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Region-specific up-regulation of opioid receptor binding in enkephalin knockout mice
L S Brady1, M Herkenham, R B Rothman
1Section on Functional Neuroanatomy, Intramural Research Program, NIMH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
Brain Research. Molecular Brain Research
|May 13, 1999
Abstract:
Mu and delta opioid receptors were labeled in enkephalin knockout mice by quantitative autoradiography. Discrete, large increases (100-300%) were found in limbic forebrain structures for mu binding and striatum and pallidum for delta binding. The up-regulation of opioid receptors may reflect a form of 'denervation supersensitivity. ' The receptor up-regulation in limbic areas is consistent with the increased emotional and aggressive behaviors observed in the enkephalin knockout mice.