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Implications of Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels in the delta-opioid receptor-mediated antinociception in the mouse

M Yamazaki1, H Mizoguchi, M Ohsawa

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Toyama, Japan. myama@ms.toyama-mpu.ac.jp

Neuroscience Letters
|November 25, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Calcium-activated chloride channels are involved in spinal delta-opioid receptor-mediated pain relief. These channels do not affect pain relief mediated by mu- and kappa-opioid receptors in mice.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Pain Research

Background:

  • Opioid receptors are key targets for pain management.
  • The precise mechanisms of spinal opioid-mediated analgesia are not fully understood.
  • Calcium-activated chloride channels (Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels) are implicated in neuronal excitability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels in spinal opioid receptor-mediated antinociception.
  • To determine if Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels are involved in delta-, mu-, and kappa-opioid receptor pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the mouse tail-flick assay to measure antinociception.
  • Administered selective opioid receptor agonists intrathecally (i.t.).
  • Pretreated mice with selective Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel blockers (IAA-94, flufenamic acid, niflumic acid).

Main Results:

  • Intrathecal administration of a delta-opioid receptor agonist induced antinociception.
  • Pretreatment with Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel blockers significantly attenuated delta-opioid receptor-mediated antinociception.
  • The blocker IAA-94 did not affect antinociception mediated by mu- or kappa-opioid receptor agonists.

Conclusions:

  • Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels play a role in spinal delta-opioid receptor-mediated antinociception.
  • This involvement appears specific to the delta-opioid receptor pathway.
  • Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channels are not implicated in mu- and kappa-opioid receptor-mediated antinociception in the mouse spinal cord.

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