Neuroprotective effects of high affinity sigma 1 receptor selective compounds

► Sigma 1 receptor compounds are neuroprotective for HT-22 hippocampal cells. ► Cytoprotection correlates with sigma 1, but not sigma 2, receptor affinity. ► Sigma 1 selective compounds were neuroprotective using a rodent model of stroke. ► Sigma 1 selective compounds represent a therapeutic strategy for treating stroke.