title: Changes in mu-opioid receptor expression and function in the mesolimbic system after long-term access to a palatable diet.
abstract: The incidence of obesity in both adults and children is rising. In order to develop effective treatments for obesity, it is important to understand how diet can induce changes in the brain that could promote excessive intake of high-calorie foods and alter the efficacy of therapeutic targets. The mu-opioid receptor is involved in regulating the motivation for and hedonic reaction to food. Here, we review the literature examining changes in the expression and function of mu-opioid receptors in the mesolimbic system of rodents after extended access to a high-fat diet. We also review how maternal diet can induce long-term changes in the expression or function of mu-opioid receptors in the mesolimbic system of offspring. Understanding the behavioural and therapeutic implications of these changes requires further study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, 2176 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4 N1, Canada.
authors.forename: Kimberley A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Pitman
authors.affiliation: Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4 N1, Canada. Electronic address: s.borgland@ucalgary.ca.
authors.forename: Stephanie L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Borgland
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D004032:Diet; D059305:Diet, High-Fat; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D009042:Motivation; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000503:physiopathology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D017450:Receptors, Opioid, mu / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D017450:Receptors, Opioid, mu
keywords: High-fat diet; Mu-opioid receptor; Nucleus accumbens; Obesity; Ventral tegmental area