Possible involvement of the Sigma-1 receptor chaperone in chemotherapeutic-induced neuropathic pain.

Previous studies have shown that ligands of the sigma-1 receptor chaperone (Sig-1R) regulate pain-related behaviors. Clinical use of chemotherapeutics is often compromised due to their adverse side effects, particularly those related to neuropathy. Previous studies have shown that repeated administration of oxaliplatin and paclitaxel produces neuropathy in rodents.

Effects of (+)-pentazocine on the antinociceptive effects of (-)-pentazocine in mice.

Previous studies have shown that sigma-1 receptor chaperone (Sig-1R) ligands can regulate pain-related behaviors, and Sig-1R itself can regulate μ-opioid receptor functions as well as signal transduction. Even though (±)-pentazocine has been used clinically for the treatment of pain through opioid receptors, (+)-pentazocine is known to be a selective Sig-1R agonist. To the best of our knowledge, there is no information available regarding the involvement of Sig-1R agonistic action in the antinociceptive effects of (±)-pentazocine.