Involvement of delta-opioid receptors in immunosuppression

Int J Neurosci. 1996 Feb;84(1-4):195-203. doi: 10.3109/00207459608987265.

Abstract

The present experiments demonstrate that: (1) activation of delta-opioid receptors by a highly selective agonist DSLET leads to immunosuppression, whereas the blockade of these receptors by enkephalin analog ICI 174864 produces immunostimulation; (2) the immunomodulating effect of delta-opioid receptors is mediated by central mechanisms involving the hypothalamus-hypophysis complex; (3) the postsynaptic 5-HT (serotonin) receptors of 5-HT-2 type are involved in the immunoinhibitory action of DSLET. On the other hand, the immunostimulating effect of ICI 174864 is realized with the participation of D-2 postsynaptic DA (dopamine) receptors. It has also been shown that thymus is implicated in the immunostimulating influence of ICI 174864. The data obtained are explained as a result of the interaction of the neuromediator and opioid peptidergic systems in neuroimmunomodulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Dopamine Agents / pharmacology
  • Enkephalin, Leucine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Enkephalin, Leucine / pharmacology
  • Hypothalamus / physiology
  • Immunoglobulin M / immunology
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred CBA
  • Pituitary Gland / physiology
  • Receptors, Opioid, delta / drug effects
  • Receptors, Opioid, delta / immunology*
  • Receptors, Opioid, delta / physiology
  • Receptors, Serotonin / drug effects
  • Receptors, Serotonin / physiology
  • Rosette Formation
  • Serotonin Agents / pharmacology
  • Thymus Gland / physiology
  • Viral Plaque Assay

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Dopamine Agents
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Receptors, Opioid, delta
  • Receptors, Serotonin
  • Serotonin Agents
  • Enkephalin, Leucine
  • enkephalin, Ser(2), Leu(5), Thr(6)-