• N&PD Moderators: Skorpio | thegreenhand

Effects of Opiate Tolerance on Endogenous Transmission?

If we assume tolerance is due to receptor desensitisation/downregulated receptor synthesis hypothesis, then we can say that endogenous opioids will produce a smaller response due to less receptors. So effectively endogenous transmission is decreased (same amount of neurotransmitter but less receptors for them to act on).
 
As aced said; and a result of this is the feelings of withdrawal - the symptoms are caused by lowered endogenous opioid activity. It makes sense, too, because withdrawal is for the most part a reversal of the symptoms of being high.

Does the amount of neurotransmitters stay the same or decrease initially (during use) as a part of feedback response? Isn't GABA synthesis inhibited in the case of overstimulated GABAergic system, for example?
 
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