How does morphine work?
Article Abstract:
The mu-opioid receptor (MOR) is the most important of all opiate-receptor subtypes that mediate the pharmacological effects of morphine. Morphine and its derivatives act on specific stereochemically selective receptors, such as mu, delta, and kappa receptor subtypes. Mice lacking MOR fail to show the normal responses to morphine, such as decreased pain sensation and morphine dependence. MOR seems to have a strong mediating impact on the analgesic and addictive euphoric effects of morphine, which suggests that the opioid system is hardly active under normal resting conditions.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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Loss of morphine-induced analgesia, reward effect and withdrawal symptoms in mice lacking the mu-opioid-receptor gene
Article Abstract:
Disruption of the mu-opioid-receptor gene in mice by homologous recombination fails to cause a significant change in expression of other components of the opioid system or result in overt behavioral abnormalities. However, the lack of mu-receptors attenuates the analgesic effect of morphine, its place-preference activity and physical dependence. The mu-opioid-receptor gene product is an essential requirement of the opioid system for morphine action. The delta- and kappa-receptors fail to mediate biological actions of morphine in the absence of mu-receptors.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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... Harmful to the brain
Article Abstract:
There is evidence that nicotine, and therefore smoking, effects the shell region of nucleus accumbens in the brain by increasing the release of dopamine which is responsible for its addictive effects. Both D1 and D2 receptors play a role in regulating the effects of nicotine. High affinity for nicotine is observed in the acetylcholine receptors. However, the exact location of these receptors is unknown. This pattern of nicotine effects on the brain is similar to that of psychostimulant drugs.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1996
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