A Sigma₁ Receptor Agonist Alters Fluidity and Stability of Lipid Monolayers

Abstract

Interactions between the sigma 1 receptor agonist PRE-084 and various lipid monolayers, including dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), DPP-ethanolamine (DPPE), DPP-glycerol (DPPG), DPP-serine (DPPS), palmitoylsphingomyelin (PSM), and cholesterol (Ch), were investigated to elucidate the effects of PRE-084 on membrane fluidity and stability. Their interactions with sigma 1 receptor agonists have potential implications for neuroprotection, antidepressant, analgesic, and cognitive enhancement effects. In this study, we observed that the presence of PRE-084 in the subphase led to increased fluidity in DPPC and DPPE monolayers, whereas decreasing fluidity was observed in DPPG, DPPS, and PSM monolayers. The interaction of PRE-084 with Ch monolayers was found to be distinct from its interaction with other lipids. Fluorescence microscopy images revealed changes in the size and shape of liquid-condensed domains in the presence of PRE-084, supporting the notion of altered membrane fluidity. Our findings provide new insights into the interaction of PRE-084 with lipid monolayers and its potential implications for biological and membrane science.