Endogenous morphine.
It is now well accepted that endogenous morphine is present in animals, both in invertebrates and vertebrates. It is a key signaling molecule that plays an important role in downregulating physiological responses, such as those in the immune system, including immune elements in the CNS. It has been demonstrated that a specific mu-opiate-receptor subtype, mu3, mediates these downregulatory effects through release of NO. This article examines morphine as an endogenous signaling molecule, in terms of its role in neural and immune regulation.
Stefano
G B
GB
Neuroscience Research Institute, State University of New York at Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA.
Goumon
Y
Y
Casares
F
F
Cadet
P
P
Fricchione
G L
GL
Rialas
C
C
Peter
D
D
Sonetti
D
D
Guarna
M
M
Welters
I D
ID
Bianchi
E
E
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009020:Morphine / Q000378:metabolism*; D018847:Opioid Peptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000378:metabolism*
D018847:Opioid Peptides; D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D009020:Morphine