σ receptors

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Abstract
The σ receptor is a neuronal substrate that binds several psychoactive compounds. These include cocaine, some steroids, dextromethorphan, phencyclidine (PCP), and benzomorphans such as pentazocine and N‐allyl‐normatezocine (SKF‐10047). Many newer atypical antipsychotic drugs also bind to the σ receptor. The σ receptor, however, is not the PCP receptor. The σ receptor exists in the central nervous system, endocrine, immune and certain peripheral tissues. Progesterone and certain steroids have been shown to represent endogenous ligands for the σ receptor. The σ receptor resides likely in the nonsynaptic region of the plasma membrane. The σ receptor exists in two forms: high‐affinity and low‐affinity. The solubilized σ receptor retains all of the pharmacological characteristics of a membrane‐bound receptor. A major physiological role of the σ receptor may involve the modulation of a tonic potassium channel.