Opposite effects of μ and κ opiates on the firing-rate of dopamine cells in the substantia nigra of the rat

doi:10.1016/0014-2999(87)90130-0

European Journal of Pharmacology

Volume 134, Issue 1, 28 January 1987, Pages 53-59

https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-2999(87)90130-0 Get rights and content

Abstract

Single unit extracellular recording was carried out in rats to compare the actions of a μ receptor agonist (morphine) to a κ receptor agonist (U50,488) in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNC). Intravenously administered morphine and U50,488 exhibited opposite effects: morphine excited SNC dopamine cells, and U50,488 inhibited them. Both effects were blocked by naloxone, although significantly more naloxone was necessary to block the effect of the κ agonist. Local administration of U50,488 in the caudate also inhibited the firing of SNC dopamine cells. These results are discussed in terms of the natural functions of the prodynorphinergic striatonigral projection.

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Early studies showed that SNr neurons receive a major inhibitory input from the dST and participate in the regulation of SNc DA activity and striatal DA content (Chan, 1985; Kamata et al., 1986; Reid et al., 1990; Waszczak et al., 1980; You et al., 1994). Systemic administration of morphine was shown to cause naloxone reversible increases in the firing rate of SNc DA neurons and decreases in the activity of neighboring SNr GABA neurons (Hommer and Pert, 1983; Melis et al., 2000; Walker et al., 1987), suggesting possible GABA-mediated disinhibition of SNc DA neurons from the SNr. Interestingly, acute morphine fails to affect ICSS in rats implanted with electrode in the SNc.
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Nevertheless, there is also some evidence emphasizing that increasing effect of morphine in neural firing rate. Intravenously administered morphine excited the firing rate of dopamine cells of substantia nigra pars compacta and this effect was blocked by naloxone [29]. Systemic morphine administration resulted in three patterns of neuronal activity in the nucleus accumbens.
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Realizar un estudio clínico prospectivo y consecutivo para comprobar la eficacia y la seguridad de la acupuntura con implantes auriculares en pacientes con síndrome de piernas inquietas (SPI).
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In einer prospektiven und konsekutiven klinischen Untersuchung wurde die Wirksamkeit und das Sicherheitsprofil einer Implantat-Ohr-Akupunktur beim Restless-Legs-Syndrom (RLS) untersucht.
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A prospective and consecutive clinical trial was performed for the evaluation of efficacy and safety of implant ear acupuncture in patients with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).
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Four weeks after implantation, the iRLS-Score was significantly reduced about 7%. Twenty-four weeks after implantation, the reduction came down to 18% of the initial score. Six months after implantation, 52 patients (54%) were able to reduce the individual medication by about 2. The number of ”excellent” mood assessment results was increased from 9 % in the beginning to 25 % after 6 months. Finally, 1,189 titanium-needles were implanted with no relevant side-effects.
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Opposite effects of μ and κ opiates on the firing-rate of dopamine cells in the substantia nigra of the rat

Abstract

Neuropharmacology

European J. Pharmacol.

European J. Pharmacol.

European J. Pharmacol.

Peptides

Brain Res.

Brain Res.

Life Sci.

European J. Pharmacol.

European J. Pharmacol.

Brain Res.

Neurosci. Lett.

European J. Pharmacol.

Neuropharmacology

European J. Pharmacol.

Dopaminergic neurons: Effect of antipsychotic drugs and amphetamine on single cell activity

J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.

Dynorphin is a specific endogenous ligand of the kappa opioid receptor

Science

The antidiuretic action of morphine, and its mechanism

J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.