[Sigma receptors: the key to therapeutic action or the side-effects of neuroleptics?]

Abstract

The authors discuss psychotropic effects of phencyclidine (PCP) in the context of neurochemical mechanisms of schizophrenia. They concentrate on sigma receptors and PCP receptors and tie their activity with the dopaminergic system. The authors describe neuroleptic effects on sigma receptors and the therapeutic consequences. They include that the question whether the interaction of neuroleptics with sigma receptors results in therapeutic effects or rather in undesirable symptoms will decide about the future direction of treatment of schizophrenia.