Activation of nucleus accumbens μ-opioid receptors enhances the response to a glycaemic challenge.

ABSTRACT: Opioids are known to affect blood glucose levels but their exact role in the physiological control of glucose metabolism remains unclear. Although there are numerous studies investigating the peripheral effects of opioid stimulation, little is known about how central opioids control blood glucose and which brain areas are involved. One brain area possibly involved is the nucleus accumbens because, as well as being a key site for opioid effects on food intake, it has also been implicated in the control of blood glucose levels. Within the nucleus accumbens, μ-opioid receptors are most abundantly expressed. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the role of μ-opioid receptors in the nucleus accumbens in the control of glucose metabolism. We show that infusion of the μ-opioid recepto

SUBMITTER: Koekkoek LL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9286654 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature