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Antagonizing effect of morphine on the mobility and phagocytic activity of invertebrate immunocytes

E Ottaviani1, A Franchini, D Sonetti

  • 1Department of Animal Biology, University of Modena, Italy.

European Journal of Pharmacology
|March 24, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activates invertebrate immunocytes, an effect inhibited by morphine and reversed by naloxone. This suggests morphine regulation is conserved across vertebrates and invertebrates.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Invertebrate biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a known immune activator.
  • Morphine's effects on immune cells are primarily studied in vertebrates.
  • Invertebrates possess innate immune systems that warrant further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on invertebrate immunocytes.
  • To determine if morphine modulates LPS-induced immune responses in invertebrates.
  • To explore the presence of morphine regulatory mechanisms in invertebrates.

Main Methods:

  • Cellular assays were performed on immunocytes from molluscs (Planorbarius corneus, Mytilus edulis) and an insect (Leucophaea maderae).
  • Immunocyte activation was assessed via cellular conformational changes and phagocytic activity.
  • The effects of varying concentrations and incubation times of LPS, morphine, and naloxone were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • LPS significantly activated immunocytes in all tested invertebrate species.
  • Morphine demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effect on LPS-induced immunocyte activation.
  • Naloxone successfully antagonized the inhibitory effects of morphine, restoring immunocyte activity.
  • Morphine also decreased phagocytic activity in the studied invertebrate immunocytes.

Conclusions:

  • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) acts as a potent immune activator in diverse invertebrate species.
  • Invertebrate immunocytes exhibit sensitivity to morphine, indicating conserved regulatory pathways.
  • The findings suggest that the downregulation of morphine's effects is not exclusive to vertebrates, extending to invertebrates.

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