Sigma receptors modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis centrally: evidence for a functional interaction with NMDA receptors, in vivo

Neuropharmacology. 1990 Mar;29(3):299-303. doi: 10.1016/0028-3908(90)90017-l.

Abstract

The present report investigates the modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the rat by sigma receptors, using a selective ligand, (+) pentazocine, and comparing the effects with (+) SKF 10, 047. Both compounds stimulate ACTH release potently after central and peripheral administration. These effects are centrally mediated, since they did not release ACTH from anterior pituitary primary cultures. The effects are not blocked by naloxone, but are blocked by the NMDA antagonist, CPP, indicating a centrally mediated functional interaction between NMDA and sigma receptors, in vivo.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Aspartic Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • Aspartic Acid / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Aspartic Acid / pharmacology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiology*
  • Male
  • N-Methylaspartate
  • Pentazocine / pharmacology
  • Phenazocine / analogs & derivatives
  • Phenazocine / pharmacology
  • Piperazines / pharmacology
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Opioid / physiology*
  • Receptors, sigma

Substances

  • Piperazines
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Receptors, Neurotransmitter
  • Receptors, Opioid
  • Receptors, sigma
  • Aspartic Acid
  • N-Methylaspartate
  • SK&F 10047
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • 3-(2-carboxypiperazin-4-yl)propyl-1-phosphonic acid
  • Phenazocine
  • Pentazocine