Agonists at mu-opioid receptors spin the wheels to keep the action going.
A study in this issue of Molecular Pharmacology on agonist-induced internalization of mu-opioid receptors during long-term opiate drug exposure is discussed. The study demonstrates the critical role of re-cycling of reactivated mu receptors back to the plasma membrane for the maintenance of agonist signaling during long-term opiate exposure.
Cox
Brian M
BM
Department of Pharmacology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd., Bethesda, MD 20814, USA. bcox@usuhs.mil
D004705:Endocytosis / Q000187:drug effects; D020875:Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)- / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008985:Monensin / Q000494:pharmacology; D009294:Narcotics / Q000494:pharmacology; D021381:Protein Transport; D017450:Receptors, Opioid, mu / Q000819:agonists* / Q000502:physiology*
D009294:Narcotics; D017450:Receptors, Opioid, mu; D020875:Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)-; D008985:Monensin