Opioid receptor genes inactivated in mice: the highlights

The opioid system controls nociception, stress responses, and addictive behaviors. Exogenous alkaloid opiates and endogenous opioid peptides stimulate mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid receptors, whose activities have long been analyzed by pharmacological tools. Mice lacking opioid receptor and opioid peptide precursor genes have now been produced by gene targeting. Behavioral analysis of mutant animals in the absence of drug has highlighted a distinct role of opioid receptors or peptides in nociception and revealed an important role for delta receptors in emotional behaviors. The examination of responses to drugs has clarified involvement of each receptor as molecular targets for exogenous opiates in vivo. Those data have also demonstrated the critical role of mu-receptor in cannabinoid and alcohol reinforcement and confirmed the involvement of kappa receptor in several dysphoric responses. Ongoing studies therefore help in understanding the molecular basis of opioid-controlled behaviors and will contribute to the development of novel therapeutics for pain, anxiety, and drug abuse.