Abstract
We have examined the chemotactic responsiveness of thymocytes to selective mu-, kappa-, and delta-opioid agonists. Our results show that developing T cells migrate in response to mu-, but not kappa- or delta-opioids. The mu-opioid response appears to be dependent on the classical mu-opioid receptor (MOR-1) since the chemotactic response is blocked by a selective mu-opioid antagonist, and is absent in thymocytes from MOR-1-deficient mice. Flow cytometric analysis of the mu-opioid responsive cells shows that these cells consist predominantly of highly immature CD4- CD8- T cells. These results represent the first demonstration of the functional expression of mu-opioid receptors by developing T cells.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl)-benzeneacetamide, (trans)-Isomer / pharmacology
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Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / pharmacology
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Analgesics, Opioid / pharmacology
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Animals
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Cell Differentiation / immunology
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Cells, Cultured
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Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / drug effects
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Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / immunology
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Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)- / pharmacology
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Enkephalin, D-Penicillamine (2,5)- / pharmacology
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Gene Expression / immunology
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Male
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
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Mice, Knockout
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Receptors, Opioid, mu / genetics*
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Receptors, Opioid, mu / immunology*
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Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms
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T-Lymphocytes / cytology
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T-Lymphocytes / physiology*
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Thymus Gland / cytology*
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Thymus Gland / growth & development*
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Thymus Gland / immunology
Substances
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Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
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Analgesics, Opioid
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Oprm protein, mouse
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Receptors, Opioid, mu
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Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)-
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3,4-Dichloro-N-methyl-N-(2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl)-benzeneacetamide, (trans)-Isomer
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Enkephalin, D-Penicillamine (2,5)-