Phencyclidine (PCP), in a dose of 15 mg/kg, produced delayed cognitive dysfunction (at 24 h) in rats subjected to water maze tasks. At 24 h after PCP administration, ataxia, hyperlocomotion and stereotyped behavior were not induced. NE-100, N,N-dipropyl-2-[4-methoxy-3-(2-phenylethoxy)phenyl]-ethylamine monohydrochloride, a selective and potent sigma receptor ligand, was administered orally 10 min after PCP administration or 15 min before the first trial (24 h after PCP administration). In both cases, NE-100 dose-dependently attenuated the delayed cognitive dysfunction induced by PCP. As these findings show that ingestion of PCP led to delayed cognitive dysfunction similar to the cognitive signs of psychosis seen in humans, NE-100 is being further studied for possible treatment of subjects with schizophrenia.
