Emergence of functional spinal delta opioid receptors after chronic ethanol exposure.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The delta opioid receptor (DOR) is a promising target to treat multiple indications, including alcoholism, anxiety, and nonmalignant pain. The potential of the DORs has been underappreciated, in part, due to relatively low functional expression of these receptors in naïve states. However, chronic exposure to stress, opioids, and inflammation can induce a redistribution of DORs to the cell surface where they can be activated. Previously, DORs were shown to be selectively/exclusively present in spinal cord circuits mediating mechanical sensitivity but not those mediating thermal nociception under naïve conditions.

Methods

We spinally administered DOR and mu opioid receptor (MOR) selective agonists ([D-Pen2,D-Pen5]-Enkephalin, deltorphin II, SNC80, and DAMGO) and ant

SUBMITTER: van Rijn RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4086708 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature