µ-Opioid Receptors Expressed by Intrinsically Photosensitive Retinal Ganglion Cells Contribute to Morphine-Induced Behavioral Sensitization.

ABSTRACT: Opioid drugs are the most effective tools for treating moderate to severe pain. Despite their analgesic efficacy, long-term opioid use can lead to drug tolerance, addiction, and sleep/wake disturbances. While the link between opioids and sleep/wake problems is well-documented, the mechanism underlying opioid-related sleep/wake problems remains largely unresolved. Importantly, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), the cells that transmit environmental light/dark information to the brain's sleep/circadian centers to regulate sleep/wake behavior, express μ-opioid receptors (MORs). In this study, we explored the potential contribution of ipRGCs to opioid-related sleep/circadian disruptions. Using implanted telemetry transmitters, we measured changes in horizontal locomo

SUBMITTER: Bergum N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9781919 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature