Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026
07:23
Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
The effects of morphine on cell proliferation
1Global Scientific Consulting LLC, 15 Colton St., Farmington, CT 06032, USA.
Summary
Endogenous opioid peptides and narcotics regulate non-neuronal cell growth. This review explores narcotic effects on cell proliferation, particularly in the immune system, and their physiological significance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Cellular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Endogenous opioid peptides (enkephalins) and neurotransmitters are recognized as growth regulators in non-neuronal tissues.
- Enkephalins in placental cells support embryo growth and maternal adaptation during pregnancy.
- Narcotics like morphine share receptors with endogenous opioids, prompting investigation into their growth-regulating roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on whether narcotics act as growth regulators in non-neuronal cells.
- To explore the potential physiological significance of these narcotic actions in individuals with addiction.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature focusing on the proliferative effects of narcotics on various cell types.
- Analysis of studies investigating the interaction of opioid peptides and narcotics with cellular growth mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests narcotics can influence cell proliferation, with significant research focused on immune system cells.
- Emerging studies indicate opioid peptides and narcotics may impact the growth of diverse cell types beyond the immune system.
Conclusions:
- Narcotics, by interacting with opioid receptors, possess growth-regulating capabilities in non-neuronal cells.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the physiological implications of these effects, especially in the context of addiction.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
01:27Molecular Factors Affecting Cell Division
Several external and internal factors influence the initiation and inhibition of cell division. For instance, the death of nearby cells or the release of human growth hormone (hGH) promotes cell division. In contrast, lack of hGH or crowding of cells can inhibit cell division.
Several proteins function as internal regulators to ensure each cell cycle stage is completed faithfully before proceeding to the next. Regulator molecules may act directly or influence the activity or production of other...
Several proteins function as internal regulators to ensure each cell cycle stage is completed faithfully before proceeding to the next. Regulator molecules may act directly or influence the activity or production of other...
01:22Opioid Receptors: Overview
Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]-enkephalin or DPDPE for...
01:20Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Opioids are a class of drugs that mimic endogenous opioid peptides and act on opioid receptors, and help in pain relief. These compounds are classified as natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Natural opioids, like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, are derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum or Papaver album) and are termed opiates. Synthetic opioids are artificial, while semi-synthetic opioids combine natural and synthetic compounds. Morphine, a prototypical opioid, possesses a...
01:15Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Synthetic and semisynthetic opioids are pivotal in pain management and tackling opioid addiction. Semisynthetic opioids, including morphinans (morphine derivatives), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, have improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to morphine. Additionally, heroin and 6-MAM (6-Monoacetylmorphine) show better CNS penetration than morphine due to heightened lipid solubility. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, undergoes hepatic metabolism to form the active...