title: Endogenous morphine and its metabolites in mammals: history, synthesis, localization and perspectives.
abstract: Morphine derived from Papaver somniferum is commonly used as an analgesic compound for pain relief. It is now accepted that endogenous morphine, structurally identical to vegetal morphine-alkaloid, is synthesized by mammalian cells from dopamine. Morphine binds mu opioid receptor and induces antinociceptive effects. However, the exact role of these compounds is a matter of debate although different links with infection, sepsis, inflammation, as well as major neurological pathologies (Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia) have been proposed. The present review describes endogenous morphine and morphine derivative discovery, synthesis, localization and potential implications in physiological and pathological processes.
authors.affiliation: Nociception and Pain Department, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, CNRS UPR3212 and Université de Strasbourg, F-67084 Strasbourg, France.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Laux-Biehlmann
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mouheiche
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vérièpe
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Goumon
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D049673:History, 20th Century; D008322:Mammals; D009020:Morphine / Q000378:metabolism*; D009022:Morphine Derivatives / Q000266:history / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D018847:Opioid Peptides / Q000266:history / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D009022:Morphine Derivatives; D018847:Opioid Peptides; D009020:Morphine; D004298:Dopamine