Abstract

The interaction of several sigma and PCP receptor ligands with the norepinephrine uptake carrier was investigated in the rat tail artery and brain. These ligands include haloperidol; (+)- and (-) 3-(3-hydroxy- phenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine (3-PPP), (+/-)-BMY 14802, [(+/-) alpha-(4-fluoro- phenyl)-4-(5-fluoro-2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazine butanol]; (+)-SKF 10047, [(+/-)-N-allyl-N-normetazocine]; 1,3-di-ortho-tolyl-guanidine; rimcazole (BW 234U), [cis-9-[3-(3,5-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)propyl] carbazole dihydrochloride]; and MK 801, [(+)-5-methyl-10,1 1-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a, d]cyclohepten-5, 10-imine maleate]. Our results show that all ligands used, except 1,3-di-ortho-tolyl-guanidine, inhibit both neuronal [3H]norepinephrine accumulation in the rat tail artery and specific [3H] desmethylimipramine binding in the rat brain. Except for (+)-SKF 10047, the order of potency of the ligands used for inhibiting neuronal [3H]norepinephrine accumulation in the rat tail artery was similar to that measured for inhibition of specific [3H]desmethylimipramine binding in the rat brain. Despite these similarities, our results also suggest that haloperidol, (+)- and (-)3-PPP, MK 801, rimcazole and cocaine interact with the [3H]norepinephrine site in the rat tail artery and with the [3H]desmethylimipramine binding site in the rat brain in a complex fashion. These studies demonstrate an important action on the norepinephrine carrier by these sigma and PCP ligands in the rat tail artery and brain.