ligands for the PCP and sigma receptors, is another promising area of research in the elucidation of the physiological role of an endogenous PCP and sigma system.     

NE-100, a novel sigma receptor ligand: In vivo tests

It has been suggested that sigma receptor antagonists may be useful as antipsychotic drugs. N, N-dipropyl-2-[4-methoxy-3-(2-phenylethoxy)phenyl]-ethylamine monohydrochloride (NE-100) is a novel compound with high affinity for the sigma receptor (IC50 = 4.16 nM), but low affinity (IC50 > 1000 nM) for D1, D2, 5-HT1A, 5-HT2 and phencyclidine (PCP) receptors. The head-weaving behavior induced by either (+)SKF10047 or PCP was dose-dependently antagonized by NE-100 with oral ED50 at 0.27 and 0.12 mg/kg, respectively. NE-100 did not affect dopamine agonists-induced stereotyped behavior and/or hyperactivity. NE-100 failed to induce catalepsy in rats. These findings indicate that NE-100 may have antipsychotic activity without the liability of motor side effects typical of neuroleptics.     

Identification of polypeptides of the phencyclidine receptor of rat hippocampus by photoaffinity labeling with [3H]azidophencyclidine

Polypeptide components of the phencyclidine (PCP) receptor present in rat hippocampus were identified with the photolabile derivative of phencyclidine [3H]azidophencyclidine ( [3H]AZ-PCP). The labeled affinity probe was shown to reversibly bind to specific sites in the dark. The number of receptor sites bound is equal to those labeled by [3H]PCP, and their pharmacology and stereospecificity are identical with those of the PCP/sigma-opiate receptors. The dissociation constant of [3H]AZ-PCP from these receptors is 0.25 +/- 0.08 microM. Photolysis of hippocampus membranes preequilibrated with [3H]AZ-PCP, followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, revealed the existence of five major labeled bands of which a Mr 90 000 band and a Mr 33 000 band were heavily labeled. Inhibition experiments, in which membranes were incubated with [3H]AZ-PCP in the presence of various PCP analogues and opiates, indicate that labeling of both the Mr 90 000 band and the Mr 33 000 band is sensitive to relatively low concentrations (10 microM) of potent PCP/sigma receptor ligands, while similar concentrations of levoxadrol, naloxone, morphine, D-Ala-D-Leu-enkephalin, atropine, propranolol, and serotonin were all ineffective. Stereoselective inhibition of labeling of the Mr 90 000 band and of the Mr 33 000 band was also observed by the use of dexoxadrol and levoxadrol. The Mr 33 000 band was not as sensitive as the Mr 90 000 band to inhibition by the selective PCP receptor ligands N-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine and PCP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Dextromethorphan attenuates trimethyltin-induced neurotoxicity via sigma1 receptor activation in rats

We showed that dextromethorphan (DM) provides neuroprotective/anticonvulsant effects and that DM and its major metabolite, dextrorphan, have a high-affinity for sigma(1) receptors, but a low affinity for sigma(2) receptors. In addition, we found that DM has a higher affinity than DX for sigma(1) sites, whereas DX has a higher affinity than DM for PCP sites. We extend our earlier findings by showing that DM attenuated trimethyltin (TMT)-induced neurotoxicity (convulsions, hippocampal degeneration and spatial memory impairment) in rats. This attenuation was reversed by the sigma(1) receptor antagonist BD 1047, but not by the sigma(2) receptor antagonist ifenprodil. DM attenuates TMT-induced reduction in the sigma(1) receptor-like immunoreactivity of the rat hippocampus, this attenuation was blocked by the treatment with BD 1047, but not by ifenprodil. These results suggest that DM prevents TMT-induced neurotoxicity, at least in part, via sigma(1) receptor stimulation.     

Differential Interaction of Phencyclidine-Like Drugs with the Dopamine Uptake Complex In Vivo

The phencyclidine (PCP) derivative, [3H]N-[1-(2-benzo[b]thiophenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine ([3H]BTCP), was used to label in vivo the dopamine uptake complex in mouse brain. The striatum accumulated the highest level of total and specific binding. Drugs which bind to the dopamine uptake site inhibited [3H]BTCP binding on an order similar to their in vitro affinities for the high-affinity [3H]BTCP site. Drugs which label selectively other monoamine uptake complexes. PCP, or sigma recognition sites were ineffective at doses up to 40 mg/kg. PCP bound to and dissociated from the dopamine uptake complex very rapidly. N-[1-(2-Thienyl)cyclohexyl]pideridine (TCP) and (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate (MK-801) had no effect at any time or at any dose. These results imply that the pharmacological effects of PCP are due to its simultaneous interaction with the dopamine uptake complex and the PCP receptor. Conversely, TCP and MK-801, which have the same behavioral properties as PCP, exert their action only through the interaction with the PCP receptor.     

Synthesis and evaluation of optically pure [3H]-(+)-pentazocine, a highly potent and selective radioligand for sigma receptors

Tritium-labeled (+)-pentazocine ([3H]-1b) of specific activity 26.6 Ci/mmol was synthesized in 3 steps starting with (+)-normetazocine (2) of defined optical purity. [3H]-1b has been characterized as a highly selective ligand for labeling of sigma receptors. Competition data revealed that [3H]-1b could be displaced from guinea pig brain membrane preparations with a number of commonly used sigma receptor ligands. [3H]-1b exhibited saturable, enantioselective binding with a Kd of 5.13 +/- 0.97 nM and a Bmax of 1146 +/- 122 fmol/mg protein. Phencyclidine (PCP) displaced [3H]-1b with low affinity while MK-801 was inactive, thus indicating insignificant activity at the PCP-binding site; apomorphine failed to displace [3H]-1b indicating lack of dopamine receptor cross-reactivity. Since the affinity of [3H]-1b is about 6 times that of the two commonly employed sigma ligands ((+)-3-[3H]PPP and [3H]DTG) and since it is more selective for sigma receptors than the benzomorphan [3H]SKF-10,047, it represents the first example of a highly selective benzomorphan based sigma receptor ligand. [3H]-1b should prove useful for further study of the structure and function of sigma receptors.     

The Ketamine Analogue Methoxetamine and 3- and 4-Methoxy Analogues of Phencyclidine Are High Affinity and Selective Ligands for the Glutamate NMDA Receptor

In this paper we determined the pharmacological profiles of novel ketamine and phencyclidine analogues currently used as ‘designer drugs’ and compared them to the parent substances via the resources of the National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program. The ketamine analogues methoxetamine ((RS)-2-(ethylamino)-2-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanone) and 3-MeO-PCE (N-ethyl-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexanamine) and the 3- and 4-methoxy analogues of phencyclidine, (1-[1-(3-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine and 1-[1-(4-methoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine), were all high affinity ligands for the PCP-site on the glutamate NMDA receptor. In addition methoxetamine and PCP and its analogues displayed appreciable affinities for the serotonin transporter, whilst the PCP analogues exhibited high affinities for sigma receptors. Antagonism of the NMDA receptor is thought to be the key pharmacological feature underlying the actions of dissociative anaesthetics. The novel ketamine and PCP analogues had significant affinities for the NMDA receptor in radioligand binding assays, which may explain their psychotomimetic effects in human users. Additional actions on other targets could be important for delineating side-effects.     

Comparison of [3H] phencyclidine ([3H] PCP) and [3H] N-[1-(2-thienyl) cyclohexyl] piperidine ([3H] TCP) binding properties to rat and human brain membranes

The investigation of [3H] PCP and [3H] TCP binding properties to rat cerebrum and cerebellum resulted in the demonstration of multiple binding sites for the two drugs. In the two tissue preparations PCP had a lower affinity than TCP. In membranes from the cerebrum an equal number of high affinity binding sites were present for [3H] PCP and [3H] TCP. However, low affinity binding sites were two times more numerous for [3H] PCP than for [3H] TCP. In the cerebellum, the number of high and low affinity sites labeled by the two radioligands was identical, but the number of high affinity sites was about 7 fold lower than in the cerebrum. Taken together these results may indicate that in the cerebrum [3H] PCP labels other sites than NMDA/PCP receptor(s), maybe sigma receptors and/or the dopamine uptake complex. In human cerebral cortex samples [3H] TCP also bound to two different sites. The number of high and low affinity sites were 12 and 3 times, respectively, less abundant than in the rat cerebrum. Low affinity sites were of higher affinity (5 times) than corresponding sites in the rat brain. In the human cerebellum [3H] TCP binding parameters were identical to those measured in the same region in the rat.     

Mutations in type 3 reovirus that determine binding to sialic acid are contained in the fibrous tail domain of viral attachment protein sigma1.

The reovirus attachment protein, sigma1, determines numerous aspects of reovirus-induced disease, including viral virulence, pathways of spread, and tropism for certain types of cells in the central nervous system. The sigma1 protein projects from the virion surface and consists of two distinct morphologic domains, a virion-distal globular domain known as the head and an elongated fibrous domain, termed the tail, which is anchored into the virion capsid. To better understand structure-function relationships of sigma1 protein, we conducted experiments to identify sequences in sigma1 important for viral binding to sialic acid, a component of the receptor for type 3 reovirus. Three serotype 3 reovirus strains incapable of binding sialylated receptors were adapted to growth in murine erythroleukemia (MEL) cells, in which sialic acid is essential for reovirus infectivity. MEL-adapted (MA) mutant viruses isolated by serial passage in MEL cells acquired the capacity to bind sialic acid-containing receptors and demonstrated a dependence on sialic acid for infection of MEL cells. Analysis of reassortant viruses isolated from crosses of an MA mutant virus and a reovirus strain that does not bind sialic acid indicated that the sigma1 protein is solely responsible for efficient growth of MA mutant viruses in MEL cells. The deduced sigma1 amino acid sequences of the MA mutant viruses revealed that each strain contains a substitution within a short region of sequence in the sigma1 tail predicted to form beta-sheet. These studies identify specific sequences that determine the capacity of reovirus to bind sialylated receptors and suggest a location for a sialic acid-binding domain. Furthermore, the results support a model in which type 3 sigma1 protein contains discrete receptor binding domains, one in the head and another in the tail that binds sialic acid.     

Fluorine-18 radiolabelling, biodistribution studies and preliminary PET evaluation of a new memantine derivative for imaging the NMDA receptor

A synthetic method has been established for preparing [18F]1-amino-3-fluoromethyl-5-methyl-adamantane ([18F]AFA). Biodistribution of the radiotracer in mice showed high brain uptake. The peak uptake (3.7% I.D/g organ) for the brain occurred at 30 min after injection. Accumulation of radioactivity in mouse brain was consistent with the known distribution of the NMDA receptors. The binding of [18F]AFA to the phencyclidine (PCP) binding sites of the NMDA receptor complex and the sigma recognition sites in a Rhesus monkey was also examined using positron emission tomography (PET). The regional brain distribution of [18F]AFA was changed by memantine and by (+)-MK-801, indicating competition for the same binding sites. Treatment with haloperidol caused a marked reduction of radioactivity uptake in all the brain regions examined. (-)-Butaclamol, which has pharmacological specificity for sigma sites, did not have any significant effects.     

Biologically active MK-801 and SKF-10,047 binding sites distinct from those in rat brain are expressed on human lung cancer cells.

We have shown previously that cultured human lung cancer cells of different histologic types express multiple opioid receptors that can regulate their growth. In this report, we show that these cells also express specific, saturable, and high-affinity binding sites (Kd approximately 1 nM) for the non-opioid phencyclidine (PCP), [(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,b]cyclohepten-5,10-imine hydrogen maleate] (MK-801) and sigma N-allylnormetazocine (SKF-10,047) receptor ligands. Characterization of these binding sites showed them to be protein in nature and sensitive to the guanine nucleotide GTP. Pharmacological studies showed that (+) MK-801 and (+) SKF-10,047 competed with each other for their binding sites and also for the methadone binding site present in these cells. However, the mu and delta opioid ligands did not compete for (+) MK-801 and (+) SKF-10,047 binding sites. In addition, these binding sites on lung cancer cells appear to be distinct from the N-methyl D-aspartate/PCP receptor ionophore complex reported to be present in rat brain. MK-801 and SKF-10,047, at nM concentrations, were found to inhibit the growth of these cells in culture within a few hours of exposure, and this effect was irreversible after 24 h. The growth effects of these ligands could not be reversed by the opioid antagonist naloxone, suggesting involvement of nonopioid type receptors in the actions of these ligands. The abundant expression of biologically active MK-801 and SKF-10 047 binding sites in these cell lines, distinct from those in rat brain, suggests that these cell lines may prove to be a valuable source for further characterization and purification of these binding sites.     

The synergistic effect of selective sigma receptor agonists and uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists in the forced swim test in rats.

Data acquired to date show that some sigma receptor ligands reveal "antidepressant-like" activity in the forced swim test in mice and rats. Moreover, our preliminary results suggested that joint administration of sigma receptor ligands and amantadine (AMA, a glutamatergic/NMDA receptor antagonist) caused a positive interaction in the Porsolt test in rats, as had already been observed in the case of co-treatment with clinically active antidepressants and AMA. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of combined administration of sigma1 or sigma2 receptor agonists, SA4503 or siramesine, respectively, and AMA or memantine (MEM) (uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist). SA4503 or siramesine given jointly with MEM (as well as with AMA) decreased the immobility time in rats. The effect of SA4503 and AMA co-administration was antagonized by progesterone, a sigma1 receptor antagonistic neurosteroid. Combined treatment with siramesine and AMA was modified by neither progesterone nor BD1047 (a novel sigma antagonist with preferential affinity for sigma1 sites); but it was counteracted by sulpiride and prazosin (a dopamine D2- and an alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonist, respectively). The "antidepressant-like" effect induced by siramesine and MEM was not antagonized by progesterone, but was attenuated by BD1047, sulpiride and prazosin. The obtained results give support to the hypothesis that sigma (particularly sigma1) receptors may be one of the possible mechanisms by which drugs induce antidepressant-like activity in the forced swim test, and that this effect may be enhanced by NMDA receptor antagonists. Combined treatment with sigma ligands and AMA or MEM (applied in the clinic) may be an alternative to the treatment of antidepressant-resistant depressive patients in the future.     

Neuropsychopharmacological properties of neuroactive steroids.

In addition to the well-known genomic effects of steroid molecules via intracellular steroid receptors, certain steroids rapidly alter neuronal excitability through interaction with neurotransmitter-gated ion channels. Several of these steroids accumulate in the brain after local synthesis or after metabolism of adrenal steroids. The 3alpha-hydroxy ring A-reduced pregnane steroids allopregnanolone and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone have been thought not to interact with intracellular receptors, but enhance gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated chloride currents, whereas pregnenolone sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate display functional antagonistic properties at GABA(A) receptors. We demonstrated that these neuroactive steroids can regulate also gene expression via the progesterone receptor after intracellular oxidation. Thus, in physiological concentrations these neuroactive steroids regulate neuronal function through their concurrent influence on transmitter-gated ion channels and gene expression. When administered in animal studies, memory-enhancing effects have been shown for pregnenolone sulfate and DHEA. The 3alpha-hydroxy ring A-reduced neuroactive steroids predominantly display anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and hypnotic activities. Sleep studies evaluating the effects of progesterone as a precursor molecule for these neuroactive steroids revealed a sleep electroencephalogram pattern similar to that obtained by the administration of benzodiazepines. These findings extend the concept of a "cross-talk" between membrane and nuclear hormone effects and provide a new role for the therapeutic application of these steroids in neurology and psychiatry.     

Sigma receptor photolabeling and sigma receptor-mediated modulation of potassium channels in tumor cells.

Recent work has indicated that sigma receptor ligands can modulate potassium channels. However, the only sigma receptor characterized at the molecular level has a novel structure unlike any other receptor known to modulate ion channels. This 26-kDa protein has a hydropathy profile suggestive of a single membrane-spanning domain, with no apparent regions capable of G-protein activation or protein phosphorylation. In the present study patch clamp techniques and photoaffinity labeling were used in DMS-114 cells (a tumor cell line known to express sigma receptors) to investigate the role of the 26-kDa protein in ion channel modulation and probe the mechanism of signal transduction. The sigma receptor ligands N-allylnormetazocine (SKF10047), ditolylguanidine, and (+/-)-2-(N-phenylethyl-N-propyl)-amino-5-hydroxytetralin all inhibited voltage-activated potassium current (IK). Iodoazidococaine (IAC), a high affinity sigma receptor photoprobe, produced a similar inhibition in IK, and when cell homogenates were illuminated in the presence of IAC, a protein with a molecular mass of 26 kDa was covalently labeled. Photolabeling of this protein by IAC was inhibited by SKF10047 with half-maximal effect at 7 microM. SKF10047 also inhibited IK with a similar EC50 (14 microM). Thus, physiological responses to sigma receptor ligands are mediated by a protein with the same molecular weight as the cloned sigma receptor. This indicates that ion channel modulation is indeed mediated by this novel protein. Physiological responses were the same when cells were perfused internally with either guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) or GTP, indicating that signal transduction is independent of G-proteins. These results demonstrate that ion channels can be modulated by a receptor that does not have seven membrane-spanning domains and does not employ G-proteins. Sigma receptors thus modulate ion channels by a novel transduction mechanism.     

Pharmacological specificity of some psychotomimetic and antipsychotic agents for the sigma and PCP binding sites

The pharmacological specificity of representative psychotomimetic agents such as phencyclidine (PCP) analogs, opiate benzomorphans and several antipsychotic agents was assessed for the sigma and PCP binding sites. In a series of binding experiments, in rat brain membranes, sigma and PCP binding sites were labeled with [3H]-1-[1-(3-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine [( 3H]PCP-3-OH), (+) [3H]-N-allylnormetazocine [(+) [3H]SKF 10047] and (+) [3H]-3-[3-hydroxy-phenyl]-N-(1-propyl)piperidine [(+) [3H]-3-PPP]. PCP analogs inhibit potently high affinity [3H]PCP-3-OH binding and (+) [3H]SKF 10047 binding, moderately the low affinity binding component of [3H]PCP-3-OH and very weakly (+) [3H]-3-PPP binding. (+)SKF 10047 and cyclazocine are potent to moderate inhibitors of (+) [3H]SKF 10047, high affinity [3H]PCP-3-OH and (+) [3H]-3-PPP binding, but extremely weak inhibitors of low affinity [3H]PCP-3-OH binding. The antipsychotic agents display high affinity for (+) [3H]-3-PPP binding sites, moderate affinity for (+) [3H]SKF 10047 sites and have no effect on either the high or low affinity [3H]PCP-3-OH binding. The present data further support the existence of multiple sigma and PCP binding sites.