σ Receptors:: potential medications development target for anti-cocaine agents

The ability of cocaine to interact with sigma receptors suggests a viable target for medications development. Recently, numerous novel compounds and antisense oligodeoxynucleotides targeting a receptors have been synthesized and shown to prevent the behavioral toxicity and psychomotor stimulant effects of cocaine in animals. Protective doses of a receptor antagonists have also been shown to prevent changes in gene expression that are induced by cocaine. Together, the studies provide insight and promising future directions for the development of potential medications for the treatment of cocaine addiction and overdose. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.