Morphine alters preproenkephalin gene expression

Brain Res. 1988 Sep 6;459(2):391-7. doi: 10.1016/0006-8993(88)90658-0.

Abstract

Rats made tolerant/dependent to morphine by s.c. implantation of drug pellets displayed a significant decrease in striatal preproenkephalin mRNA that persisted during the period of withdrawal. Levels of Met-enkephalin were normal at the end of treatment, but reduced after withdrawal. The direction and time-course of these alterations are consistent with roles for altered neuronal gene expression in the phenomena of opiate tolerance and dependence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Corpus Striatum / drug effects
  • Corpus Striatum / metabolism*
  • Drug Implants
  • Enkephalin, Methionine / genetics
  • Enkephalin, Methionine / metabolism
  • Enkephalins / genetics*
  • Enkephalins / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects*
  • Male
  • Morphine / pharmacology*
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • Protein Precursors / genetics*
  • Protein Precursors / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome

Substances

  • Drug Implants
  • Enkephalins
  • Protein Precursors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Enkephalin, Methionine
  • Morphine
  • preproenkephalin