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Related Experiment Videos

Endogenous codeine and morphine are stored in specific brain neurons

E Bianchi1, C Alessandrini, M Guarna

  • 1Institute of Pharmacology, University of Siena, Italy.

Brain Research
|November 12, 1993
PubMed
Summary

Morphine-like compounds are present in mammalian brain neurons, suggesting a physiological role. Specific neurons can accumulate and store [3H]morphine, indicating endogenous opioid pathways.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Codeine and morphine have been detected in mammalian brain using RIA and GCMS.
  • Rat liver can synthesize the morphine molecule's skeleton, suggesting a physiological role for this opioid.
  • Morphine is the prototype mu-receptor agonist.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and localization of morphine-like immunoreactive compounds in the brain.
  • To determine if specific neurons can accumulate and store exogenous morphine.

Main Methods:

  • Radioimmunoassay (RIA) and gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry (GCMS) for detection.
  • Immunohistochemistry to visualize morphine-like compounds in neurons.
  • Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of [3H]morphine with osmotic minipumps.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Autoradiography to track [3H]morphine accumulation in neurons.

    • Main Results:

    • Morphine-like immunoreactive compounds were found in neuronal cell bodies, fibers, and terminals across various brain areas.
    • Neurons in these areas demonstrated the capacity to accumulate and store [3H]morphine after slow i.c.v. infusion.

    Conclusions:

    • These findings support the hypothesis that morphine-like compounds are endogenous to the mammalian brain.
    • Specific neuronal populations are involved in the uptake and storage of morphine, suggesting a role in endogenous opioid signaling.