Hamster vas deferens contains delta-opioid receptors.
Electrical field stimulation of the hamster, isolated vas deferens produces regular contractions that are unaffected by opioid-receptor agonists which are selective for the mu- or kappa-receptor types. However, agonists which show a selectivity for the delta-opioid receptor produce dose-related inhibitions of the stimulation-evoked contractions. Response of delta-opioid receptor agonists are antagonized in a competitive fashion by the selective delta-receptor antagonist ICI 174864, and also by naloxone. The "kappa-opioid-agonist" benzomorphans, bremazocine and ethylketocyclazocine are antagonists in the hamster vas deferens; bremazocine is particularly potent in this regard. In conclusion, the hamster, isolated vas deferens may contain only delta-opioid receptors and provides a simple and specific test for the assay of activity at the delta-opioid receptor.
D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae; D004743:Enkephalin, Leucine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D004745:Enkephalins / Q000494:pharmacology; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008647:Mesocricetus; D009270:Naloxone / Q000494:pharmacology; D009294:Narcotics / Q000494:pharmacology; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D017465:Receptors, Opioid, delta; D014649:Vas Deferens / Q000378:metabolism*
D004745:Enkephalins; D009294:Narcotics; D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D017465:Receptors, Opioid, delta; D009270:Naloxone; D004743:Enkephalin, Leucine; C040643:N,N-diallyl-tyrosyl-alpha-aminoisobutyric acid-phenylalanyl-leucine