σ1 receptors are of interest to scientists studying the neurology of depression, as certain antidepressants (ADs) exhibit high affinity for these receptors and σ1 receptor agonists such as SA 4503 have displayed activity similar to that of ADs in non-human trials. The function of dopaminergic systems has been linked to the effectiveness of ADs, and many experiments involving cutamesine have revolved around dopamine. The presence of SA 4503 has been linked to increases in the concentration of dopamine and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (a metabolite of dopamine) in the frontal cortex. Cutamesine may assist with the release of dopamine from presynaptic neurons in the frontal cortex. For rodents, there was a negative correlation between SA 4503 levels and immobility time during a forced swimming test.
