Activation of the Mu-Delta Opioid Receptor Heteromers Blocks Morphine Rewarding Effects

Evidence has accumulated demonstrating the existence of opioid receptor heteromers, and recent data suggest that targeting these heteromers could reduce opioid side effects while retaining therapeutic effects. Indeed, CYM51010 characterized as a MOR (mu opioid receptor)/DOR (delta opioid receptor) heteromer-preferring agonist promoted antinociception comparable with morphine but with less tolerance. In the perspective of developing these new classes of pharmacological agents, data on their putative side effects are mandatory.

Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of CYM51010 in different models related to drug addiction in mice, including behavioral sensitization, conditioned place preference and withdrawal.

We found that, like morphine, CYM51010 promoted acute locomotor activity as well as psychomotor sensitization and rewarding effect. However, it induced less physical dependence than morphine. We also investigated the ability of CYM51010 to modulate some morphine-induced behavior. Whereas CYM51010 was unable to block morphine-induced physical dependence, it blocked reinstatement of an extinguished morphine induced-conditioned place preference.

Altogether, our results reveal that targeting MOR-DOR heteromers could represent a promising strategy to block morphine reward.