Differing stereospecificities distinguish opiate receptor subtypes

Paired stereoisomers of compounds active at the proposed μ,κ and σ classes of opiate receptors display differing stereoselectivity patterns at the receptor subtypes. The (-) isomers of cyclazocine and SKF-10047 are far more potent than the (+) isomers as displacers of [³H]dihydromorphine from receptors. However, the (-) isomers are only moderately more potent than the (+) isomers at displacing [³H]ethylketocyclazocine from κ receptors in an assay controlled for radioligand binding to μ receptors, and the (+) and (-) isomers are similar in potency for displacement of [³H]phencyclidine (PCP) from σ receptors. At the σ/PCP receptor, (+) ketamine proved four times as potent as (-) ketamine, while the dioxalan derivative dexoxadrol is far more potent than its nearly inactive enantiomer levoxadrol. The results for the σ/PCP receptor are in agreement with those of behavioral studies. Stereospecificity patterns may provide support for the concept of the opiate receptor subclasses as biochemically distinct entities.