Ibogaine selectively inhibits nicotinic receptor-mediated catecholamine release

The effects of ibogaine, a putative anti-addictive drug, on stimulated catecholamine release were examined in cultured chromaffin cells to clarify its mechanism(s) of action. Low concentrations of ibogaine (1-10 mu M) had a selective inhibitory action on nicotinic receptor-mediated catecholamine release, while higher concentrations (100 mu M) inhibited additional modes of stimulated catecholamine release. These results suggest a selective inhibitory action of ibogaine at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, possibly at the receptor ion channel site.