Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2025
09:29
Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods
Published on: August 4, 2022
2.1K
Mu-opioid receptor knockout on Foxp2-expressing neurons reduces aversion-resistant alcohol drinking
Harrison M Carvour1, Charlotte A E G Roemer1, D'Erick P Underwood1
1Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|December 8, 2024
Summary
Deleting mu-opioid receptors (MORs) in Foxp2-expressing neurons reduced alcohol consumption and increased sensitivity to alcohol aversion. These findings suggest Foxp2-expressing neurons are involved in compulsive alcohol drinking.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mu-opioid receptors (MORs) in the amygdala and striatum are crucial for reward and addiction.
- Foxp2 is a marker for specific neuronal populations (intercalated cells and striatal medium spiny neurons) expressing MORs, relevant to alcohol consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MORs in Foxp2-expressing neurons in alcohol-related behaviors.
- To characterize the behavioral effects of deleting the MOR gene (Oprm1) in Foxp2-expressing neurons.
Main Methods:
- Generated Foxp2-Cre/Oprm1fl/fl mice (male and female) with MOR deletion in Foxp2-expressing neurons.
- Assessed aversion-resistant alcohol consumption (intermittent access task), sucrose reward seeking (operant responding), morphine withdrawal aversion (CPA), and locomotor activity.
Main Results:
- MOR deletion in Foxp2-expressing neurons increased sensitivity to quinine-adulterated alcohol.
- Mice with MOR deletion consumed less alcohol and showed reduced baseline and morphine-induced activity.
- A trend towards reduced sucrose seeking was observed; learning and aversion to morphine withdrawal were unaffected.
Conclusions:
- Foxp2-expressing neurons play a significant role in the escalation of alcohol intake.
- Deletion of MORs in these neurons may reduce compulsive-like alcohol drinking behaviors.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management
504
Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
504
01:22Opioid Receptors: Overview
521
Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2,...
521