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Published on: June 10, 2013
Opioid-modulating properties of the neuropeptide FF system
Lionel Moulédous1, Catherine Mollereau, Jean-Marie Zajac
1Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale, CNRS UMR5089, Université de Toulouse, 205 route de Narbonne, Toulouse CEDEX 04, France.
Abstract:
Opioid receptors are involved in the control of pain perception in the central nervous system together with endogenous neuropeptides, termed opioid-modulating peptides, participating in a homeostatic system. Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and related peptides possess anti-opioid properties, the cellular mechanisms of which are still unclear. The purpose of this review is to detail the phenomenon of cross-talk taking place between opioid and NPFF systems at the in vivo pharmacological level and to propose cellular and molecular models of functioning. A better knowledge of the mechanisms underlying opioid-modulating properties of NPFF has potential therapeutic interest for the control of opioid functions, notably for alleviating pain and/or for the treatment of opioid abuse.
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