Related Experiment Videos
[Effects of opioids on the development of preimplantation mouse embryos]
Abstract:
Opioid peptide DAGO, agonist of opiate mu-receptors and naloxone antagonist of mu-, delta- and kappa-receptors in concentration 3 x 10 M inhibit embryonic development of CBA mice. Inhibition was stage-specific with maximal effect after addition of opioids to zygotes: in the presence of Naloxone no more than 6.7% of embryos reached morula and blastula stages and in the presence of DAGO--36.8%. The other embryos were arrested at two-, four- or, sometimes even, at eight-cell stages without any signs of fragmentation. Four and eight-cell embryos were less sensitive to drug action. Inhibitory effects of these opioids were reduced when they were added simultaneously to zygotes. Agonist of opiate delta-receptors, opioid peptide DADLe, failed to affect embryonic development.
Insights
Opioid peptides DAGO and naloxone inhibit early mouse embryonic development, particularly at the zygote stage. These opioid receptor ligands disrupt cell division, impacting embryo progression.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Developmental toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Opioid peptides play roles in various physiological processes.
- The impact of specific opioid receptor agonists and antagonists on early mammalian embryonic development requires further investigation.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for assessing potential risks during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of opioid peptides DAGO (mu-receptor agonist) and naloxone (mu-, delta-, kappa-receptor antagonist) on the in vitro embryonic development of CBA mice.
- To determine the stage-specificity and dose-dependency of opioid-induced developmental inhibition.
- To assess the effect of DADLe, a delta-receptor agonist, on early embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- CBA mouse zygotes were cultured in vitro.
- Opioid peptides DAGO and naloxone were added at specific concentrations (3 x 10 M) at different embryonic stages (zygote, 4-cell, 8-cell).
- Embryonic development was monitored for progression to morula and blastula stages, and cell cycle arrest was noted.
Main Results:
- Both DAGO and naloxone significantly inhibited embryonic development, with maximal effects observed when added to zygotes.
- In the presence of naloxone, only 6.7% of embryos reached morula/blastula stages; with DAGO, 36.8% reached these stages.
- Embryos arrested at 2-, 4-, or 8-cell stages without fragmentation. Four- and 8-cell stage embryos showed reduced sensitivity.
- Simultaneous addition of both opioids reduced inhibitory effects. DADLe did not affect embryonic development.
Conclusions:
- Opioid peptides DAGO and naloxone, at the tested concentration, are potent inhibitors of early mouse embryonic development.
- The zygote stage is most sensitive to the inhibitory effects of these opioid receptor ligands.
- Opioid receptor modulation can disrupt critical early developmental events, highlighting potential reproductive risks.