CB1-cannabinoid and mu-opioid receptor co-localization on postsynaptic target in the rat dorsal horn

Neuroreport. 2001 Dec 4;12(17):3689-92. doi: 10.1097/00001756-200112040-00017.

Abstract

Cannabinoids and opioids interact in the control of nociception at the spinal level. Likely, several mechanisms are involved, with one of them being co-localization of cannabinoid and opioid receptors. In order to validate this hypothesis, a double labeling study of CB1 cannabinoid receptors and mu-opioid receptors in the dorsal horn of the rat spinal cord was performed. A strong co-localization of CB1 and mu-opioid receptors was observed in lamina II interneurons at the ultrastructural level. The physiological consequences of the co-localization are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cannabinoids / metabolism
  • Dendrites / metabolism
  • Dendrites / ultrastructure
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Interneurons / metabolism
  • Interneurons / ultrastructure
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Nociceptors / metabolism*
  • Nociceptors / ultrastructure
  • Opioid Peptides / metabolism
  • Organelles / metabolism
  • Organelles / ultrastructure
  • Pain / metabolism*
  • Pain / physiopathology
  • Posterior Horn Cells / metabolism*
  • Posterior Horn Cells / ultrastructure
  • Presynaptic Terminals / metabolism
  • Presynaptic Terminals / ultrastructure
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Receptors, Drug / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / metabolism*
  • Synaptic Membranes / metabolism*
  • Synaptic Membranes / ultrastructure
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology*

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Opioid Peptides
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Receptors, Drug
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu