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Endocrine actions of opioids
Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|August 1, 1984
Summary
Opioid peptides influence hormone secretion across species, affecting pituitary and pancreatic hormones. Endogenous opioids tonically suppress ACTH release, while their role in glucose homeostasis requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Hormone Regulation
Background:
- Opioid peptides and receptors are prevalent in the brain and periphery.
- Opioid agonists and antagonists elicit diverse effects on hormone secretion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the actions of opioid peptides on pituitary and pancreatic hormone secretion.
- To investigate the role of endogenous opioids in regulating hormone release.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on opioid effects on hormone secretion.
- Analysis of data from studies in rats and humans.
- Examination of opioid modulation of releasing hormones like LHRH.
Main Results:
- Opioids stimulate ACTH and corticosterone in rats, but inhibit them in humans; naloxone stimulates ACTH release in both, indicating tonic opioid suppression.
- Opioid agonists decrease LH secretion, while antagonists increase it, suggesting modulation of LHRH release.
- Opioids stimulate prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) secretion, with antagonists showing effects only after stimulation or in stress conditions in rats.
- Opioid inhibition of oxytocin and vasopressin release at the posterior pituitary level is observed.
- Opioids stimulate pancreatic insulin and glucagon while inhibiting somatostatin.
Conclusions:
- Opioid peptides play a significant role in regulating pituitary and pancreatic hormone secretion.
- Endogenous opioids exert tonic control over ACTH release and influence gonadotropin secretion.
- The precise physiological role of opioids in glucose homeostasis remains to be fully elucidated.