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Opioids modulate migration, spreading and adherence of mesangial cells
P C Singhal1, M Abramovici, M Bansal
1Department of Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, N.Y. 11042.
Nephron
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Opioids like morphine and beta-endorphin enhance mesangial cell spreading and migration. Morphine also decreases mesangial cell adhesion, an effect mediated by opioid receptors.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Glomerular mesangial cells are modified smooth muscle cells crucial for maintaining glomerular hemodynamics.
- Understanding cellular responses to external stimuli is vital for kidney health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of opioids on mesangial cell adhesiveness, spreading, and migration.
- To explore the role of opioid receptors in mediating these cellular responses.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of mesangial cells to morphine and beta-endorphin.
- Assessment of cell spreading, adhesion, and migration over various time periods.
- Utilizing naloxone to investigate the involvement of opioid receptors.
Main Results:
- Morphine and beta-endorphin significantly enhanced mesangial cell spreading at early and late time points.
- Morphine decreased mesangial cell adhesion to the substrate at 24 and 48 hours.
- Morphine increased mesangial cell migration, and naloxone attenuated the effect on adhesion, suggesting opioid receptor mediation.
Conclusions:
- Opioids significantly influence mesangial cell behavior, promoting spreading and migration while reducing adhesion.
- The observed effects of morphine on mesangial cell adhesion are mediated through opioid receptors.