A novel anxiogenic role for the delta opioid receptor expressed in GABAergic forebrain neurons.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The delta opioid receptor (DOR) is broadly expressed throughout the nervous system; it regulates chronic pain, emotional responses, motivation, and memory. Neural circuits underlying DOR activities have been poorly explored by genetic approaches. We used conditional mouse mutagenesis to elucidate receptor function in GABAergic neurons of the forebrain.

Methods

We characterized DOR distribution in the brain of Dlx5/6-CreXOprd1(fl/fl) (Dlx-DOR) mice and tested main central DOR functions through behavioral testing.

Results

The DOR proteins were strongly deleted in olfactory bulb and striatum and remained intact in cortex and basolateral amygdala. Olfactory perception, circadian activity, and despair-like behaviors were unchanged. In contrast, locomotor stimula

SUBMITTER: Chu Sin Chung P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4297504 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature