Mu Opioid receptor endocytosis induced by exogenous ligands

[Sphinx (Afterlife)]

Has anyone studied said topic thoroughly?

Endocytosis of the Mu Opioid Receptor Reduces Tolerance And a Cellular Hallmark of Opiate Withdrawal, A.K. Finn and J. Whistler, Neuron Vol. No. 32 [2001] 829-839.


Claims that the peptide mu agonist DAMGO taken exogenously with simultaneous morphine, after 7 days treatment, led to the morphine dosage still producing the same effect. Something to do with cellular recycling.



Has such a result ever been reproduced since (2001)??


Why is such a thing not being used clinically, or is it?

 

[BilZ0r]

I think theres a bit of evidence that some internalized receptors can still function... though I wouldn't have thought with a peptide ligand... Lets have a look.

Well this paper might ring some opioid fans alarm bells

It's been report heaps by that group it would seen, I don't have the time or energy to look through the liturature..

Damn, that J Whistler is a big player, I bet he gets some big fucking grants.

 

[5-HT2]

^^^actually, it's a "she." I'm also pretty sure Eric Nestler's lab (or one of his protègés' at UT-Dallas Southwestern) has independently reproduced many of the Whistler group's results in this area

 

[BilZ0r]

Well aren't you Mr fancy pants...