N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced neuronal activation is selectively modulated by sigma receptors

Eur J Pharmacol. 1990 Apr 25;179(3):441-5. doi: 10.1016/0014-2999(90)90186-a.

Abstract

The effects of two high-affinity sigma ligands, DTG (1,3-di(2-tolyl)guanidine) and haloperidol, on the activation of dorsal hippocampus pyramidal neurons induced by microiontophoretic application of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) were assessed electrophysiologically. Low doses of DTG (0.5-3 micrograms/kg i.v.) potentiated the NMDA response. This effect of DTG was blocked by haloperidol (10 micrograms/kg i.v.), but not by spiperone, a potent dopamine antagonist with low affinity for sigma receptors. These results suggest that sigma receptors modulate the NMDA-induced neuronal activation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aspartic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Aspartic Acid / pharmacology
  • Guanidines / pharmacology
  • Haloperidol / pharmacology
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Iontophoresis
  • Kainic Acid / pharmacology
  • Male
  • N-Methylaspartate
  • Neurons / drug effects*
  • Oxadiazoles / pharmacology
  • Quisqualic Acid
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Receptors, Opioid / physiology*
  • Receptors, sigma
  • Spiperone / pharmacology

Substances

  • Guanidines
  • Oxadiazoles
  • Receptors, Opioid
  • Receptors, sigma
  • Aspartic Acid
  • Spiperone
  • N-Methylaspartate
  • Quisqualic Acid
  • Haloperidol
  • 1,3-ditolylguanidine
  • Kainic Acid