An Emerging Role for Sigma-1 Receptors in the Treatment of Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (original) (raw)

The activity of selective sigma-1 receptor ligands in seizure models in vivo

Behavioural brain research, 2017

Sigma-1 receptor (Sig1R) is a ligand-regulated protein which, since its discovery, has been widely studied as a novel target to treat neurological disorders, including seizures. However, the roles and mechanisms of Sig1R in the regulation of seizures are not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to test and compare effects of often used selective Sig1R ligands in models of experimentally induced seizures. The anti-seizure activities and interactions of selective Sig1R agonist PRE-084, selective Sig1R antagonist NE-100 and novel positive allosteric Sig1R modulator E1R were evaluated in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and (+)-bicuculline (BIC)-induced seizure models in mice. Sig1R antagonist NE-100 at a dose of 25mg/kg demonstrated pro-convulsive activity on PTZ-induced seizures. Agonist PRE-084 did not change the thresholds of chemoconvulsant-induced seizures. Positive allosteric modulator E1R at a dose of 50mg/kg showed anti-convulsive effects on PTZ- and BIC-induced clonic and...

Allosteric modulation of sigma-1 receptor elicits anti-seizure activities

British journal of pharmacology, 2015

Application of orthodox sigma-1 receptor agonists as anti-seizure drugs is dampened for the uncertainty in efficacy and potential adverse effects. In this study, we investigated the anti-seizure effects of the novel and potent allosteric modulator of the sigma-1 receptor SKF83959 and its derivative SOMCL-668 (3-methyl-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[d]azepin-7-ol). The anti-seizure effects of SKF83959 were investigated in the maximal electroshock seizure model, pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsive model, and kainic acid -induced "status epilepticus" model. Besides, the cortical epileptiform activity was induced by topical application of picrotoxin and recorded by electrocorticogram. The effect of the drug on the high potassium-evoked epileptiform local field potentials in rat hippocampal brain slices was studied. Lastly, the anti-seizure activities of SOMCL-668, a newly developed sigma-1 receptor selective allosteric modulator, were investigated. SKF83959 (20, 40mg.kg(...

Fenfluramine diminishes NMDA receptor-mediated seizures via its mixed activity at serotonin 5HT2A and type 1 sigma receptors

Oncotarget, 2018

Fenfluramine exhibits antiepileptic properties and thus diminishes epileptiform discharges in experimental animal models of Dravet syndrome. Fenfluramine is metabolized into norfenfluramine , which shows greater affinity and agonist activity at serotonin 5HT2 receptors (5HT2R) than fenfluramine. In this study, we found that fenfluramine and norfenfluramine disrupted the regulatory association of the sigma 1 receptor (σ1R) with NR1 subunits of glutamate -methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR), an effect that was also produced by σ1R antagonists such as S1RA and prevented by σ1R agonists such as PPCC. The antagonists removed σ1R bound to NMDAR NR1 subunits enabling calcium-regulated calmodulin (CaM) to bind to those subunits. As a result, CaM may inhibit calcium permeation through NMDARs. The serotoninergic activity of fenfluramine at 5HT2AR, and likely also at 5HT2CR, collaborated with its activity at σ1Rs to prevent the convulsive syndrome promoted by NMDAR overactivation. Notably, fe...

Sigma receptors: biology and therapeutic potential

Psychopharmacology, 2004

More than 20 years after the identification of the sigma receptors as a unique binding site in the brain and in the peripheral organs, several questions regarding this receptor are still open. Only one of the subtypes of the receptor has been cloned to date, but the endogenous ligand still remains unknown, and the possible association of the receptor with a conventional second messenger system is controversial. From the very beginning, the sigma receptors were associated with various central nervous system disorders such as schizophrenia or movement disorders. Today, after hundreds of papers dealing with the importance of sigma receptors in brain function, it is widely accepted that sigma receptors represent a new and different avenue in the possible pharmacological treatment of several brain-related disorders. In this review, what is known about the biology of the sigma receptor regarding its putative structure and its distribution in the central nervous system is summarized first. The role of sigma receptors regulating cellular functions and other neurotransmitter systems is also addressed, as well as a short overview of the possible endogenous ligands. Finally, although no specific sigma ligand has reached the market, different pharmacological approaches to the alleviation and treatment of several central nervous system disorders and deficits, including schizophrenia, pain, memory deficits, etc., are discussed, with an overview of different compounds and their potential therapeutic use.