Comparative aspects of endogenous morphine synthesis and signaling in animals.
For many years it has been believed that animals cannot make morphine. However, within the last 30 years scientific documents have emerged reporting on endogenous animal opiate synthesis, including morphine biosynthesis in animals and specific tissues. These data are complemented by other reports demonstrating the presence of opiate receptors specifically used for morphinergic signaling in animal tissues, bringing together the lock-and-key concept for an animal morphine chemical messenger hypothesis.
Zhu
Wei
W
Neuroscience Research Institute, College at Old Westbury, State University of New York, Old Westbury, New York, USA. zhuwei@sunynri.org
Stefano
George B
GB
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D006801:Humans; D009020:Morphine / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D017450:Receptors, Opioid, mu / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D017450:Receptors, Opioid, mu; D009020:Morphine