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Mapping Astrocytic and Neuronal μ-opioid Receptor Expression in Various Brain Regions Using MOR-mCherry Reporter

Woojin Won1, Daeun Kim1,2, Eunjin Shin1

  • 1Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Korea.

Experimental Neurobiology
|January 10, 2024
PubMed
Summary

The study reveals significant μ-opioid receptor (MOR) expression in astrocytes across multiple brain regions, impacting reward and pain pathways. This finding clarifies MOR

Keywords:
AstrocytesMappingMu-opioid receptorSex-difference

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The μ-opioid receptor (MOR) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) crucial for reward and analgesia.
  • While neuronal and microglial MOR expression is known, astrocytic MOR presence and function remain less understood.
  • Previous work identified MOR in hippocampal astrocytes, linking it to conditioned place preference.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and function of astrocytic MOR in various brain regions beyond the hippocampus.
  • To determine the extent of MOR expression in astrocytes and GABAergic neurons.
  • To explore potential sex differences in MOR expression patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized MOR-mCherry reporter mice for visualizing MOR expression.
  • Employed Imaris software for quantitative analysis of MOR distribution.
  • Assessed MOR functionality in astrocytes using iGluSnFr-mediated glutamate imaging.

Main Results:

  • MOR is significantly expressed in astrocytes (>60%) and GABAergic neurons across multiple brain regions, including the hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, periaqueductal gray, amygdala, and arcuate nucleus.
  • MOR expression was particularly noted in parvalbumin (PV)-positive neurons.
  • Astrocytic MOR functionality was confirmed, with observed sex differences in PV-positive neuron MOR expression patterns.

Conclusions:

  • Astrocytes express substantial levels of MOR across diverse brain regions, suggesting a broader role in opioid signaling.
  • MOR in astrocytes and specific neuronal subtypes (PV-positive) may be key targets for modulating pain and reward.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the functional implications of astrocytic MOR in different brain circuits and sexes.