Interaction of δ-opioid Receptor with Membrane Transporters: Possible Mechanisms in Pain Suppression by Acupuncture
- VernacularTitle:Interaction of δ-opioid Receptor with Membrane Transporters: Possible Mechanisms in Pain Suppression by Acupuncture
- Author:
Zhijie YANG
;
Guobin BAO
;
Haiping DENG
;
Huiming DU
;
Quanbao GU
;
Gang PEI
;
Lu PU
;
Schwarz WOLFGANG
;
Peng XIA
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Acupuncture Analgesia;
Receptors,Opioid;
Neurotransmitter Transport Proteins;
Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
- From:
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science
2008;6(5):298-300
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective: To investigate the possible mechanisms in acupuncture analgesia by interaction of &opioid receptor with neurotransmitter transport proteins or the Na+-K+pump. Methods: Microinjection of respective heterologous cRNA into the Xenopus oocytes as a model system, and measurement of steady-state currents under two-electrode voltage clamp. Results: The co-expression of the δ-opioid receptor with GAT1, EAAC1 or the sodium pump resulted in reducing activity of the respective transporter. Opioid receptor activation affected transporter activity in different ways: 1) GAT1 was further inhibited; 2) EAAC1 was stimulated; 3) Na+-K+ pump activity interfered with agonist sensitivity of DOR. Pump inhibition led to higher sensitivity for DPDPE. Conclusion: GABA transporter inhibition and glutamate transporter stimulation may counteract pain sensation by affecting the neurotransmitter concentration in the synaptic cleft and, therefore, may contribute synergistically to pain suppression by acupuncture. Sodium pump inhibition by endogenous ouabain may amplify these effects. These synergistic effects may be the molecular mechanism of inhibiting pain sense and/or acupuncture analgesia.
