Brain Support Cells Have Their Own Opioid Receptors That Affect Cell Signaling
Astroglia (brain support cells) from multiple brain regions carry both delta and kappa opioid receptors that inhibit cAMP signaling.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Delta and kappa opioid receptors were co-localized on astroglia from cortex, striatum, and brainstem. Both inhibited adenylate cyclase and modulated beta-receptor-stimulated cAMP.
Key Numbers
How They Did This
Primary astroglial cultures from neonatal rat cortex, striatum, and brainstem were treated with receptor-selective opioid ligands. cAMP accumulation was measured.
Why This Research Matters
Brain support cells (astroglia) outnumber neurons. Finding functional opioid receptors on them means the opioid system affects brain function more broadly than just through neurons.
The Bigger Picture
Astroglia outnumber neurons in the brain and play critical roles in supporting neural function. Discovering that opioids directly affect these cells expands our understanding of how the opioid system influences brain activity far beyond simple pain signaling.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
In vitro cell culture study using neonatal cells. Cultured astroglia may not behave the same as mature cells in the intact brain. Mu receptors were not detected.
Questions This Raises
- ?How do astroglial opioid receptors contribute to opioid drug effects and addiction?
- ?Could targeting astroglial opioid receptors provide new approaches to pain management with fewer side effects?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Co-localized on same cell Both delta and kappa opioid receptors found together on individual astroglia across cortex, striatum, and brainstem
- Evidence Grade:
- Preliminary — in vitro study using neonatal rat astroglial cultures. Demonstrates the receptors exist and function but doesn't confirm behavior in mature, intact brain tissue.
- Study Age:
- Published in 1992 (34 years ago). Glial opioid signaling has since become a recognized field, validating these early findings.
- Original Title:
- Delta and kappa opiate receptors in primary astroglial cultures. Part II: Receptor sets in cultures from various brain regions and interactions with beta-receptor activated cyclic AMP.
- Published In:
- Neurochemical research, 17(6), 545-51 (1992)
- Authors:
- Eriksson, P S, Hansson, E, Rönnbäck, L
- Database ID:
- RPEP-00228
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
What are astroglia?
Astroglia (astrocytes) are the most abundant cells in the brain. They support neurons, regulate blood flow, maintain the blood-brain barrier, and — as this study shows — respond to opioid signaling.
Why does it matter that support cells have opioid receptors?
It means opioid drugs affect far more of the brain than just pain-sensing neurons. Astroglial opioid responses could contribute to tolerance, addiction, and other effects of opioid medications.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-00228APA
Eriksson, P S; Hansson, E; Rönnbäck, L. (1992). Delta and kappa opiate receptors in primary astroglial cultures. Part II: Receptor sets in cultures from various brain regions and interactions with beta-receptor activated cyclic AMP.. Neurochemical research, 17(6), 545-51.
MLA
Eriksson, P S, et al. "Delta and kappa opiate receptors in primary astroglial cultures. Part II: Receptor sets in cultures from various brain regions and interactions with beta-receptor activated cyclic AMP.." Neurochemical research, 1992.
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Delta and kappa opiate receptors in primary astroglial cultu..." RPEP-00228. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/eriksson-1992-delta-and-kappa-opiate
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.