Anti-addictive actions of an iboga alkaloid congener: a novel mechanism for a novel treatment.
Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior June 1, 2003 Isabelle M. Maisonneuve, Stanley D. Glick 109 citations
18-Methoxycoronaridine (18-MC), a synthetic compound related to iboga, reduces self-administration of multiple addictive drugs in animal models. It decreased intravenous morphine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and nicotine self-administration, as well as oral alcohol and nicotine intake, and eased opioid withdrawal signs, without affecting responding for a nondrug reinforcer (water) or causing apparent toxicity. 18-MC also blocked sensitized dopamine responses to morphine and cocaine in the nucleus accumbens. Receptor studies identified it as a potent antagonist at alpha3beta4 nicotinic receptors. Low-dose combinations of 18-MC with other alpha3beta4 antagonists reduced drug self-administration at otherwise ineffective doses. The findings suggest that alpha3beta4 nicotinic receptor antagonists may offer a novel, broad-spectrum treatment for addiction.