The principal antischizophrenic neuroleptic drugs in current clinical
use act by blocking dopamine receptors, which mediate extrapyramidal side
effects and tardive dyskinesia. As an alternative strategy, researchers
have sought agents that do not influence dopamine receptors but whose
behavioral effects in animals resemble those of neuroleptics. Some
promising "new generation" candidate drugs have shown beneficial effects in
schizophrenic patients in early clinical trials. These new agents share a
selective, high affinity for sigma receptors, sites where psychotomimetic
opiates act. A systematic screen for drugs that block sigma receptors may
provide a valuable strategy in identifying novel antischizophrenic agents
and in clarifying the pathophysiology of psychosis.Abstract Teaser