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.     

Solubilization and Characterization of σ-Receptors from Guinea Pig Brain Membranes

The sigma-receptor, a distinct binding site in brain tissue that may mediate some of the psychotomimetic properties of benzomorphan opiates and phencyclidine, has been solubilized using the ionic detergent sodium cholate. Binding assays were performed with the solubilized receptor using vacuum filtration over polyethyleneimine-treated glass fiber filters. The pharmacological specificity of the solubilized binding site for sigma-receptor ligands is nearly identical to the membrane-bound form of the receptor, with the order of potencies for displacement of the selective sigma-ligand [3H]di-o-tolylguanidine ([3H]DTG) closely correlated. The stereoselectivity for (+)-benzomorphan opiate enantiomers was retained by the solubilized receptor. The soluble receptor retained high affinity for binding of [3H]DTG (KD = 28 +/- 0.5 nM) and (+)-[3H]3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine [(+)-[3H]3-PPP] (KD = 36 +/- 2 nM). Photoaffinity labeling of the solubilized receptor by [3H]p-azido-DTG, a sigma-selective photoaffinity label, resulted in labeling of a 29-kilodalton polypeptide identical in size to that labeled in intact membranes. Estimation of the Stokes radius of the [3H]DTG binding site was obtained by Sepharose CL-6B chromatography in the presence of 20 mM cholate and calculated to be 8.7 nm. This value was identical to the molecular size found for the binding sites of the sigma-selective ligands (+)-[3H]3-PPP and (+)-[3H]SKF-10,047, supporting the hypothesis that all three ligands bind to the same macromolecular complex.     

Regulation of σ-Receptors: High- and Low-Affinity Agonist States, GTP Shifts, and Up-Regulation by Rimcazole and 1,3-Di(2-Tolyl)guanidine

The regulation of the central sigma-binding site was investigated using both in vitro and in vivo manipulations in conjunction with radioligand binding. The displacement of the binding of R(+)-[3H]3-[3-hydroxyphenyl]-N-(1-propyl)piperidine [R(+)-[3H]3-PPP] to cortical homogenates by a range of drugs was consistent with the site labelled being a sigma-receptor. (+)-SKF 10,047, (-)-SKF 10,047, (+/-)-cyclazocine, phencyclidine, and dexoxadrol displaced R(+)-[3H]3-PPP with pseudo-Hill coefficients of less than 1. Further analysis employing nonlinear curve fitting techniques demonstrated that displacement data for these compounds were described better by a model whereby R(+)-[3H]3-PPP was displaced from two discrete sites; approximately 65% of the total sites were in the high-affinity state. In the presence of 10 mM Mg2+ and 0.3 mM GTP, displacement curves for (+)-SKF 10,047 and (+/-)-cyclazocine were shifted to the right. These findings were due to the shift of some 15% of the high-affinity binding sites to a low-affinity state. Saturation experiments revealed that 0.3 mM GTP acted competitively to decrease the affinity of R(+)-[3H]3-PPP for the sigma sites. The sigma-binding site was thus likely to be linked to a guanine nucleotide regulatory (G) protein. Thus sigma drugs could be subdivided on the basis of their GTP sensitivity and pseudo-Hill coefficients, and by analogy with other receptors R(+)-3-PPP, (+)-SKF 10,047, and (+/-)-cyclazocine, may be putative sigma-agonists. 1,3-Di(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG), rimcazole, and haloperidol displaced R(+)-[3H]3-PPP with pseudo-Hill coefficients of approximately unity and thus may be sigma-antagonists. Subchronic treatment with rimcazole was characterized by slight sedation and a concomitant up-regulation, with a decrease in the affinity, of sigma-binding sites. The schedule of rimcazole also increased dopamine turnover in the nucleus accumbens; both the concentration of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and the DOPAC/dopamine ratio were elevated. DTG produced similar alterations to the binding parameters of the sigma-binding site; however, changes were not observed in general behavior or accumbal dopamine turnover. sigma-Receptors are likely to be linked to a G protein and are functionally involved in the CNS.     

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.     

An electrophilic affinity ligand based on (+)-MK801 distinguishes PCP site 1 from PCP site 2

The electrophilic affinity ligand, (+)-3-isothiocyanato-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d] cyclohepten-5,10-imine hydrochloride {(+)-MK801-NCS} was characterized for its ability to acylate phencyclidine (PCP) and sigma binding sites in vivo. Initial studies, conducted with mouse brain membranes, characterized the binding sites labeled by [³H]1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine ([³H]TCP). The Kd values of [³H]TCP for PCP site 1 (MK801-sensitive) and PCP site 2 (MK801-insensitive) were 12 nM and 68 nM, with Bmax values of 1442 and 734 fmol/mg protein, respectively. Mice were sacrificed 18–24 hours following intracerebroventricular administration of the acylator. The administration of (+)-MK801-NCS increased [³H]TCP binding to site 2, but not to site. 1. Although (+)-MK801-NCS decreased [³H](+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d; cbcyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate ([³H](+)-MK801) binding to site 1, it had no effect on [³H]TCP binding to site 1. Viewed collectively with other published data, these data support the hypothesis that PCP sites 1 and 2 are distinct binding sites, and that [³H]TCP and [³H](+)-MK801 label different domains of the PCP binding site associated with the NMDA receptor.Abbreviations ((+)-MK801) (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine - ((+)-MK801-NCS) (+)-3-isothiocyanato-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d] cyclohepten-5,10-imine hydrochloride - (PCP) 1-(1-phencyclohexyl)piperidine - (TCP) 1-{1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl}piperidine - (DTG) (2-(tllyl)guanidine - (metaphit) (1-(1-(3-isothiocyanatophenyl)-cyclohexyl)piperidine) - (NMDA) N-methyl-D-aspartate - (HEPPSO) (N-[2-hydroxyethyl]piperazine-N-[2-hydroxypropanesulfoni c acid] - ((+)-MK801-NCS) (+)-5-methyl(3-isothiocyanatophenyl)-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine - (NMDA) N-methyl-D-aspartate Address reprint requests to Dr. Rothman, Phone (410)550-1487.FAX 410-550-2997     

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.     

(+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine [(+)-3-PPP] but not (-)-3-PPP produces (+)-N-allylnormetazocine-like (SKF 10,047) discriminative stimuli

In rats trained to discriminate the prototypic sigma receptor agonist, (+)-N-Allylnormetazocine [(+)-N-Allylnormetazocine [(+)-NANM/SKF 10,047], from saline, the (+)- but not the (-)-isomer of 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine (3-PPP) produced (+)-NANM-like discriminative stimuli. (+)-3-PPP binds stereo selectively to the (+)-NANM binding site, but not to the phencyclidine binding site. Additionally, phencyclidine was found to produce (+)-NANM-like discriminative stimuli. Although the 3-PPP isomers were shown to produce changes in central dopaminergic activity (Hjorth et al. Life Sci 37, 673, 1985), the discriminative stimulus properties of (+)-3-PPP are apparently not mediated via the dopaminergic system. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that apomorphine did not produce (+)-NANM-like discriminative stimuli. These stimuli are thus non-dopaminergic and may be due to the (+)-3-PPP actions at the sigma binding site. However, it is possible that (+)-NANM, PCP, and (+)-3-PPP may have common non-sigma pharmacologic properties that account for the similar discriminative stimulus properties of these compounds.     

GBR-12909 and fluspirilene potently inhibited binding of [3H] (+)3-PPP to sigma receptors in rat brain

Fluspirilene and GBR-12909, two compounds structurally similar to BMY-14802 and haloperidol, were assessed for their ability to interact with sigma receptors. Fluspirilene, an antipsychotic agent that interacts potently with dopamine receptors, inhibited the binding of [3H]-(+) 3-PPP (IC50 = 380 nM) more potently than rimcazole, a putative sigma antagonist that was tested clinically for antipsychotic activity. GBR-12909, a potent dopamine uptake blocker, also inhibited the binding of [3H]-(+) 3-PPP with an IC50 of 48 nM. However, other compounds that block the re-uptake of catecholamines, such as nomifensine, desipramine, imipramine, xylamine, benztropine and cocaine, were much weaker than GBR-12909 as sigma ligands. Thus, GBR-12909 and fluspirilene, compounds structurally similar to BMY-14802, are potent sigma ligands.     

Computer-assisted analysis of dextromethorphan and (+)-3-(-3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine binding sites in rat brain. Allosteric effects of ropizine

Computer-assisted analysis of self- and cross-displacement studies between dextromethorphan (DM) and (+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl) piperidine ((+)-3-PPP) demonstrated in the rat brain the existence of two high-affinity and one low-affinity binding site for each ligand. One high-affinity site is the common DM1/sigma 1 site, the affinity of which is allosterically increased 4 to 5-fold by 10 microM ropizine. The Kd values of the DM1/sigma 1 for DM and (+)-3-PPP are 17 and 11 nM respectively. DM binds to the second high-affinity site (R2) with a Kd of 15 nM; this site has low affinity for (+)-3-PPP. Conversely, (+)-3-PPP binds with high affinity (Kd 53 nM) to another site (R3), that has low-affinity for DM. The Bmax of the common DM1/sigma 1 site in the rat is about ten times smaller than that in the guinea pig. Thus, extreme caution should be exercised in extrapolating from one species to another. Since DM and most sigma ligands bind to more than one site, not all of which are shared, it is important not to attribute the complex pharmacological effects of these ligands to a single hypothetical 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.     

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.     

MS-377, a selective sigma receptor ligand, indirectly blocks the action of PCP in the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ion-channel complex in primary cultured rat neuronal cells

MS-377 ((R)-(+)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-[4-(2-methoxyethyl)piperazin-1-yl]methyl-2-pyrrolidinone L-tartrate) is a antipsychotic agent that binds to sigma-1 receptor. MS-377 showed anti-dopaminergic and anti-serotonergic activities and antagonistic action against phencyclidine (PCP)-induced behaviors in an animal model. These anti-psychotic activities of MS-377 are attributable to association with sigma-1 receptor. However, the mechanism by which the sigma-1 receptor ligands exact those numerous effects remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of MS-377 on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor ion-channel complex in primary cultured rat neuronal cells. First, we examined the effect of MS-377 on NMDA-induced Ca2+ influx with fura-2/ AM loaded cells. MS-377 showed no effects on the basal Ca2+ concentration and NMDA-induced Ca2+ influx by itself PCP and SKF-10047 reduced the NMDA-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Pre-incubation of 1 microM MS-377 was found to significantly block the reduction by PCP or SKF-10047 of the NMDA-induced Ca2+ influx. Second, the effect of MS-377 on [3H]MK-801 intact cell binding was examined. PCP, haloperidol and (+)-pentazocine inhibited [3H]MK-801 binding, although MS-377 showed no effect by itself Pre-treatment of MS-377 markedly reversed the inhibition of [3H]MK-801 binding by PCP in a dose-dependent manner. These effects of MS-377 may depend on its affinity for the sigma-1 receptor, because MS-377 is a selective sigma-1 receptor ligand without any affinity for NMDA receptor ion-channel complex. These observations suggest that the MS-377 indirectly modulated the NMDA receptor ion-channel complex, and the anti-psychotic activities of MS-377, in part, are attributable to such on action via sigma-1 receptor.     

Ropizine concurrently enhances and inhibits [3H]dextromethorphan binding to different structures of the guinea pig brain: autoradiographic evidence for multiple binding sites

Ropizine (10 microM) produces a simultaneous enhancement and inhibition of [3H]dextromethorphan (DM) high-affinity binding to different areas of the guinea pig brain. These results imply that there are two distinct types of high-affinity [3H]DM binding sites, which are present in variable proportions in different brain structures. The ropizine-enhanced [3H]DM binding type was preferentially inhibited by (+)-pentazocine. This is consistent with the presumption that the (+)-pentazocine-sensitive site is identical with the common site for DM and 3-(-3-Hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine ((+)-3-PPP). The second binding type, which is inhibited by ropizine and is not so sensitive to (+)-pentazocine, has not been fully characterized. This study demonstrates that the biphasic effects of ropizine are due, at least in part, to the effects of ropizine on two different types of [3H]DM binding sites. However, this study does not rule out that common DM/(+)-3-PPP site also might be inhibited by higher concentrations of ropizine.     

SKF 525-A and cytochrome P-450 ligands inhibit with high affinity the binding of [3H]dextromethorphan and sigma ligands to guinea pig brain.

The DM1/sigma 1 site binds dextromethorphan (DM) and sigma receptor ligands. The broad binding specificity of this site and its peculiar subcellular distribution prompted us to explore the possibility that this site is a member of the cytochrome P-450 superfamily of enzymes. We tested the effects of the liver microsomal monooxygenase inhibitor SKF 525-A (Proadifen), and other P-450 substrates on the binding of [3H]dextromethorphan, [3H]3-(-3-Hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine and (+)-[3H]1,3-Di-o-tolyl-guanidine ([3H]DTG) to the guinea pig brain. SKF 525-A, l-lobeline and GBR-12909 inhibited the binding of the three labeled ligands with nM affinity. Each drug has identical nM Ki values for the high-affinity site labeled by the three ligands. This indicated that they displaced the labeled ligands from the common DM1/sigma 1 site. Debrisoquine and sparteine, prototypical substrates for liver debrisoquine 4-hydroxylase, displayed Ki values of 9-13 and 3-4 microM respectively against the three labeled ligands. These results, the broad specificity of the DM1/sigma 1 binding site, and its peculiar subcellular distribution, raises the possibility that this binding site is a member of the cytochrome P-450 superfamily of isozymes, rather than a neurotransmitter receptor. These findings may have important implications for the understanding of the therapeutic, side effects and toxicity of several neurotropic drugs.     

Repizine concurrently enhances and inhibits [3H] dextromethorphan binding to different structures of the guinea pig brain: Autoradiographic evidence for multiple binding sites

Ropizine (10 μM) produces a simultaneous enhancement and inhibition of [³H]dextromethorphan (DM) high-affinity binding to different areas of the guinea pig brain. These results imply that there are two distinct types of high-affinity [³H]DM binding sites, which are present in variable proportions in different brain structures. The ropizine-enhanced [³H]DM binding type was preferentially inhibited by (+)-pentazocine. This is consistent with the presumption that the (+)-pentazocine-sensitive site is identical with the common site for DM and 3-(-3-Hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine ((+)-3-PPP). The second binding type, which is inhibited by ropizine and is not so sensitive to (+)-pentazocine, has not been fully characterized. This study demonstrates that the biphasic effects of ropizine are due, at least in part, to the effects of ropizine on two different types of [³H]DM binding sites. However, this study does not rule out thet the common DM/(+)-3-PPP site also might be inhibited by higher concentrations of ropizine.     

Supersensitivity of sigma receptors after repeated administration of cocaine.

We investigated the role of sigma receptors in the expression of behavioral sensitization induced by cocaine. Rats received intraperitoneal injections of either 20 mg/kg cocaine or saline once daily for 14 consecutive days. Cocaine-treated rats became sensitized. After a 5-day abstinence period, a challenge dose of (+)-3-[3-hydroxyphenyl]-N-(1-propyl)piperidine ((+)-3-PPP), a sigma receptor agonist, was administered. (+)-3-PPP at doses of 12 and 24 mg/kg induced significantly more frequent rearing and more potent stereotypy consisting of repetitive head movement and sniffing in cocaine-sensitized rats than in saline-pretreated rats. These enhanced responses to (+)-3-PPP lasted for at least a month. The enhanced responses to (+)-3-PPP were attenuated by 30 mg/kg BMY 14802, a putative sigma antagonist, and also attenuated by 100 mg/kg (+/-)-sulpiride, a D2 dopamine antagonist. These findings show that repeated administration of cocaine produces lasting supersensitivity of simga receptors, which may induce subsequent activation of dopaminergic transmission.     

Competitive interactions at [3H]1,3-di(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG)-defined sigma recognition sites in guinea pig brain.

In saturation binding experiments, (+)pentazocine, (+)3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-propylpiperidine (3-PPP), haloperidol and rimcazole did not inhibit the binding of [3H]DTG in a purely competitive fashion. Although Scatchard analysis indicated that [3H]DTG bound to a single site, the inhibition curves of some, but not all, reference compounds exhibited Hill coefficients of less than 0.8. The Scatchard data were consistent with a model of hyperbolic competitive inhibition of binding to the [3H]DTG-defined sigma site, although other possibilities such as negative cooperativity or binding to two sites cannot be definitively excluded. Compounds from numerous pharmacological and structural classes inhibited the binding of [3H]DTG, suggesting that interactions of [3H]DTG with other receptors may have confounded the Scatchard analysis of the binding of [3H]DTG to sigma recognition sites.     

Pseudoallosteric modulation by (+)-MK801 of NMDA-coupled phencyclidine binding sites

Two high affinity phencyclidine (PCP) binding sites, labelled by [3H] 1-[1-(2-thienyl)cyclohexyl]piperidine ([3H]TCP), have been identified in guinea pig brain, with one site coupled to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor (site 1) and the other site associated with the dopamine reuptake carrier complex (site 2). In this study, PCP enhanced the dissociation of [3H]TCP from PCP site 1 and site 2, while (+)-MK801 only enhanced dissociation of [3H]TCP from PCP site 1. Although additional studies will be required to determine the exact mechanism(s) of these effects, these data demonstrate that the interactions of PCP with both site 1 and site 2 are more complex than previously appreciated.     

Endogenous ligands for sigma opioid receptors in the brain ("sigmaphin"): evidence from binding assays

Two endogenous ligands which interact preferentially with the sigma opioid receptors were identified from the guinea-pig brain extract in a Sephadex G-50 fractionation. These two ligands inhibited more potently the binding of [3H]SKF-10047 to sigma opioid receptors than [3H]naloxone to mu opioid receptors, [3H]ethylketocyclazocine to kappa opioid receptors and [3H]DADLE to delta opioid receptors. In the phencyclidine receptor assay, these two ligands were almost inactive. Incubation of these ligands with trypsin destroyed at least 50% of the activities in the sigma opioid receptor assay. Both ligands inhibited the sigma binding in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition could be eliminated when the two ligands were removed from incubation media by extensive washings. It is therefore concluded that sigma opioid receptors are not phencyclidine receptors and that endogenous ligands for sigma opioid receptors may exist in the brain.