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Antisense mapping of opioid receptor clones: effects upon 2-deoxy-D-glucose-induced hyperphagia

K Burdick1, W Z Yu, A Ragnauth

  • 1Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, CUNY, Flushing, NY 11367, USA.

Brain Research
|June 12, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides targeting mu-opioid receptors significantly reduced 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG)-induced hyperphagia. Kappa opioid receptors also play a role in this feeding response.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Glucoprivation, a state of low glucose availability, triggers feeding behaviors.
  • Opioid receptors, particularly mu-opioid receptors (MOR), are implicated in regulating appetite and energy balance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific roles of different opioid receptor subtypes (MOR, KOR, DOR) in mediating hyperphagia induced by glucoprivation.
  • To determine the efficacy and duration of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS ODNs) targeting various opioid receptor clones in reducing 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG)-induced feeding.

Main Methods:

  • Administration of AS ODNs targeting specific exons of MOR-1, KOR-1, KOR3/ORL-1, and DOR-1 clones in rodents.
  • Induction of hyperphagia using the anti-metabolic glucose analogue, 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG).
  • Quantification of feeding responses and assessment of AS ODN efficacy over a 4-hour time course.

Main Results:

  • AS ODNs targeting MOR-1 exons 1 and 2 markedly reduced 2DG-induced hyperphagia (81-93%) for up to 4 hours.
  • AS ODNs targeting KOR-1 exon 2 significantly reduced hyperphagia (44-51%), while KOR3/ORL-1 showed a smaller reduction (36%).
  • AS ODNs targeting DOR-1 were ineffective in altering 2DG-induced hyperphagia.

Conclusions:

  • These findings provide strong evidence for the critical role of mu-opioid receptors in mediating 2DG-induced hyperphagia.
  • Kappa-1 and kappa-3 opioid receptors also contribute to glucoprivic feeding, albeit to a lesser extent than mu-opioid receptors.
  • AS ODN technology targeting specific opioid receptor subtypes offers a potential strategy for modulating feeding behaviors related to energy homeostasis.

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