Involvement of the sigma 1 receptor in the modulation of dopaminergic transmission by amantadine.

Pharmacological effects of amantadine on dopaminergic transmission are proposed to result from an uncompetitive antagonism at glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. However, our previous studies examining amantadine-mediated dopamine receptor regulation in the rat striatum revealed a discrepancy from a direct interference with glutamate transmission. Preliminary in vitro binding data from the literature suggested the interaction of amantadine with the sigma1 receptor. Therefore, we have now further characterized the pharmacological properties of amantadine and memantine at this receptor and investigated its involvement in the modulation of striatal dopaminergic transmission. Our binding studies using [3H]-(+)SKF-10,047 indicated that amantadine and memantine behave as ligands of the sigma(1) receptor in rat forebrain homogenates (Ki values of 7.44 +/- 0.82 and 2.60 +/- 0.62 microm, respectively). In NG108-15 neuroblastoma cells, both drugs (amantadine (100 microm) and memantine (10 microm)) potentiated the bradykinin-induced mobilization of intracellular Ca2+, mimicking the effect of the sigma1 receptor agonist PRE-084 (1 microm). Finally, we previously showed that in striatal membranes from amantadine-treated rats, the functional coupling of dopamine receptors with G-proteins was enhanced. Similarly, PRE-084 dose-dependently increased the [35S]GTPgammaS binding induced by dopamine (Emax 28 and 26% of basal, 0.3 and 1 mg/kg PRE-084, respectively). By contrast, BD1047, which is without effect on its own, antagonized the effects of amantadine and PRE-084. Together, these data demonstrate that aminoadamantanes behave as sigma1 receptor agonists, and confirm an involvement of this receptor in modulating dopamine receptors exerted by therapeutically relevant concentrations of amantadine.

The antidepressant-like effect induced by sigma(1)-receptor agonists and neuroactive steroids in mice submitted to the forced swimming test.

The interaction of neuroactive steroids with the sigma(1)-receptor was investigated in Swiss mice submitted to the forced swimming test. The sigma(1)-agonists igmesine and (+)-SKF-10,047 and the steroid dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) showed some antidepressant-like activity by shortening the immobility time, these effects being blocked by the sigma(1)-antagonist BD1047 or progesterone. The sigma(1)-agonist PRE-084 or pregnenolone sulfate failed to affect the immobility time. In adrenalectomized/castrated (AdX/CX) mice, the effects of igmesine and DHEAS were significantly potentiated, and PRE-084 or pregnenolone sulfate induced significant decreases of immobility time. The augmented effects in AdX/CX were fully blocked by BD1047. The effects of the classical antidepressants, desipramine or fluoxetine, were unchanged in AdX/CX mice. The effect of stress on the sigma(1)-receptor binding and neurosteroid levels was then examined in different brain structures, in terms of in vivo (+)-[(3)H]SKF-10,047 binding to sigma(1)-sites and neurosteroids levels. In the hippocampus, but not in the cortex or cerebellum, inhibition of in vivo (+)-[(3)H]SKF-10,047 binding was measured in parallel to the extent of progesterone levels according to the endocrine conditions. These data confirmed the antidepressant ability of sigma(1)-receptor agonists and revealed that the endogenous steroidal levels tonically interfere with the efficacy of the sigma(1)-system. It was observed that local modifications in progesterone levels are directly related to the changes of in vivo sigma(1)-binding. Such observations may be of major importance in view of the therapeutic use of selective sigma(1)-agonists in depression.

The anti-amnesic effects of sigma1 (sigma1) receptor agonists confirmed by in vivo antisense strategy in the mouse.

The sigma1 (sigma1) receptor cDNA was recently cloned in several animal species, including the mouse. In order to firmly establish the implication of sigma1 receptors in memory, a phosphorothioate-modified antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (aODN) targeting the sigma1 receptor mRNA and a mismatched analog (mODN) were administered intracerebroventricularly for 3 days in mice. Scatchard analyses of in vitro (+)-[3H]SKF-10,047 binding to sigma1 sites showed that Bmax values were significantly decreased in the hippocampus (-58.5%) and cortex (-38.1%), but not in the cerebellum, of aODN treated mice, as compared to saline- or mODN-treated animals. In vivo binding levels were also significantly decreased after aODN treatment in the hippocampus and cortex but not in the cerebellum. The anti-amnesic effects of the selective sigma1 agonists PRE-084 or SA4503 were evaluated against the learning impairments induced by dizocilpine or scopolamine, respectively, using spontaneous alternation behavior and passive avoidance task. The anti-amnesic effects of PRE-084 or SA4503, observed after saline- or mODN-treatment, were blocked after aODN administration. These observations bring a molecular basis to the modulatory role of sigma1 receptors in memory processes.

Effects of trazodone on neurotransmitter release from rat mossy fibre cerebellar synaptosomes.

The effects of trazodone and putative sigma (sigma) receptor ligands were investigated on KCl-stimulated release of glutamate (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from cerebellar mossy fibre synaptosomes. Both trazodone and serotonin (5-HT) inhibited the increase of Glu and GABA release evoked by 15 mM KCl. Trazodone increased the inhibition of Glu release caused by 0.01 microM 5-HT, while it antagonized the inhibition induced by higher 5-HT concentrations. Despite the low affinity of trazodone for both sigma(1) and sigma(2) binding sites, with a pK(i) of 5.9 and 6.0 respectively, two sigma receptor ligands, (+)-3-[3-hydroxypheny]-N-(1-propyl)piperidine ((+)-3-PPP) and N-[2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)ethyl]-N-methyl-2-(dimethylamino)ethylamine (BD 1047) antagonized the effects of trazodone. The putative sigma receptor ligand N-allylnormetazocine ((+)-SKF 10,047) mimicked the inhibitory effect of trazodone. As with trazodone, (+)-3-PPP and BD 1047 antagonized the activity of (+)-SKF 10,047 but not that of 5-HT. On the whole, these results suggest that trazodone shares a common molecular target with sigma compounds distinct from that of 5-HT and is involved in K(+)-stimulated Glu and GABA release from mossy fibre cerebellar synaptosomes.

Modulation of steroidal levels by adrenalectomy/castration and inhibition of neurosteroid synthesis enzymes affect sigma1 receptor-mediated behaviour in mice.

The interaction between neurosteroids and sigma1 (sigma1) receptors may be of therapeutic interest during physiological or pathological ageing, particularly concerning their neuromodulatory role on cognitive functions. Neurosteroids modulate memory processes through a mechanism involving interactions with GABAA, N-methyl-D-aspartate and/or sigma1 receptors. To measure the contribution of endogenous neurosteroid levels to the antiamnesic effects of sigma1 agonists, we investigated the effects of inhibitors of key enzymes involved in neurosteroid synthesis, in adrenalectomized/castrated (AdX/CX) mice to avoid the effect of circulating steroids. Trilostane, a 3beta-hydroxysteroid-deshydrogenase inhibitor, blocks the pregnenolone to progesterone conversion and leads to a decrease of progesterone. Finasteride, a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, blocks the progesterone to 5alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione conversion and leads to an accumulation of progesterone. The in vivo binding of (+)-[3H]SKF-10 047 to sigma1 sites was measured in the mouse hippocampus and cortex. The attenuating effect of the selective sigma1 agonist PRE-084 (0.1-3 mg/kg) against dizocilpine (0.15 mg/kg)-induced learning impairment was examined using spontaneous alternation behaviour, step-down passive avoidance and place learning in the elevated plus-maze. The in vivo (+)-[3H]SKF-10 047 binding appeared significantly increased in AdX/CX mice and after trilostane treatment (10 mg/kg twice a day, 7 days), compared with sham-operated animals. The finasteride treatment (25 mg/kg, 7 days) significantly decreased binding levels. The learning deficits induced by dizocilpine were not affected by the treatments. The antiamnesic effect of PRE-084 was facilitated in AdX/CX mice and even more after trilostane treatment, as several parameters for animals treated with both PRE-084 and dizocilpine returned to control values. The PRE-084 effect was blocked after finasteride. These results confirmed that endogenous neurosteroidal levels modulate sigma1 receptor-mediated behaviour directly, and revealed that, among neurosteroids, progesterone may be the main modulator of sigma1 receptors.

Biological profile of L-745,870, a selective antagonist with high affinity for the dopamine D4 receptor.

L-745,870,(3-([4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]methyl)-1H- pyrollo[2,3-b] pyridine, was identified as a selective dopamine D4 receptor antagonist with excellent oral bioavailability and brain penetration. L-745,870 displaced specific binding of 0.2 nM [3H] spiperone to cloned human dopamine D4 receptors with a binding affinity (Ki) of 0. 43 nM which was 5- and 20-fold higher than that of the standard antipsychotics haloperidol and clozapine, respectively. L-745,870 exhibited high selectivity for the dopamine D4 receptor (>2000 fold) compared to other dopamine receptor subtypes and had moderate affinity for 5HT2, sigma and alpha adrenergic receptors(IC50 < 300 nM). In vitro, L-745,870 (0.1-1 microM) exhibited D4 receptor antagonist activity, reversing dopamine (1 microM) mediated 1) inhibition of adenylate cyclase in hD4HEK and hD4CHO cells; 2) stimulation of [35S] GTPgammaS binding and 3) stimulation of extracellular acidification rate, but did not exhibit any significant intrinsic activity in these assays. Although standard antipsychotics increase dopamine metabolism or plasma prolactin levels in rodents, L-745,870 (

Beneficial effects of sigma agonists on the age-related learning impairment in the senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM).

A beneficial effect of sigma (sigma) agonists was previously described on several pharmacological models of learning impairments. We examined this effect in senescence-accelerated mice (SAM), which has been developed as a murine model of aging and cognitive dysfunction. SAMP8/Ta (P8, senescence-prone substrain), 10-12 months of age, showed significant impairments in mnemonic capacities, as compared to age-matched SAMR1/Ta controls (R1, senescence-resistant substrain). Tests included open-field behavior, spontaneous alternation performances in the Y-maze, step-down passive avoidance and place learning after repetitive training in a water-maze. Pretreatment with the sigma agonists JO-1784 (igmesine) or PRE-084, at 0.1-3 mg/kg, s.c., significantly improved spontaneous alternation and passive avoidance performances in P8. JO-1784 or PRE-084, at 1 mg/kg, also improved place learning in the water-maze, and retention, in term of escape latency. The implication of sigma sites was indicated by the lack of significant effect of JO-1783, the inactive enantiomer of JO-1784, and by the ability of BMY-14802 (5 mg/kg, i.p.) to antagonize the effects on passive avoidance of JO-1784 (0.5 mg/kg) or PRE-084 (1 mg/kg). Subchronic treatments with JO-1784 (0.5 mg/kg/day) or PRE-084 (1 mg/kg/day) during 10 days, allowed a significant improvement of learning during training in the water-maze, but retention was not significantly ameliorated. These results confirmed the interest of the SAM substrains as an experimental model for senile memory impairment and showed that sigma agonists could improve the quality of learning, although they seem less effective on long-term memory retrieval upon chronic administration.

[Neuropharmacological effects of sigma receptor ligands: anxiolytic, anti-amnesic and neuroprotective effects].

There is evidence for the existence of two classes of sigma binding sites, termed "site 1" and "site 2", that are distinct from opioid and PCP receptors. Sigma receptor ligands may be useful in the treatment of schizophrenia, since they improve not only positive but also negative symptoms with little extrapyramidal side effects in animal models. In addition, recent experiments have demonstrated that sigma receptor ligands attenuate the motor suppression and colonic motor disturbances seen under mentally stressful situations, stimulate the central cholinergic function thereby ameliorating impairment of learning and memory, and protect cerebral neurons against cerebral ischemic insult. The present review describes the neuropharmacological effects of sigma receptor ligands, especially anxiolytic (anti-stress) effects, ameliorating effects on impairment of learning and memory, and neuroprotective effects.

Autoradiographic evidence for the modulation of in vivo sigma receptor labeling by neuropeptide Y and calcitonin gene-related peptide in the mouse brain.

Peptides of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) families have been reported to modulate, in vivo, sigma receptor systems in the mouse and rat hippocampal formation. In an attempt to determine if these interactions were specific to the hippocampal formation, quantitative ex vivo autoradiography was used with (+)(-)[3H]SKF 10,047 as sigma ligand after i.c.v. injections of various NPY and CGRP peptides. High levels of specific (+)(-)[3H]SKF 10,047 labeling were concentrated in various cranial nerve nuclei, whereas lower but still significant amounts of labeling were seen in the cortex, hippocampus, various hypothalamic nuclei, red nucleus, substantia nigra, central gray and cerebellum. In all brain areas enriched with specific (+)(-)[3H]SKF 10,047/sigma labeling, the Y1 receptor subtype agonist [Leu31Pro34]-NPY, as well as peptide YY and rCGRP beta, inhibited, to a rather similar extent, (+)(-)[3H]SKF 10,047 labeling. The Y2 receptor agonist NPY13-36 had no effect in any of the regions studied. These results extend findings obtained in the hippocampal formation and demonstrate the existence of in vivo modulatory effects of NPY and CGRP-related peptides on sigma sites throughout the mouse brain.

[Search for an endogenous ligand for sigma receptors]. / Poisk éndogennogo liganda sigma-retseptorov.

Whether there is an endogenous ligand for sigma receptors remains unknown. A total lipid fraction was isolated from the porcine liver, which was then subjected to chromatographic separation, yielding nine chromatographic fractions eluated at various chloroform/methanol ratios: each fraction was tested for its capacity of inhibiting the binding of (+)-[3H]SKF 10047 to hepatic sigma-receptors. The chromatographic fraction 7 + 7A (eluated at chloroform/methanol ratios of 60:40-10:90) which consisted mainly of phospholipids was found to have the highest activity. However, a complex analysis of this fraction revealed no relationship of its sigma-inhibiting activity to phospholipids. It is suggested that the non-competitive inhibition of (+)-[3H]SKF 10047 binding by the isolated active fraction is due to its presence of an endogenous ligand which, interacting with sigma-2 receptor, allosterically inhibits the binding of the labelled (+)-benzomorphan.

Oocytes from Xenopus laevis contain an intrinsic sigma 2-like binding site.

In preparation for expression studies for rat brain sigma-binding sites, Xenopus oocytes were tested for the presence of [3H]di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG)-binding sites. Native oocytes were found to contain two intrinsic [3H]DTG-binding sites, a high-affinity site (Kd = 32 +/- 6 nM, Bmax of 45.7 +/- 19 pmol/mg protein) and a low-affinity binding site (Kd = 1.3 +/- 0.7 microM, Bmax of 3.2 +/- 0.7 nmol/mg protein). In a series of radioligand-binding-displacement studies, the high-affinity binding sites were found to have a binding profile which has a similar Kd to that of the mammalian sigma 2-binding site (32 vs. 38 nM). Comparison of the IC50 values for inhibition of [3H]DTG binding in rat liver and oocytes for DTG, haloperidol (HAL), (-)-pentazocine, (+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-propylpiperidine hydrochloride ((+)-3-PPP), (+)-pentazocine and Zn2+, showed similarity in rank (r2 = 0.913) but a 7-fold lower potency in oocytes. These results suggest that the high-affinity [3H]DTG-binding site in oocytes represents a sigma 2-like binding site.

Neuroendocrine responses produced by enantiomeric pairs of drugs that interact with phencyclidine and sigma receptors.

The present study characterized the response of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis after the acute administration of enantiomeric pairs of drugs that bind to phencyclidine (PCP) and sigma receptors. Rats were injected with the enantiomers of 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl)-3-methylpiperidine (PCMP), N-allylnormetazocine (SKF 10,047), dioxadrol (dexoxadrol and levoxadrol) or pentazocine, and plasma levels of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and corticosterone were determined by radioimmunoassay. The effects of the enantiomers of PCMP and dioxadrol showed stereospecificity as both (+)-PCMP and dexoxadrol increased plasma levels of ACTH and corticosterone but (-)-PCMP and levoxadrol had no effect. Whereas (-)-pentazocine produced greater responses than (+)-pentazocine, the two enantiomers of SKF 10,047 did not show stereoselectivity. Although the potency of the enantiomers of PCMP and dioxadrol parallel their affinity for binding to PCP receptors, the potency of the enantiomers of pentazocine did not. These results suggest that although the stimulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis by PCP and drugs with PCP-like activity might be due to interactions with PCP receptors, the effects of pentazocine also involve interactions at other sites.

Characterization of specific (+)-[3H]N-allylnormetazocine and [3H]1,3-di(2-tolyl)guanidine binding sites in porcine gastric fundic mucosa.

We have identified and characterized sigma receptor sites in porcine gastric fundic mucosa by receptor binding assay techniques using two highly selective radioligands of sigma receptor, (+)-[3H]N-allylnormetazocine (SKF 10,047) and [3H]1,3-di(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG). Specific binding of (+)-[3H]SKF 10,047 and [3H]DTG in porcine gastric fundic mucosa were saturable, reversible and of high affinity and capacity with Kd: 90.5 nM, Bmax: 1058 fmol/mg of protein and Kd: 53.6 nM, Bmax: 3573.3 fmol/mg of protein, respectively. The inhibitory effects of sigma receptor ligands on specific (+)-[3H]SKF 10,047 binding decreased in the following order: haloperidol > DTG > or = (+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenol)-N- (1-propyl)piperidine (3-PPP) > (+)-SKF 10,047 > (-)-3-PPP > or = dextromethorphan > rimcazole > (-)-SKF 10,047. Specific (+)-[3H]SKF 10,047 binding sites showed stereoselectivity for stereoisomers of SKF 10,047 and 3-PPP and were highly correlated with the profile of sigma-1 sites. On the other hand, the inhibitory effects on specific [3H]DTG binding decreased in the following order: DTG > haloperidol > rimcazole > (+)-3-PPP > or = (-)-3-PPP > dextromethorphan > (+)-SKF 10,047 = (-)-SKF 10,047. Specific [3H]DTG binding sites did not show stereoselectivity and were highly correlated with the profile of sigma-2 sites. These findings indicate that porcine gastric fundic mucosa contains sigma receptor sites with the characteristic of sigma-1 sites and sigma-like sites showing several of the characteristics of sigma-2 sites (putative sigma-2 sites).

Characterization of a (+)-azidophenazocine-sensitive sigma receptor on splenic lymphocytes.

A study was undertaken to structurally define and functionally assess sigma receptors on splenocytes using the highly selective sigma ligand (+)-azidophenazocine. Radioreceptor assays under reduced lighting show (+)-azidophenazocine can effectively block the binding of sigma ligands [3H]haloperidol (IC50 = 30 nM, Ki = 19.0 nM) and [3H](+)-pentazocine (IC50 = 40 nM, Ki = 350 nM), but not the dopamine (D2) ligand [3H]spiperone (IC50 > 5 microM) to splenic lymphocytes. [3H](+)-1-Propyl-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)piperidine ([3H](+)-PPP) sites (Kd = 40.8 nM, Bmax = 2.32 pmol/mg) were also present on these lymphocytes. Additional studies using [3H](+)-azidophenazocine indicated the presence of saturable sites (Kd = 29.7 nM, Bmax = 760 fmol/mg) on splenic lymphocytes. There are no significant differences in affinity between sites found on T-enriched (Kd = 59 +/- 47 nM) and B-enriched lymphocytes (Kd = 23 +/- 5 nM). Photoaffinity labeling studies of splenocyte membranes with [3H](+)-azidophenazocine revealed a protein migrating at an apparent m.w. of 57 kDa under reducing and nonreducing conditions on SDS-PAGE. The labeling was specific because pretreatment with unlabeled haloperidol, (+)-PPP, 1,3 di(2-tolyl)guanidine, (+)-pentazocine, and (+)-azidophenazocine before cross-linking competed away > 75% of the radioactivity associated with the protein, whereas (-)-pentazocine and naloxone were significantly less effective. This data together with the observation that both (+)-azidophenazocine or haloperidol inhibit Con A-induced production of IFN by splenocytes, indicates that lymphocytes possess a biologically relevant sigma receptor.

[3H]1-(cyclopropylmethyl)-4-(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl) piperidine HBr (DuP 734). A selective ligand for sigma receptors in mouse brain in vivo.

1-(Cyclopropylmethyl)-4-(2-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-oxoethyl) piperidine HBr (DuP 734) is a novel sigma receptor ligand which exhibits promise in preclinical animal models as an antipsychotic agent without motor side effects. In vitro and in vivo receptor binding profiles of DuP 734 in mouse brain using [3H]DuP 734 and [3H]N-allylnormetazocine ((+)-SKF 10,047) were studied. The pharmacology and stereospecificity of [3H]DuP 734-labeled sites in mouse brain, both in vitro and in vivo, was consistent with sigma receptor pharmacology. Specific in vivo binding of [3H]DuP 734 in brain peaked 1 hr after i.v. injection and this level of binding was maintained up to 4 hr. On the other hand, plasma concentration of [3H]DuP 734 decreased rapidly within 20 min after injection, indicating different pharmacokinetics between brain and plasma levels. Nonspecific binding, defined using 1 mg/kg (2.66 mumol/kg) of haloperidol, was approximately 30% of total binding 1 hr after injection of radiotracer. Administration of DuP 734 potently antagonized the binding of [3H]DuP 734 and [3H](+)-SKF 10,047 to brain sigma receptors in vivo with ID50 values of 0.02 and 0.07 mg/kg (0.07 and 0.25 mumol/kg), respectively. However, (+)-SKF 10,047, which possess a high affinity (IC50 = 22.5 nM) for [3H]DuP 734 binding in vitro, failed to displace [3H]DuP 734 binding in vivo. Thus in vitro receptor binding data may not predict in vivo receptor occupancy. Overall, the data suggest [3H] DuP 734 is a good ligand for in vivo imaging of sigma receptors.

Evidence for in vivo interactions between neuropeptide Y-related peptides and sigma receptors in the mouse hippocampal formation.

Recently, it was proposed that neuropeptide Y (NPY) and peptide YY (PYY) could act as endogenous ligands for sigma binding sites, as both NPY and PYY competed with high affinity (nanomolar) for 3H-(+)SKF 10,047 binding sites in rat brain membrane homogenates (Roman et al., 1989). However, various laboratories failed to replicate these in vitro findings. In order to clarify this apparent discrepancy and investigate further possible interactions between NPY and sigma related sites, we evaluated the effects of NPY, PYY and homologs, as well as nonrelated peptides, on in vivo 3H-(+)SKF 10,047 binding parameters in the mouse hippocampal formation. As expected, haloperidol (2 mg/kg), a prototypical sigma receptor ligand, competed for 90% of in vivo hippocampal labeling observed following a peripheral intravenous injection of 3H-(+)SKF 10,047. Intracerebroventricular injections of 300-3000 pmol of either NPY, PYY, NPY2-36, or the Y1 agonist Leu31,Pro34-NPY inhibited significant proportions (17-35%) of haloperidol-sensitive in vivo 3H-(+)SKF 10,047 hippocampal labeling. However, a Y2 receptor agonist, NPY13-36, and nonrelated peptides such as neurotensin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, as well as adrenalin, failed to alter in vivo 3H-(+)SKF 10,047 hippocampal binding. It thus appears that NPY, PYY, and a selective Y1 agonist can interact in a concentration-dependent manner, with in vivo 3H-(+)SKF 10,047 labeling in the mouse hippocampal formation. This effect demonstrates selectivity as a Y2 agonist, unrelated peptides, and adrenalin failed to alter in vivo sigma labeling. This in vivo interaction may be relevant to some of the respective biological actions of NPY and sigma-related molecules.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors inhibit [3H]quinpirole binding in rat striatal membranes.

This study describes interactions of monoamine oxidase inhibitors at binding sites labeled by [3H]quinpirole, a putatively selective ligand for dopamine D2-like receptors, in in vitro binding assays in rat brain. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors potently and competitively inhibited equilibrium binding of [3H]quinpirole in homogenate binding assays with the following rank order of potencies: clorgyline > or = Ro 41-1049 > pargyline > (-)-deprenyl > (+)-deprenyl > Ro 16-6491 > iproniazid. This rank order of potencies does not correlate with the potencies of these drugs at monoamine oxidase-A or monoamine oxidase-B, sigma site(s) or dopamine receptors. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors did not alter the ability of quinpirole to compete for [3H]spiperone binding. Quinpirole did not inhibit monoamine oxidase-A or monoamine oxidase-B activity and had low affinity (200 nM) for sigma site(s). These data suggest a potential novel binding site for [3H]quinpirole in rat brain and/or an alternative site of action for the antidepressant effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Binding of [3H]FH-510 to sigma ligand recognition sites in guinea-pig brain membranes.

We examined the characteristics of the binding of radiolabeled 5,8-dimethyl-4-(2-di-n-propylaminoethyl)carbazol monohydrochloride ([3H]FH-510), a highly potent and selective sigma ligand, to guinea-pig brain membranes. [3H]FH-510 showed saturable and reversible binding to sigma binding sites. The association rate constant (k+1) and dissociation rate constant (k-1) of [3H]FH-510 were 0.023 min-1.nM-1 and 0.081 min-1, respectively. Scatchard plot analysis showed a dissociation constant (Kd) and maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) of 6.0 +/- 0.63 nM and 1763.3 +/- 177.4 fmol/mg protein (n = 7), respectively. The rank order of potency (Ki) of several structurally dissimilar sigma ligands obtained for the displacement of [3H]FH-510 binding was highly correlated with that determined for [3H](+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine ([3H](+)-3-PPP) binding. The binding of [3H]FH-510 was not influenced by histaminergic, dopaminergic, adrenergic, serotonergic or cholinergic agents at 10(-7) M. Higher [3H]FH-510 binding to brain regions was observed in the cerebellum and pons-plus-medulla. Except for the nuclear fraction, the highest level of [3H]FH-510 and [3H](+)-3-PPP binding to subcellular fractions was observed in the microsomal fraction. From these results, it is suggested that FH-510 selectively binds with high affinity to sigma binding sites in guinea-pig membranes.

Discriminative stimulus effects of the PCP/sigma-ligand (+)-N-allylnormetazocine in monkeys.

(+)-N-Allylnormetazocine [(+)-NANM] binds to both the phencyclidine (PCP) receptor and the sigma-site in brain, with some selectivity for the latter. In rats, the discriminative stimulus effects of (+)-NANM are primarily PCP like. The present study was performed to determine if the discriminative effects of (+)-NANM in a primate species might reflect the actions of this drug at the sigma-site. Six squirrel monkeys were trained to discriminate between IM injections of saline and 1.0 mg/kg (+)-NANM in a two-choice discrete-trial avoidance procedure. In tests of stimulus generalization, dose-dependent increases in trials completed on the (+)-NANM choice lever were produced by (+)- and (-)-NANM, by PCP and the PCP-like drugs MK-801 and thienylcyclohexyl-piperidine, and by the opioids (+)- and (-)-cyclazocine and dextrorphan; order of potency correlated with reported affinities for the PCP receptor. High-affinity sigma-ligands, (+)-pentazocine, 1,3-di-ortho-tolylguanidine (DTG), haloperidol, and BMY 14802, as well as agonists at mu- and kappa-opioid receptors, occasioned selection of the saline-appropriate choice lever. Selection of the (+)-NANM choice lever was reduced by up to 35-50% when 1.0 mg/kg (+)-NANM was given concurrently with haloperidol or BMY 14802, but was not affected substantially by (-)-butaclamol, another sigma-ligand, or by naltrexone, an opioid antagonist. The discriminative effects of (+)-NANM in squirrel monkeys appear to be mediated largely by the PCP receptor and not by the sigma-site or opioid receptors.

Correlation between potentiation of neurogenic twitch contraction and benzomorphan sigma receptor binding potency in the mouse vas deferens.

The effects of sigma receptor ligands on the neurogenic twitch contraction in the ddY mouse vas deferens were studied. In functional studies, (+)-N-allylnormetazocine ((+)-SKF-10,047) and (+)-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine ((+)-3-PPP) potentiated neurogenic twitch contractions in a concentration-dependent manner. The potentiation by each (+) enantiomer was significantly more potent than that by the respective (-) enantiomer. In addition, haloperidol and (+/-)-pentazocine also potentiated neurogenic twitch contractions. The order of potentiating ability was: haloperidol > (+/-)-pentazocine > (+)-3-PPP > (-)-3-PPP > (+)-SKF-10,047 > (-)-SKF-10,047. In contrast, other sigma receptor ligands, 1,3-di(2-tolyl)guanidine (DTG) and rimcazole, suppressed this twitch contraction. In addition, rimcazole significantly antagonized the (+)-SKF-10,047-induced potentiation at concentrations which did not affect contractions per se. Furthermore, binding studies showed that the kinetic parameters and the inhibitory potencies of sigma receptor ligands for the binding of [3H](+)-SKF-10,047 in the mouse vas deferens were similar to those in the guinea pig brain. The order of potency of sigma receptor ligands to potentiate the neurogenic twitch contraction in the mouse vas deferens was significantly correlated with the potency to inhibit [3H](+)-SKF-10,047 binding in both mouse vas deferens and guinea pig brain. These results indicate that sigma receptor ligands regulate the neurogenic twitch contraction, which is mediated by rimcazole-sensitive benzomorphan-type sigma receptors.