Immunocytochemical localization of mu-opioid receptor in primary afferent neurons containing substance P or calcitonin gene-related peptide. A light and electron microscope study in the rat

Brain Res. 1998 Jun 1;794(2):347-52. doi: 10.1016/s0006-8993(98)00332-1.

Abstract

Co-expression of mu-opioid receptor-like immunoreactivity (MOR-LI) with substance P (SP)- or calcitonin gene-related (CGRP)-LI was observed in rat trigeminal and dorsal root ganglion neurons. In particular, MOR-LI was found in axon terminals with SP- or CGRP-LI in laminae I and II of the medullary and spinal dorsal horns. MOR may be implicated in modulation of release of SP and CGRP from primary sensory afferents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / analysis*
  • Ganglia, Spinal / chemistry*
  • Ganglia, Spinal / cytology
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Microscopy / methods
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Neurons, Afferent / chemistry*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / analysis*
  • Substance P / analysis*
  • Trigeminal Ganglion / chemistry*
  • Trigeminal Ganglion / cytology

Substances

  • Receptors, Opioid, mu
  • Substance P
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide