Pharmacological properties of S1RA, a new sigma-1 receptor antagonist that inhibits neuropathic pain and activity-induced spinal sensitization

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The sigma-1 (σ₁) receptor is a ligand-regulated molecular chaperone that has been involved in pain, but there is limited understanding of the actions associated with its pharmacological modulation. Indeed, the selectivity and pharmacological properties of σ₁ receptor ligands used as pharmacological tools are unclear and the demonstration that σ₁ receptor antagonists have efficacy in reversing central sensitization-related pain sensitivity is still missing.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The pharmacological properties of a novel σ₁ receptor antagonist (S1RA) were first characterized. S1RA was then used to investigate the effect of pharmacological antagonism of σ₁ receptors on in vivo nociception in sensitizing conditions and on in vitro spinal cord sensitization in mice. Drug levels and autoradiographic, ex vivo binding for σ₁ receptor occupancy were measured to substantiate behavioural data.

KEY RESULTS

Formalin-induced nociception (both phases), capsaicin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and sciatic nerve injury-induced mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity were dose-dependently inhibited by systemic administration of S1RA. Occupancy of σ₁ receptors in the CNS was significantly correlated with the antinociceptive effects. No pharmacodynamic tolerance to the antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effect developed following repeated administration of S1RA to nerve-injured mice. As a mechanistic correlate, electrophysiological recordings demonstrated that pharmacological antagonism of σ₁ receptors attenuated the wind-up responses in spinal cords sensitized by repetitive nociceptive stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These findings contribute to evidence identifying the σ₁ receptor as a modulator of activity-induced spinal sensitization and pain hypersensitivity, and suggest σ₁ receptor antagonists as potential novel treatments for neuropathic pain.