Identification of a µ opiate receptor signaling mechanism in human placenta.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies report that genes in the morphine biosynthetic pathway have been found in placental tissue. Prior researchers have shown that kappa opioid receptors are present in human placenta. We determined if a µ opiate receptor was present and which subtype was expressed in human placenta. We also sought to demonstrate a functional µ opiate receptor in human placenta.


METHODS
Polymerase chain reactions as well as DNA sequencing were performed to identify the µ opiate receptor subtypes present in human placenta. The functionality of the receptor was demonstrated by real time amperometric measurements of morphine induced NO release.


RESULTS
The µ4 opiate receptor sequence was present as well as the µ1 opioid receptor transcript. The addition of morphine to placental tissue resulted in immediate nitric oxide release and this effect was blocked by naloxone.


CONCLUSIONS
In the present study, an intact morphine signaling system has been demonstrated in human placenta. Morphine signaling in human placenta probably functions to regulate the immune, vascular, and endocrine functions of this organ via NO.
Mantione
Kirk J
KJ
Neuroscience Research Institute, State University of New York, College at Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, USA. kjmantione@sunynri.org
Angert
Robert M
RM
Cadet
Patrick
P
Kream
Richard M
RM
Stefano
George B
GB
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009020:Morphine / Q000494:pharmacology; D009270:Naloxone / Q000494:pharmacology; D009292:Narcotic Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D009294:Narcotics / Q000494:pharmacology; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D010920:Placenta / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D017450:Receptors, Opioid, mu / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D009292:Narcotic Antagonists; D009294:Narcotics; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D017450:Receptors, Opioid, mu; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D009270:Naloxone; D009020:Morphine; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase