The neuronal selective nitric oxide inhibitor AR-R 17477, blocks some effects of phencyclidine, while having no observable behavioural effects when given alone.
Pharmacology & toxicology May 1, 1999 C Johansson, A M Deveney, D Reif et al.
A selective inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, AR-R 17477, counteracts behavioral effects of the psychosis-inducing drug phencyclidine in rats. AR-R 17477 (0.5, 1, and 5 mg/kg) reduced phencyclidine-induced hyperactivity, and 1 mg/kg reversed phencyclidine-induced deficits in prepulse inhibition of the startle response, a measure of sensorimotor gating. Higher doses were less effective. The compound did not alter normal behavior or affect the actions of d-amphetamine. Unlike the non-specific inhibitor L-NAME, AR-R 17477 did not change blood pressure or heart rate. The findings indicate that blocking the neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase specifically counteracts phencyclidine's effects, likely without cardiovascular side effects.