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Opioid dependency and T-helper cell functions in rhesus monkey
L F Chuang1, K F Killam, R Y Chuang
1Department of Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616.
In Vivo (Athens, Greece)
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Morphine may initially activate lymphocytes but long-term opioid use causes T helper cell immunosuppression. This effect is not mediated by conventional opiate receptors on lymphocytes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Opioids, such as morphine, are known for their analgesic properties.
- The impact of chronic opioid administration on immune function, particularly T cell responses, requires further elucidation.
- Understanding opioid-immune interactions is crucial for managing patients undergoing long-term opioid therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of morphine sulfate on lymphocyte proliferation and T cell responses in rhesus monkeys.
- To examine the long-term impact of opioid dependence on T helper cell functions.
- To explore the potential role of conventional opiate receptors in mediating opioid-induced immunomodulation.
Main Methods:
- Administration of morphine sulfate to rhesus monkeys.
- Assessment of T cell proliferation in response to mitogens and interleukin-2 release.
- In vitro studies using morphine and naloxone to evaluate receptor interactions and [3H]thymidine incorporation for T cell activation.
Main Results:
- Acute morphine administration transiently increased T cell proliferation and interleukin-2 release.
- Chronic opioid dependence (morphine or L-a-acetyl-methadol) resulted in overall immunosuppression of T helper functions.
- In vitro studies indicated that immunosuppression was not mediated by direct interaction with conventional opiate receptors on lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- Opioid administration can have complex and contrasting effects on the immune system, with acute effects differing from chronic effects.
- Long-term opioid use leads to immunosuppression of T helper cell functions in rhesus monkeys.
- The observed immunosuppression is likely not mediated through conventional opiate receptors present on lymphocytes, suggesting alternative mechanisms.