Pregnancy reduces brain sigma receptor function

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Sigma (σ) receptors have recently been cloned, though their endogenous ligand(s) remain unidentified. However, some neuroactive steroids, such as progesterone, have a high affinity for these receptors. Some σ ligands, such as DTG, (+)‐pentazocine and DHEA, act as σ ‘agonists’ by potentiating the neuronal response to NMDA. Others, such as haloperidol, NE‐100 and progesterone, act as σ ‘antagonists’ by reversing the potentiations induced by σ ‘agonists’. We compared the effects of σ ‘agonists’ in four series of female rats: in controls, at day 18 of pregnancy, at day 5 post‐partum, and in ovariectomized rats following a 3‐week treatment with a high dose of progesterone. In pregnant rats and following a 3‐week treatment with progesterone, 10 fold higher doses of DTG, (+)‐pentazocine and DHEA were required to elicit a selective potentiation of the NMDA response comparable to that obtained in control females. Conversely, at day 5 post‐partum and following the 3‐week treatment with a progesterone and after a 5‐day washout, the potentiation of the NMDA response induced by the σ ‘agonist’ DTG was greater than in control females. The present data suggest that endogenous progesterone acts as an ‘antagonist’ at σ receptors. The resulting changes in the function of σ receptors during pregnancy and post‐partum may be implicated in emotional phenomena occurring during these periods. British Journal of Pharmacology (1999) 127, 1769–1776; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0702724