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

Nihon Shinkei Seishin Yakurigaku Zasshi. 1996 Jun;16(3):73-84.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antipsychotic Agents / metabolism
  • Antipsychotic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anxiety / drug therapy*
  • Brain Ischemia / drug therapy*
  • Cinnamates / metabolism
  • Cinnamates / pharmacology*
  • Cinnamates / therapeutic use
  • Cyclopropanes / metabolism
  • Cyclopropanes / pharmacology*
  • Cyclopropanes / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Learning Disabilities / drug therapy*
  • Memory Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Phenazocine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Phenazocine / metabolism
  • Phenazocine / pharmacology
  • Phenazocine / therapeutic use
  • Phencyclidine / metabolism
  • Phencyclidine / pharmacology*
  • Phencyclidine / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, sigma / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Cinnamates
  • Cyclopropanes
  • Receptors, sigma
  • SK&F 10047
  • Phenazocine
  • Phencyclidine
  • igmesine