Opiate withdrawal increases ProTRH gene expression in the ventrolateral column of the midbrain periaqueductal gray.
The midbrain periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) has a critical role in the modulation of behavioral and autonomic manifestations of the opiate withdrawal syndrome. We report a nearly 5-fold increase in proTRH gene expression in neurons of the ventrolateral column of the PAG following naltrexone precipitated morphine withdrawal. The accumulation of immunoreactive proTRH-derived peptides, but not the mature TRH tripeptide was concomitantly observed in these cells. These findings indicate that proTRH-derived peptides synthesized in neurons of the ventrolateral PAG may function as modifiers of opiate withdrawal responses.
Légrádi
G
G
Department of Medicine, New England Medical Center Hospitals, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
Rand
W M
WM
Hitz
S
S
Nillni
E A
EA
Jackson
I M
IM
Lechan
R M
RM
D000818:Animals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000009:adverse effects; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000494:pharmacology; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D009294:Narcotics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D010487:Periaqueductal Gray / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000235:genetics*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism*; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000235:genetics*
D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009294:Narcotics; D011498:Protein Precursors; D009271:Naltrexone; D013973:Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone; D009020:Morphine