Straub tail reaction in mice treated with σ1 receptor antagonist in combination with methamphetamine

Straub tail reaction (STR) was observed in male ddY mice after simultaneous administration with BMY 14802 (a non-specific σ receptor antagonist) and methamphetamine (METH). The intensity and duration of STR depended on the dose of BMY 14802. The tail reaction was inhibited completely by (+)-SKF 10,047 (a putative σ1 receptor agonist) and partially by PB 28 (a putative σ2 receptor agonist). The STR was mimicked in mice treated with BD 1047 (a putative σ1 receptor antagonist), but not SM-21, a putative σ2 receptor antagonist, in combination with METH. STR evoked with BD 1047 plus METH was inhibited by (+)-SKF 10,047. STR induced by BMY 14802 and METH was abolished by naloxone (a relatively non-selective opioid receptor antagonist) or U-50,488H (a selective κ-agonist), suggesting that the STR may be mediated by activation of opioid receptor system.

► Straub tail reaction (STR) was examined using σ receptor ligands and METH.
► STR was observed in mice treated with BMY 14802 and METH in combination.
► The STR was blocked by σ1, but not σ2, receptor agonist.
► The duration of the STR was transient, unlikely the case of morphine.