Differential effects of cytochrome P-450 induction on ligand binding to sigma receptors.

The identity of the sigma receptor as a form of cytochrome P-450 was investigated in rats treated with 3-methylcholanthrene or phenobarbital. The density of [3H]N,N'-di(o-tolyl)guanidine (DTG) binding to sigma 2 receptors in hepatic subcellular fractions increased following both treatments, while [3H](+)-pentazocine binding to sigma 1 receptors was unchanged. Furthermore, proadifen and piperonyl butoxide inhibited [3H](+)-pentazocine and [3H]DTG binding with low potency. The low affinity of cytochrome P-450 inhibitors for sigma receptors, the similar degree of enhancement of [3H]DTG binding by agents with disparate cytochrome P-450 induction profiles and the lack of change in [3H](+)-pentazocine binding are inconsistent with the identity of the sigma receptor as a cytochrome P-450.