Sigma (sigma) antagonist BMY 14802 prevents methamphetamine-induced sensitization

We have demonstrated for the first time that the sigma antagonist BMY 14802 prevents the development of behavioral sensitization induced by repeated administration of methamphetamine. Rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 15 or 30 mg/kg BMY 14802 followed by 2 mg/kg methamphetamine 30 min later. Unlike dopamine antagonists, BMY 14802 did not induce major changes in the acute motor effects of 2 mg/kg methamphetamine. Repeated administration of methamphetamine induced progressive augmentation of stereotyped behaviors and resulted in behavioral sensitization. However, repeated administration of methamphetamine in combination with BMY 14802 at either dose produced no increase in the intensity of stereotypy when compared with the first treatment. After a 7-day abstinence period, a challenge test with methamphetamine alone revealed supersensitivity of methamphetamine-sensitized rats to subsequent methamphetamine, whereas rats pretreated with repeated methamphetamine in combination with BMY 14802 exhibited no difference in the intensity of stereotypy from rats pretreated with repeated saline. These results suggest that sigma receptors play a crucial role in the induction of methamphetamine-induced sensitization.