An Emerging Role for the Delta Opioid Receptor in the Regulation of Mu Opioid Receptor Function. (2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rozenfeld, Raphael; Abul-Husn, Noura S.; Gomez, Ivone; Devi, Lakshmi A.
• Other Names: Shurtleff D. Academic Editor.; Ferre S. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: TheScientificWorldjournal. Volume 7(2007)
• Page Start: 64
• Page End: 73
• Publication Date: 2007
• Subjects: Opiate Tolerance -- G protein-couple receptor heterodimerization -- enkephalin -- addiction and drug abuse, beta-arrestin mediated signaling; Science -- Periodicals; Technology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 505
• DOI: 10.1100/tsw.2007.219
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2356-6140

Abstract

Abstract : Morphine and related opiates are commonly used in the clinical management of various types of pain. However, the antinociceptive properties of morphine are often overshadowed by the development of tolerance and dependence following its chronic use. The mechanisms underlying opiate tolerance are not fully understood, but appear to involve numerous and complex physiological adaptations. Recently, a role for the heterodimerization of mu and delta opioid receptors in the development of morphine tolerance has been proposed. This novel mechanism could help us to understand several observations, such as the critical role of delta opioid receptor regulation, the impact of delta opioid receptor binding site occupancy, and the participation of beta-arrestin2, in the development of morphine tolerance.