Cocaine occupancy of sigma1 receptors and dopamine transporters in mice

Dual DAT and sigma receptor inhibitors attenuate cocaine effects on nucleus accumbens dopamine dynamics in rats

Psychostimulant use disorders (PSUD) are prevalent; however, no FDA-approved medications have been made available for treatment. Previous studies have shown that dual inhibitors of the dopamine transporter (DAT) and sigma receptors significantly reduce the behavioral/reinforcing effects of cocaine, which have been associated with stimulation of extracellular dopamine (DA) levels resulting from DAT inhibition. Here, we employ microdialysis and fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) procedures to investigate the effects of dual inhibitors of DAT and sigma receptors in combination with cocaine on nucleus accumbens shell (NAS) DA dynamics in naïve male Sprague Dawley rats. In microdialysis studies, administration of rimcazole (3, 10 mg/kg; i.p.) or its structural analog SH 3-24 (1, 3 mg/kg; i.p.), compounds that are dual inhibitors of DAT and sigma receptors, significantly reduced NAS DA efflux stimulated by increasing doses of cocaine (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 mg/kg; i.v.). Using the same experimental conditions, in FSCV tests, we show that rimcazole pretreatments attenuated cocaine-induced stimulation of evoked NAS DA release but produced no additional effect on DA clearance rate. Under the same conditions, JJC8-091, a modafinil analog and dual inhibitor of DAT and sigma receptors, similarly attenuated cocaine-induced stimulation of evoked NAS DA release but produced no additional effect on DA clearance rate. Our results provide the neurochemical groundwork towards understanding actions of dual inhibitors of DAT and sigma receptors on DA dynamics that likely mediate the behavioral effects of psychostimulants like cocaine.

Benzomorphan and non-benzomorphan agonists differentially alter sigma-1 receptor quaternary structure, as does types of cellular stress

Sigma-1 receptor (S1R) is a calcium-sensitive, ligand-operated receptor chaperone present on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. S1R plays an important role in ER-mitochondrial inter-organelle calcium signaling and cell survival. S1R and its agonists confer resilience against various neurodegenerative diseases; however, the molecular mechanism of S1R is not yet fully understood. At resting state, S1R is either in a monomeric or oligomeric state but the ratio of these concentrations seems to change upon activation of S1R. S1R is activated by either cellular stress, such as ER-calcium depletion, or ligands. While the effect of ligands on S1R quaternary structure remains unclear, the effect of cellular stress has not been studied. In this study we utilize cellular and an in-vivo model to study changes in quaternary structure of S1R upon activation. We incubated cells with cellular stressors (H2O2 and thapsigargin) or exogenous ligands, then quantified monomeric and oligomeric forms. We observed that benzomorphan-based S1R agonists induce monomerization of S1R and decrease oligomerization, which was confirmed in the liver tissue of mice injected with (+)-Pentazocine. Antagonists block this effect but do not induce any changes when used alone. Oxidative stress (H2O2) increases the monomeric/oligomeric S1R ratio whereas ER calcium depletion (thapsigargin) has no effect. We also analyzed the oligomerization ability of various truncated S1R fragments and identified the fragments favorizing oligomerization. In this publication we demonstrate that quaternary structural changes differ according to the mechanism of S1R activation. Therefore, we offer a novel perspective on S1R activation as a nuanced phenomenon dependent on the type of stimulus.

Dopamine, Immunity, and Disease

The neurotransmitter dopamine is a key factor in central nervous system (CNS) function, regulating many processes including reward, movement, and cognition. Dopamine also regulates critical functions in peripheral organs, such as blood pressure, renal activity, and intestinal motility. Beyond these functions, a growing body of evidence indicates that dopamine is an important immunoregulatory factor. Most types of immune cells express dopamine receptors and other dopaminergic proteins, and many immune cells take up, produce, store, and/or release dopamine, suggesting that dopaminergic immunomodulation is important for immune function. Targeting these pathways could be a promising avenue for the treatment of inflammation and disease, but despite increasing research in this area, data on the specific effects of dopamine on many immune cells and disease processes remain inconsistent and poorly understood. Therefore, this review integrates the current knowledge of the role of dopamine in immune cell function and inflammatory signaling across systems. We also discuss the current understanding of dopaminergic regulation of immune signaling in the CNS and peripheral tissues, highlighting the role of dopaminergic immunomodulation in diseases such as Parkinson's disease, several neuropsychiatric conditions, neurologic human immunodeficiency virus, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and others. Careful consideration is given to the influence of experimental design on results, and we note a number of areas in need of further research. Overall, this review integrates our knowledge of dopaminergic immunology at the cellular, tissue, and disease level and prompts the development of therapeutics and strategies targeted toward ameliorating disease through dopaminergic regulation of immunity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Canonically, dopamine is recognized as a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of movement, cognition, and reward. However, dopamine also acts as an immune modulator in the central nervous system and periphery. This review comprehensively assesses the current knowledge of dopaminergic immunomodulation and the role of dopamine in disease pathogenesis at the cellular and tissue level. This will provide broad access to this information across fields, identify areas in need of further investigation, and drive the development of dopaminergic therapeutic strategies.

Cocaine: An Updated Overview on Chemistry, Detection, Biokinetics, and Pharmacotoxicological Aspects including Abuse Pattern

Cocaine is one of the most consumed stimulants throughout the world, as official sources report. It is a naturally occurring sympathomimetic tropane alkaloid derived from the leaves of Erythroxylon coca, which has been used by South American locals for millennia. Cocaine can usually be found in two forms, cocaine hydrochloride, a white powder, or ‘crack’ cocaine, the free base. While the first is commonly administered by insufflation (‘snorting’) or intravenously, the second is adapted for inhalation (smoking). Cocaine can exert local anaesthetic action by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels, thus halting electrical impulse propagation; cocaine also impacts neurotransmission by hindering monoamine reuptake, particularly dopamine, from the synaptic cleft. The excess of available dopamine for postsynaptic activation mediates the pleasurable effects reported by users and contributes to the addictive potential and toxic effects of the drug. Cocaine is metabolised (mostly hepatically) into two main metabolites, ecgonine methyl ester and benzoylecgonine. Other metabolites include, for example, norcocaine and cocaethylene, both displaying pharmacological action, and the last one constituting a biomarker for co-consumption of cocaine with alcohol. This review provides a brief overview of cocaine’s prevalence and patterns of use, its physical-chemical properties and methods for analysis, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and multi-level toxicity.

The emerging role of heterodimerisation and interacting proteins in ghrelin receptor function

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone secreted primarily by the stomach that acts upon the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR1), a G protein-coupled receptor whose functions include growth hormone secretion, appetite regulation, energy expenditure, regulation of adiposity, and insulin release. Following the discovery that GHSR1a stimulates food intake, receptor antagonists were developed as potential therapies to regulate appetite. However, despite reductions in signalling, the desired effects on appetite were absent. Studies in the past 15 years have demonstrated GHSR1a can interact with other transmembrane proteins, either by direct binding (i.e. heteromerisation) or via signalling cross-talk. These interactions have various effects on GHSR1a signalling including preferential coupling to one pathway (i.e. biased signalling), coupling to a unique G protein (G protein switching), suppression of GHSR1a signalling, and enhancement of signalling by both receptors. While many of these interactions have been shown in cells overexpressing the proteins of interest and remain to be verified in tissues, substantial evidence exists showing that GHSR1a and the dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1) form heteromers, which promote synaptic plasticity and formation of hippocampal memory. Additionally, a reduction in GHSR1a-DRD1 complexes in favour of establishment of GHSR1a-Aβ complexes correlates with Alzheimer's disease, indicating that GHSR1a heteromers may have pathological functions. Herein, we summarise the evidence published to date describing interactions between GHSR1a and transmembrane proteins, discuss the experimental strengths and limitations of these studies, describe the physiological evidence for each interaction, and address their potential as novel drug targets for appetite regulation, Alzheimer's disease, insulin secretion, and inflammation.

Discovery of a macromolecular complex mediating the hunger suppressive actions of cocaine: Structural and functional properties

Cocaine not only increases brain dopamine levels but also activates the sigma1 receptor (σ1 R) that in turn regulates orexigenic receptor function. Identification of interactions involving dopamine D1 (D1 R), ghrelin (GHS-R1a ), and σ1 receptors have been addressed by biophysical techniques and a complementation approach using interfering peptides. The effect of cocaine on receptor functionality was assayed by measuring second messenger, cAMP and Ca2+ , levels. The effect of acute or chronic cocaine administration on receptor complex expression was assayed by in situ proximity ligation assay. In silico procedures were used for molecular model building. σ1 R KO mice were used for confirming involvement of this receptor. Upon identification of protomer interaction and receptor functionality, a unique structural model for the macromolecular complex formed by σ1 R, D1 R, and GHS-R1a is proposed. The functionality of the complex, able to couple to both Gs and Gq proteins, is affected by cocaine binding to the σ1 R, as confirmed using samples from σ1 R-/- mice. The expression of the macromolecular complex was differentially affected upon acute and chronic cocaine administration to rats. The constructed 3D model is consistent with biochemical, biophysical, and available structural data. The σ1 R, D1 R, and GHS-R1a complex constitutes a functional unit that is altered upon cocaine binding to the σ1 R. Remarkably, the heteromer can simultaneously couple to two G proteins, thus allowing dopamine to signal via Ca2+ and ghrelin via cAMP. The anorexic action of cocaine is mediated by such complex whose expression is higher after acute than after chronic administration regimens.

Methamphetamine Blocks Adenosine A2A Receptor Activation via Sigma 1 and Cannabinoid CB1 Receptors

Methamphetamine is, worldwide, one of the most consumed drugs of abuse. One important side effect is neurodegeneration leading to a decrease in life expectancy. The aim of this paper was to check whether the drug affects one of the receptors involved in neurodegeneration/neuroprotection events, namely the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR). First, we noticed that methamphetamine does not affect A2A functionality if the receptor is expressed in a heterologous system. However, A2AR becomes sensitive to the drug upon complexes formation with the cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) and the sigma 1 receptor (σ1R). Signaling via both adenosine A2AR and cannabinoid CB1R was affected by methamphetamine in cells co-expressing the two receptors. In striatal primary cultures, the A2AR-CB1R heteromer complex was detected and methamphetamine not only altered its expression but completely blocked the A2AR- and the CB1R-mediated activation of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In conclusion, methamphetamine, with the participation of σ1R, alters the expression and function of two interacting receptors, A2AR, which is a therapeutic target for neuroprotection, and CB1R, which is the most abundant G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) in the brain.

Potential of Glial Cell Modulators in the Management of Substance Use Disorders

The pervasive and devastating nature of substance use disorders underlies the need for the continued development of novel pharmacotherapies. We now know that glia play a much greater role in neuronal processes than once believed.  The various types of glial cells (e.g., astrocytes, microglial, oligodendrocytes) participate in numerous functions that are crucial to healthy central nervous system function. Drugs of abuse have been shown to interact with glia in ways that directly contribute to the pharmacodynamic effects responsible for their abuse potential. Through their effect upon glia, drugs of abuse also alter brain function resulting in behavioral changes associated with substance use disorders. Therefore, drug-induced changes in glia and inflammation within the central nervous system (neuroinflammation) have been investigated to treat various aspects of drug abuse and dependence. This article presents a brief overview of the effects of each of the major classes of addictive drugs on glia. Next, the paper reviews the pre-clinical and clinical studies assessing the effects that glial modulators have on abuse-related behavioral effects, such as pleasure, withdrawal, and motivation. There is a strong body of pre-clinical literature demonstrating the general effectiveness of several glia-modulating drugs in models of reward and relapse. Clinical studies have also yielded promising results, though not as robust. There is still much to disentangle regarding the integration between addictive drugs and glial cells. Improved understanding of the relationship between glia and the pathophysiology of drug abuse should allow for more precise exploration in the development and testing of glial-directed treatments for substance use disorders.

A behavioral economic analysis of the effects of rimcazole on reinforcing effects of cocaine injection and food presentation in rats

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Rimcazole, a σ-receptor antagonist with affinity for the dopamine transporter (DAT), decreases rates of cocaine self-administration at doses lower than those that affect food-reinforced responding. As response rates are multiply determined, behavioral-economic analyses were used to provide measures of the reinforcing effectiveness of cocaine and food after rimcazole treatment. Further, effects of combinations of the DAT inhibitor, methylphenidate, and σ-receptor antagonists (BD1008, BD1063) were compared to those of rimcazole to assess mechanism of rimcazole effects.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to lever press with food reinforcement (one or three 20-mg sucrose pellets) or cocaine injection (0.1 or 0.32 mg/kg) under fixed-ratio (FR) 5-response schedules. Drugs or vehicle were administered (i.p.) 5-min before sessions in which FR value was increased from 5 to 80. Economic demand functions were generated from effects of FR value (price) on intake (consumption), with the parameters of demand, consumption at no cost (Q₀) and sensitivity to price (essential value, EV), derived.

RESULTS

Rimcazole dose-dependently decreased Q₀ and EV at both cocaine doses/injection. In contrast, rimcazole had no effect on these parameters at either food amount. Combinations of methylphenidate and the σ-receptor antagonists decreased Q₀ at the lower cocaine dose/injection but had no effect on EV; these treatments were ineffective on both economic parameters at the higher cocaine dose/injection and at either food amount.

CONCLUSIONS

Though the drug combinations only replicated rimcazole's effects incompletely, the present results suggest a specific decrease in the reinforcing effects of cocaine due to dual DAT σ-receptor blockade.

Allosteric modulation of sigma receptors by BH3 mimetics ABT-737, ABT-263 (Navitoclax) and ABT-199 (Venetoclax)

ABT-737, ABT-263 (Navitoclax) and ABT-199 (Venetoclax) are under intensive preclinical and clinical investigation as treatments for hematologic and other malignancies. These small molecules mimic pro-death B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) Homology 3 (BH3) domain-only proteins. They also bear a structural resemblance to certain sigma (σ) receptor ligands. Moreover, the Bcl-2 and σ receptor protein families are both located primarily at the endoplasmic reticulum, mediate cell death and survival through protein-protein interactions, and physically associate. Accordingly, we examined the ability of the ABT series of BH3 mimetics to interact with σ receptors using radioligand-binding techniques. Negative allosteric modulation of [3H](+)-pentazocine, an agonist, binding to σ1 receptors in guinea pig brain membranes was observed for ABT-737, ABT-263 and ABT-199. Findings included reduction of specific binding to distinct plateaus in concentration-dependent fashion, significant slowing of radioligand dissociation kinetics, and decreases in radioligand affinity with no or modest changes in maximal receptor densities. Using a ternary complex model, dissociation constants (KX) for modulator binding to the σ1 receptor ranged from 1 to 2.5 μM, while negative cooperativity factors (α), representing the changes in affinity of ligand and modulator when bound as a ternary complex with the receptor, ranged from 0.15 to 0.42. These observations were extended and reinforced by studies using intact small cell (NCI-H69) and non-small cell (NCI-H23) lung cancer cells, and by using an antagonist σ1 receptor radioligand, E-N-1-(3'-[125I]iodoallyl)-N'-4-(3″,4″-dimethoxyphenethyl)piperazine, in mouse brain membranes. By contrast, exploratory studies indicate marked enhancement of the σ2 receptor binding of [3H]1,3-di-(o-tolyl)guanidine/(+)-pentazocine in NCI-H23 cells and guinea pig brain membranes. These findings raise intriguing questions regarding mechanism and potential functional outcomes.

Cocaine Blocks Effects of Hunger Hormone, Ghrelin, Via Interaction with Neuronal Sigma-1 Receptors

Despite ancient knowledge on cocaine appetite-suppressant action, the molecular basis of such fact remains unknown. Addiction/eating disorders (e.g., binge eating, anorexia, bulimia) share a central control involving reward circuits. However, we here show that the sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) mediates cocaine anorectic effects by interacting in neurons with growth/hormone/secretagogue (ghrelin) receptors. Cocaine increases colocalization of σ1R and GHS-R1a at the cell surface. Moreover, in transfected HEK-293T and neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, and in primary neuronal cultures, pretreatment with cocaine or a σ1R agonist inhibited ghrelin-mediated signaling, in a similar manner as the GHS-R1a antagonist YIL-781. Results were similar in G protein-dependent (cAMP accumulation and calcium release) and in partly dependent or independent (ERK1/2 phosphorylation and label-free) assays. We provide solid evidence for direct interaction between receptors and the functional consequences, as well as a reliable structural model of the macromolecular σ1R-GHS-R1a complex, which arises as a key piece in the puzzle of the events linking cocaine consumption and appetitive/consummatory behaviors.

Differential effect of amphetamine over the corticotropin-releasing factor CRF2 receptor, the orexin OX1 receptor and the CRF2-OX1 heteroreceptor complex

Stress is one of the factors underlying drug seeking behavior that often goes in parallel with loss of appetite. We here demonstrate that orexin 1 receptors (OX₁R) may form complexes with the corticotropin releasing factor CRF₂ receptor. Two specific features of the heteromer were a cross-antagonism and a blockade by CRF₂ of OX₁R signaling. In cells expressing one of the receptors, agonist-mediated signal transduction mechanisms were potentiated by amphetamine. Sigma 1 (σ₁) and 2 (σ₂) receptors are targets of drugs of abuse and, despite sharing a similar name, the two receptors are structurally unrelated and their physiological role is not known. We here show that σ₁ receptors interact with CRF₂ receptors and that σ₂ receptors interact with OX₁R. Moreover, we show that amphetamine effect on CRF₂ receptors was mediated by σ₁R whereas the effect on OX₁ receptors was mediated by σ₂R. Amphetamine did potentiate the negative cross-talk occurring within the CRF₂-OX₁ receptor heteromer context, likely by a macromolecular complex involving the two sigma receptors and the two GPCRs. Finally, in vivo microdialysis experiments showed that amphetamine potentiated orexin A-induced dopamine and glutamate release in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Remarkably, the in vivo orexin A effects were blocked by a selective CRF₂R antagonist. These results show that amphetamine impacts on the OX₁R-, CRF₂R- and OX₁R/CRF₂R-mediated signaling and that cross-antagonism is instrumental for in vivo detection of GPCR heteromers. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Receptor heteromers and their allosteric receptor-receptor interactions'.

Identification of the benztropine analog [125I]GA II 34 binding site on the human dopamine transporter

The dopamine transporter (DAT) is a neuronal membrane protein that is responsible for reuptake of dopamine (DA) from the synapse and functions as a major determinant in control of DA neurotransmission. Cocaine and many psychostimulant drugs bind to DAT and block reuptake, inducing DA overflow that forms the neurochemical basis for euphoria and addiction. Paradoxically, however, some ligands such as benztropine (BZT) bind to DAT and inhibit reuptake but do not produce these effects, and it has been hypothesized that differential mechanisms of binding may stabilize specific transporter conformations that affect downstream neurochemical or behavioral outcomes. To investigate the binding mechanisms of BZT on DAT we used the photoaffinity BZT analog [¹²⁵I]N-[n-butyl-4-(4‴-azido-3‴-iodophenyl)]-4',4″-difluoro-3α-(diphenylmethoxy)tropane ([¹²⁵I]GA II 34) to identify the site of cross-linking and predict the binding pose relative to that of previously-examined cocaine photoaffinity analogs. Biochemical findings show that adduction of [¹²⁵I]GA II 34 occurs at residues Asp79 or Leu80 in TM1, with molecular modeling supporting adduction to Leu80 and a pharmacophore pose in the central S1 site similar to that of cocaine and cocaine analogs. Substituted cysteine accessibility method protection analyses verified these findings, but identified some differences in structural stabilization relative to cocaine that may relate to BZT neurochemical outcomes.

The sigma-1 receptor as a regulator of dopamine neurotransmission: A potential therapeutic target for methamphetamine addiction

Methamphetamine (METH) abuse is a major public health issue around the world, yet there are currently no effective pharmacotherapies for the treatment of METH addiction. METH is a potent psychostimulant that increases extracellular dopamine levels by targeting the dopamine transporter (DAT) and alters neuronal activity in the reward centers of the brain. One promising therapeutic target for the treatment of METH addiction is the sigma-1 receptor (σ1R). The σ1R is an endoplasmic reticulum-localized chaperone protein that is activated by cellular stress, and, unique to this chaperone, its function can also be induced or inhibited by different ligands. Upon activation of this unique "chaperone receptor", the σ1R regulates a variety of cellular functions and possesses neuroprotective activity in the brain. Interestingly, a variety of σ1R ligands modulate dopamine neurotransmission and reduce the behavioral effects of METH in animal models of addictive behavior, suggesting that the σ1R may be a viable therapeutic target for the treatment of METH addiction. In this review, we provide background on METH and the σ1R as well as a literature review regarding the role of σ1Rs in modulating both dopamine neurotransmission and the effects of METH. We aim to highlight the complexities of σ1R pharmacology and function as well as the therapeutic potential of the σ1R as a target for the treatment of METH addiction.

Cocaine Effects on Dopaminergic Transmission Depend on a Balance between Sigma-1 and Sigma-2 Receptor Expression

Sigma σ₁ and σ₂ receptors are targets of cocaine. Despite sharing a similar name, the two receptors are structurally unrelated and their physiological role is unknown. Cocaine increases the level of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter in CNS motor control and reward areas. While the drug also affects dopaminergic signaling by allosteric modulations exerted by σ₁R interacting with dopamine D₁ and D₂ receptors, the potential regulation of dopaminergic transmission by σ₂R is also unknown. We here demonstrate that σ₂R may form heteroreceptor complexes with D₁ but not with D₂ receptors. Remarkably σ₁, σ₂, and D₁ receptors may form heterotrimers with particular signaling properties. Determination of cAMP levels, MAP kinase activation and label-free assays demonstrate allosteric interactions within the trimer. Importantly, the presence of σ₂R induces bias in signal transduction as σ₂R ligands increase cAMP signaling whereas reduce MAP kinase activation. These effects, which are opposite to those exerted via σ₁R, suggest that the D₁ receptor-mediated signaling depends on the degree of trimer formation and the differential balance of sigma receptor and heteroreceptor expression in acute versus chronic cocaine consumption. Although the physiological role is unknown, the heteroreceptor complex formed by σ₁, σ₂, and D₁ receptors arise as relevant to convey the cocaine actions on motor control and reward circuits and as a key factor in acquisition of the addictive habit.

Glial and neuroinflammatory targets for treating substance use disorders

BACKGROUND

The plenary session at the 2016 Behavior, Biology and Chemistry: Translational Research in Addiction Conference focused on glia as potential players in the development, persistence and treatment of substance use disorders. Glia partake in various functions that are important for healthy brain activity. Drugs of abuse alter glial cell activity producing several perturbations in brain function that are thought to contribute to behavioral changes associated with substance use disorders. Consequently, drug-induced changes in glia-driven processes in the brain represent potential targets for pharmacotherapeutics treating substance use disorders.

METHODS

Four speakers presented preclinical and clinical research illustrating the effects that glial modulators have on abuse-related behavioral effects of psychostimulants and opioids. This review highlights some of these findings and expands its focus to include other research focused on drug-induced glia abnormalities and glia-focused treatment approaches in substance use disorders.

RESULTS

Preclinical findings show that drugs of abuse induce neuroinflammatory signals and disrupt glutamate homeostasis through their interaction with microglia and astrocytes. Preclinical and clinical studies testing the effects of glial modulators show general effectiveness in reducing behaviors associated with substance use disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

The contribution of drug-induced glial activity continues to emerge as an intriguing target for substance use disorder treatments. Clinical investigations of glial modulators have yielded promising results on substance use measures and indicate that they are generally safe and well-tolerated. However, results have not been entirely positive and more questions remain for continued exploration in the development and testing of glial-directed treatments for substance use disorders.

σ Receptor Effects of N-Substituted Benztropine Analogs: Implications for Antagonism of Cocaine Self-Administration

Several N-substituted benztropine (BZT) analogs are atypical dopamine transport inhibitors as they have affinity for the dopamine transporter (DAT) but have minimal cocaine-like pharmacologic effects and can block numerous effects of cocaine, including its self-administration. Among these compounds, N-methyl (AHN1-055), N-allyl (AHN2-005), and N-butyl (JHW007) analogs of 3α-[bis(4'-fluorophenyl)methoxy]-tropane were more potent in antagonizing self-administration of cocaine and d-methamphetamine than in decreasing food-maintained responding. The antagonism of cocaine self-administration (0.03-1.0 mg/kg per injection) with the above BZT analogs was reproduced in the present study. Further, the stimulant-antagonist effects resembled previously reported effects of pretreatments with combinations of standard DAT inhibitors and σ1-receptor (σ1R) antagonists. Therefore, the present study examined binding of the BZT analogs to σRs, as well as their in vivo σR antagonist effects. Each of the BZT analogs displaced radiolabeled σR ligands with nanomolar affinity. Further, self-administration of the σR agonist DTG (0.1-3.2 mg/kg/injection) was dose dependently blocked by AHN2-005 and JHW007 but potentiated by AHN1-055. In contrast, none of the BZT analogs that were active against DTG self-administration was active against the self-administration of agonists at dopamine D1-like [R(+)-SKF 81297, (±)-SKF 82958 (0.00032-0.01 mg/kg per injection each)], D2-like [R(-)-NPA (0.0001-0.0032 mg/kg per injection), (-)-quinpirole (0.0032-0.1 mg/kg per injection)], or μ-opioid (remifentanil, 0.0001-0.0032 mg/kg per injection) receptors. The present results indicate that behavioral antagonist effects of the N-substituted BZT analogs are specific for abused drugs acting at the DAT and further suggest that σR antagonism contributes to those actions.

A Role for Sigma Receptors in Stimulant Self-Administration and Addiction

Sigma receptors (σRs) are structurally unique proteins that function intracellularly as chaperones. Historically, σRs have been implicated as modulators of psychomotor stimulant effects and have at times been proposed as potential avenues for modifying stimulant abuse. However, the influence of ligands for σRs on the effects of stimulants, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, in various preclinical procedures related to drug abuse has been varied. The present paper reviews the effects of σR agonists and antagonists in three particularly relevant procedures: stimulant discrimination, place conditioning, and self-administration. The literature to date suggests limited σR involvement in the discriminative-stimulus effects of psychomotor stimulants, either with σR agonists substituting for the stimulant or with σR antagonists blocking stimulant effects. In contrast, studies of place conditioning suggest that administration of σR antagonists or down-regulation of σR protein can block the place conditioning induced by stimulants. Despite place conditioning results, selective σR antagonists are inactive in blocking the self-administration of stimulants. However, compounds binding to the dopamine transporter and blocking σRs can selectively decrease stimulant self-administration. Further, after self-administration of stimulants, σR agonists are self-administered, an effect not seen in subjects without that specific history. These findings suggest that stimulants induce unique changes in σR activity, and once established, the changes induced create redundant, and dopamine independent reinforcement pathways. Concomitant targeting of both dopaminergic pathways and σR proteins produces a selective antagonism of those pathways, suggesting new avenues for combination chemotherapies to specifically combat stimulant abuse.

Sigma Receptors and Substance Use Disorders

Thanks to advances in neuroscience, addiction is now recognized as a chronic brain disease with genetic, developmental, and cultural components. Drugs of abuse, including alcohol, are able to produce significant neuroplastic changes responsible for the profound disturbances shown by drug addicted individuals. The current lack of efficacious pharmacological treatments for substance use disorders has encouraged the search for novel and more effective pharmacotherapies. Growing evidence strongly suggests that Sigma Receptors are involved in the addictive and neurotoxic properties of abused drugs, including cocaine , methamphetamine , and alcohol. The present chapter will review the current scientific knowledge on the role of the Sigma Receptor system in the effects of drugs and alcohol, and proposes that this receptor system may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of substance use disorders and associated neurotoxicity.

Tactics for preclinical validation of receptor-binding radiotracers

INTRODUCTION

Aspects of radiopharmaceutical development are illustrated through preclinical studies of [125I]-(E)-1-(2-(2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)ethyl)-4-(iodoallyl)piperazine ([125I]-E-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE), a radioligand for sigma-1 (σ1) receptors, coupled with examples from the recent literature. Findings are compared to those previously observed for [125I]-(E)-1-(2-(2,3-dimethoxy-5-yl)ethyl)-4-(iodoallyl)piperazine ([125I]-E-IA-DM-PE-PIPZE).

METHODS

Syntheses of E-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE and [125I]-E-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE were accomplished by standard methods. In vitro receptor binding studies and autoradiography were performed, and binding potential was predicted. Measurements of lipophilicity and protein binding were obtained. In vivo studies were conducted in mice to evaluate radioligand stability, as well as specific binding to σ1 sites in brain, brain regions and peripheral organs in the presence and absence of potential blockers.

RESULTS

E-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE exhibited high affinity and selectivity for σ1 receptors (Ki = 0.43 ± 0.03 nM, σ2/σ1 = 173). [125I]-E-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE was prepared in good yield and purity, with high specific activity. Radioligand binding provided dissociation (koff) and association (kon) rate constants, along with a measured Kd of 0.24 ± 0.01 nM and Bmax of 472 ± 13 fmol/mg protein. The radioligand proved suitable for quantitative autoradiography in vitro using brain sections. Moderate lipophilicity, Log D7.4 2.69 ± 0.28, was determined, and protein binding was 71 ± 0.3%. In vivo, high initial whole brain uptake, >6% injected dose/g, cleared slowly over 24 h. Specific binding represented 75% to 93% of total binding from 15 min to 24 h. Findings were confirmed and extended by regional brain biodistribution. Radiometabolites were not observed in brain (1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Substitution of dihydrobenzofuranylethyl for dimethoxyphenethyl increased radioligand affinity for σ1 receptors by 16-fold. While high specific binding to σ1 receptors was observed for both radioligands in vivo, [125I]-E-IA-BF-PE-PIPZE displayed much slower clearance kinetics than [125I]-E-IA-DM-PE-PIPZE. Thus, minor structural modifications of σ1 receptor radioligands lead to major differences in binding properties in vitro and in vivo.

N-phenylpropyl-N'-substituted piperazines occupy sigma receptors and alter methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity in mice

This study examined the effect of the N-phenylpropyl-N'-substituted piperazine ligands SA4503 (3.4-dimethoxyphenethyl), YZ-067 (4-methoxyphenethyl), YZ-185 (3-methoxyphenethyl) and Nahas-3h (4-methoxybenzyl) on methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity in mice. In a previous study in rats, SA4503 increased methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity at a lower ligand dose and enhanced it at a higher dose. The other ligands have not been investigated in this assay. Presently, mice were administered sigma ligands, and specific [¹²⁵I]E-IA-DM-PE-PIPZE and [¹²⁵I]RTI-121 binding was measured to determine σ1 sigma receptor and dopamine transporter occupancy, respectively. Mice were also administered sigma ligands followed by methamphetamine, and locomotor activity was measured. Each of the ligands occupied σ1 sigma receptors (ED₅₀=0.2-0.6μmol/kg) with similar potency, but none occupied the transporter (ED₅₀>10μmol/kg). At the highest dose tested (31.6μmol/kg) all four sigma ligands significantly attenuated methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity. Interestingly, SA4503, YZ-067 and Nahas-3h, but not YZ-185, enhanced methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity at lower ligand doses (1-3.16μmol/kg). These results suggest that these ligands function as stimulant agonists at lower doses and as antagonists at higher does, with subtle changes in the substitution pattern at the 3- and 4-positions of the phenethyl group contributing to the nature of the interactions. Overall, these data indicate a complex role for σ1 sigma receptor ligands in methamphetamine's behavioral effects.

Blockade of Cocaine or σ Receptor Agonist Self Administration by Subtype-Selective σ Receptor Antagonists

The identification of sigma receptor (σR) subtypes has been based on radioligand binding and, despite progress with σ1R cellular function, less is known about σR subtype functions in vivo. Recent findings that cocaine self administration experience will trigger σR agonist self administration was used in this study to assess the in vivo receptor subtype specificity of the agonists (+)-pentazocine, PRE-084 [2-(4-morpholinethyl) 1-phenylcyclohexanecarboxylate hydrochloride], and 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG) and several novel putative σR antagonists. Radioligand binding studies determined in vitro σR selectivity of the novel compounds, which were subsequently studied for self administration and antagonism of cocaine, (+)-pentazocine, PRE-084, or DTG self administration. Across the dose ranges studied, none of the novel compounds were self administered, nor did they alter cocaine self administration. All compounds blocked DTG self administration, with a subset also blocking (+)-pentazocine and PRE-084 self administration. The most selective of the compounds in binding σ1Rs blocked cocaine self administration when combined with a dopamine transport inhibitor, either methylphenidate or nomifensine. These drug combinations did not decrease rates of responding maintained by food reinforcement. In contrast, the most selective of the compounds in binding σ2Rs had no effect on cocaine self administration in combination with either dopamine transport inhibitor. Thus, these results identify subtype-specific in vivo antagonists, and the utility of σR agonist substitution for cocaine self administration as an assay capable of distinguishing σR subtype selectivity in vivo. These results further suggest that effectiveness of dual σR antagonism and dopamine transport inhibition in blocking cocaine self administration is specific for σ1Rs and further support this dual targeting approach to development of cocaine antagonists.