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Chen S, Liu J, Huang S. Effect of repeated intraperitoneal injections of different concentrations of oxycodone on immune function in mice. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1370663. [PMID: 38953110 PMCID: PMC11215192 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1370663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The effect of oxycodone as an opioid receptor agonist on immune function is still controversial. In this study, we investigated the possible effects of oxycodone on immune function in mice and its possible mechanisms of action. Methods By repeated intraperitoneal injections of 25 mg/kg morphine and 5 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 60 mg/kg oxycodone, we assessed possible changes in the number of splenic lymphocytes and inflammatory cytokines in the serum of mice. CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were sorted from the spleen to observe whether the expression levels of opioid receptors and downstream signals were altered. Results Repeated administration of oxycodone at a dose above 20 mg/kg resulted in significant weight loss. Repeated administration of oxycodone exhibits significant dose-dependent reduction in CD4+ T cells, with little effect on CD8+ T cells and little effect on inflammatory cytokine levels. Low- and intermediate-dose oxycodone increased the mRNA expression level of MOR, KOR, and DOR to varying degrees. Moreover, oxycodone increases the mRNA expression levels of the TLR4 signaling pathway to varying degrees. Conclusion Repeated intraperitoneal injection of oxycodone induces immunosuppression in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shaoqiang Huang
- Department of Anesthesia, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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2
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Wang YS, Hung TW, Bae EK, Wu KJ, Hsieh W, Yu SJ. Naltrexone is neuroprotective against traumatic brain injury in mu opioid receptor knockout mice. CNS Neurosci Ther 2021; 27:831-841. [PMID: 34018697 PMCID: PMC8193702 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Naltrexone is a mu opioid receptor (MOR) antagonist used to treat drug dependence in patients. Previous reports indicated that MOR antagonists reduced neurodegeneration and inflammation after brain injury. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of naltrexone in cell culture and a mouse model of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods The neuroprotective effect of naltrexone was examined in primary cortical neurons co‐cultured with BV2 microglia. Controlled cortical impact (CCI) was delivered to the left cerebral cortex of adult male MOR wild‐type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice. Naltrexone was given daily for 4 days, starting from day 2 after lesioning. Locomotor activity was evaluated on day 5 after the CCI. Brain tissues were collected for immunostaining, Western, and qPCR analysis. Results Glutamate reduced MAP2 immunoreactivity (‐ir), while increased IBA1‐ir in neuron/BV2 co‐culture; both responses were antagonized by naltrexone. TBI significantly reduced locomotor activity and increased the expression of IBA1, iNOS, and CD4 in the lesioned cortex. Naltrexone significantly and equally antagonized the motor deficits and expression of IBA1 and iNOS in WT and KO mice. TBI‐mediated CD4 protein production was attenuated by naltrexone in WT mice, but not in KO mice. Conclusion Naltrexone reduced TBI‐mediated neurodegeneration and inflammation in MOR WT and KO mice. The protective effect of naltrexone involves non‐MOR and MOR mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Syuan Wang
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institute, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Wei Hung
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institute, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Eun-Kyung Bae
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institute, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Jen Wu
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institute, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Wei Hsieh
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institute, Zhunan, Taiwan
| | - Seong-Jin Yu
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Research, National Health Research Institute, Zhunan, Taiwan
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3
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Brejchova J, Holan V, Svoboda P. Expression of Opioid Receptors in Cells of the Immune System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E315. [PMID: 33396783 PMCID: PMC7795304 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The observation of the immunomodulatory effects of opioid drugs opened the discussion about possible mechanisms of action and led researchers to consider the presence of opioid receptors (OR) in cells of the immune system. To date, numerous studies analyzing the expression of OR subtypes in animal and human immune cells have been performed. Some of them confirmed the expression of OR at both the mRNA and protein level, while others did not detect the receptor mRNA either. Although this topic remains controversial, further studies are constantly being published. The most recent articles suggested that the expression level of OR in human peripheral blood lymphocytes could help to evaluate the success of methadone maintenance therapy in former opioid addicts, or could serve as a biomarker for chronic pain diagnosis. However, the applicability of these findings to clinical practice needs to be verified by further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Brejchova
- Laboratory of Biomathematics, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Vladimir Holan
- Department of Nanotoxicology and Molecular Epidemiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic;
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 12843 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Svoboda
- Laboratory of Biomathematics, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic;
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4
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Moustafa SR, Al-Rawi KF, Stoyanov D, Al-Dujaili AH, Supasitthumrong T, Al-Hakeim HK, Maes M. The Endogenous Opioid System in Schizophrenia and Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia: Increased Plasma Endomorphin 2, and κ and μ Opioid Receptors Are Associated with Interleukin-6. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E633. [PMID: 32858974 PMCID: PMC7554941 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10090633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND activation of the immune-inflammatory response system (IRS) and the compensatory immune-regulatory system (CIRS) plays a key role in schizophrenia (SCZ) and treatment resistant SCZ. There are only a few data on immune and endogenous opioid system (EOS) interactions in SCZ and treatment resistant SCZ. METHODS we examined serum β-endorphin, endomorphin-2 (EM2), mu-opioid (MOR) and kappa-opioid (KOR) receptors, and interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 in 60 non responders to treatment (NRTT), 55 partial RTT (PRTT) and 43 normal controls. RESULTS serum EM2, KOR, MOR, IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly increased in SCZ as compared with controls. β-endorphin, EM2, MOR and IL-6 were significantly higher in NRTT than in PRTT. There were significant correlations between IL-6, on the one hand, and β-endorphin, EM2, KOR, and MOR, on the other, while IL-10 was significantly correlated with MOR only. A large part of the variance in negative symptoms, psychosis, hostility, excitation, mannerism, psychomotor retardation and formal thought disorders was explained by the combined effects of EM2 and MOR with or without IL-6 while increased KOR was significantly associated with all symptom dimensions. Increased MOR, KOR, EM2 and IL-6 were also associated with neurocognitive impairments including in episodic, semantic and working memory and executive functions. CONCLUSION the EOS contributes to SCZ symptomatology, neurocognitive impairments and a non-response to treatment. In SCZ, EOS peptides/receptors may exert CIRS functions, whereas increased KOR levels may contribute to the pathophysiology of SCZ and EM2 and KOR to a non-response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shatha Rouf Moustafa
- Clinical Analysis Department, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Havalan City, Erbil 44001, Iraq;
| | | | - Drozdstoi Stoyanov
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria;
| | | | | | | | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria;
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand;
- School of Medicine, IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
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5
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Karagiannis TT, Cleary JP, Gok B, Henderson AJ, Martin NG, Yajima M, Nelson EC, Cheng CS. Single cell transcriptomics reveals opioid usage evokes widespread suppression of antiviral gene program. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2611. [PMID: 32457298 PMCID: PMC7250875 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16159-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic opioid usage not only causes addiction behavior through the central nervous system, but also modulates the peripheral immune system. However, how opioid impacts the immune system is still barely characterized systematically. In order to understand the immune modulatory effect of opioids in an unbiased way, here we perform single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from opioid-dependent individuals and controls to show that chronic opioid usage evokes widespread suppression of antiviral gene program in naive monocytes, as well as in multiple immune cell types upon stimulation with the pathogen component lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, scRNA-seq reveals the same phenomenon after a short in vitro morphine treatment. These findings indicate that both acute and chronic opioid exposure may be harmful to our immune system by suppressing the antiviral gene program. Our results suggest that further characterization of the immune modulatory effects of opioid is critical to ensure the safety of clinical opioids. Over 100 million of opioid prescriptions are issued yearly in the USA alone, but the impact of opioid use on the immune system is barely characterized. Here the authors report antiviral immune response is blunted in several types of blood cells from opioid-dependent individuals, and when healthy donor cells are exposed to morphine in a dish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya T Karagiannis
- Program in Bioinformatics, Boston University, 24 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - John P Cleary
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Program in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Boston University, 24 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Busra Gok
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.,Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Boston University, 24 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Andrew J Henderson
- Department of Medicine and Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 650 Albany St, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Nicholas G Martin
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4006, Australia
| | - Masanao Yajima
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University, 111 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Elliot C Nelson
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Christine S Cheng
- Program in Bioinformatics, Boston University, 24 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. .,Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. .,Program in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Boston University, 24 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. .,Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, Boston University, 24 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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6
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Diasso PDK, Birke H, Nielsen SD, Main KM, Højsted J, Sjøgren P, Kurita GP. The effects of long-term opioid treatment on the immune system in chronic non-cancer pain patients: A systematic review. Eur J Pain 2019; 24:481-496. [PMID: 31705699 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Opioids have been increasingly prescribed for chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP). An association between long-term opioid treatment (L-TOT) of CNCP patients and suppression of both the innate and the adaptive immune system has been proposed. This systematic review aims at investigating the effects of L-TOT on the immune system in CNCP patients. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the CINAHL for relevant articles was performed. Studies examining measures of both the innate and the adaptive immune system in adult CNCP patients in L-TOT (≥4 weeks of intake) were included. Outcomes and the level of evidence were analysed. RESULTS A total of 382 studies were identified; however, 376 were excluded (352 inappropriate methodology, 21 duplicates, three full-text could not be obtained) and one randomized controlled trial (RCT) and five cross-sectional studies were included and analysed. L-TOT compared with no treatment was associated with a lower percentage of natural killer (NK) cells, a lower absolute number of CD56bright NK cells, a higher absolute number of IL-2-activated NK cells and a higher concentration of IL-1β as a response to toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists stimulation (Pam3CSK4, LPS, Imiquimod). No other significant differences were reported. Generalizability of the results was limited due to inconsistency of outcomes and an overall low quality of the studies. CONCLUSIONS L-TOT may alter the immune system in CNCP patients, but the level of evidence is still weak. More studies are needed to clarify the impact of L-TOT on immune system function. SIGNIFICANCE This systematic review found indication that long-term opioid treatment alters the immune system in chronic non-cancer pain patients. These alterations involved the NK cells and IL-1β production. However, the level of evidence is weak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernille D K Diasso
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Birke
- Department of Clinical Research and Prevention, Frederiksberg Hospital, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Susanne D Nielsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katharina M Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jette Højsted
- Multidisciplinary Pain Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Sjøgren
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Geana P Kurita
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Multidisciplinary Pain Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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7
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Up-regulation of μ-, δ- and κ-opioid receptors in concanavalin A-stimulated rat spleen lymphocytes. J Neuroimmunol 2018; 321:12-23. [PMID: 29957382 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of μ-, δ- and κ-opioid receptor protein level in spleen lymphocytes when stimulated by mitogen is not known. To answer the question whether these cells do express opioid receptor (OR) proteins, primary, fresh rat spleen lymphocytes were prepared and stimulated for 48 h with mitogenic dose of Con A. The unstimulated lymphocytes did not express μ- and δ-OR proteins in detectable amounts, however, stimulation with Con A resulted in appearance of clearly detectable immunoblot signals of both μ-OR and δ-OR. κ-OR were detected already in primary cells and increased 2.4-fold in Con A-stimulated cells. These results were supported by data obtained by flow cytometry analysis indicating a dramatic increase in number of μ-, δ- and κ-OR expressing cells after mitogen stimulation. The newly synthesized μ-, δ- and κ-OR in Con A-stimulated spleen lymphocytes were present in the cells interior and not functionally mature, at least in terms of their ability to enhance activity of trimeric G proteins determined by three different protocols of agonist-stimulated, high-affinity [35S]GTPγS binding assay. The up-regulation of μ-, δ- and κ-OR was associated with specific decrease of their cognate trimeric G proteins, Gi1α/Gi2α; the other Gα and Gβ subunits were unchanged. The level of β-arrestin-1/2 was also decreased in Con A-stimulated splenocytes. We conclude that up-regulation of OR expression level in spleen lymphocytes by Con A proceeds in conjunction with down-regulation of their intracellular signaling partners, Gi1α/Gi2α proteins and β-arrestin-1/2. These regulatory proteins are expressed in high amounts already in unstimulated cells and decreased by mitogen stimulation.
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8
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Al-Hashimi M, McDonald J, Thompson JP, Lambert DG. Evidence for nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOP) but not µ (MOP), δ (DOP) or κ (KOP) opioid receptor mRNA in whole human blood. Br J Anaesth 2016; 116:423-9. [PMID: 26865135 DOI: 10.1093/bja/aev540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While it is well known that opioids depress the immune system, the site(s) of action for this depression is highly controversial. Immune modulation could occur directly at the immune cell or centrally via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In a number of studies using individual enriched immune cell populations we have failed to detect classical µ (MOP), δ (DOP) and κ (KOP) receptors. The non-classical nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) receptor (NOP) is expressed on all cells examined thus far. Our hypothesis was that immune cells do not express classical opioid receptors and that using whole blood would definitively answer this question. METHODS Whole blood (containing all immune cell types) was incubated with opioids (morphine and fentanyl) commonly encountered in anaesthesia and with agents mimicking sepsis [lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and peptidoglycan G (PepG)]. Opioid receptor mRNA expression was assessed by endpoint polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with gel visualisation and quantitative PCR. RESULTS Classical MOP, DOP, and KOP receptors were not detected in any of the samples tested either at rest or when challenged with opioids, LPS or PepG. Commercial primers for DOP did not perform well in quantitative PCR, so the absence of expression was confirmed using a traditional gel-based approach. NOP receptors were detected in all samples; expression was unaffected by opioids and reduced by LPS/PepG combinations. CONCLUSIONS Classical opioid receptors are not expressed on circulating immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Al-Hashimi
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - J McDonald
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - J P Thompson
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - D G Lambert
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
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9
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Al-Hashimi M, Scott SWM, Thompson JP, Lambert DG. Opioids and immune modulation: more questions than answers. Br J Anaesth 2013; 111:80-8. [PMID: 23794649 DOI: 10.1093/bja/aet153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid addicts are more likely to present with infections suggesting opioids are immune modulators. The potential sites/mechanism(s) for this modulation are controversial and on close inspection not well supported by the current literature. It has long been assumed that opioid-induced immune modulation occurs via a combination of direct actions on the immune cell itself, via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, or both. Opioid receptors are classified as MOP (μ, mu), DOP (δ, delta), and KOP (κ, kappa)--classical naloxone sensitive receptors--or NOP (the receptor for nociceptin/orphanin FQ), which is naloxone insensitive. Opioids currently used in clinical practice predominantly target the MOP receptor. There do not appear to be classical opioid receptors present on immune cells. The evidence for HPA activation is also poor and shows some species dependence. Most opioids used clinically or as drugs of abuse do not target the NOP receptor. Other possible target sites for immune modulation include the sympathetic nervous system and central sites. We are currently unable to accurately define the cellular target for immune modulation and suggest further investigation is required. Based on the differences observed when comparing studies in laboratory animals and those performed in humans we suggest that further studies in the clinical setting are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Al-Hashimi
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK
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10
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Campana G, Sarti D, Spampinato S, Raffaeli W. Long-term intrathecal morphine and bupivacaine upregulate MOR gene expression in lymphocytes. Int Immunopharmacol 2010; 10:1149-52. [PMID: 20609402 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2010.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2009] [Revised: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 06/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have shown that opioids may suppress the immune system either by binding to mu-opioid receptors (MOR) expressed in immune cells or by activating these receptors within the central nervous system. OBJECTIVE To assess the level of lymphocyte expression of MOR mRNA in patients with chronic non-cancer pain, who were treated with intrathecal morphine or with morphine plus bupivacaine via an intrathecal drug delivery system, and to investigate whether intrathecal morphine and the associated local anesthetic administration influences lymphocyte subpopulations. METHODS In total, 29 people [10 controls (age range 59-85 years) and 19 patients (age range 47-89 years) with various chronic non-malignant pain conditions] were enrolled in the study. MOR mRNA levels were evaluated in peripheral lymphocytes, and lymphocyte subsets were determined by direct immunofluorescence using flow cytometry. RESULTS After 12 months of treatment with intrathecal morphine (1.5-4 mg/day), there was an increase in MOR mRNA levels in lymphocytes of 65% compared with controls and 47% with pretreatment values. Even higher levels (increase of 142% compared with controls and 135% with pretreatment values) were observed in the patients treated with morphine plus bupivacaine (0.2-0.4 mg/day). Elevation of MOR mRNA levels was confirmed in patients after 24 months of treatment. At this time point, the percentage of natural killer cells was significantly decreased. CONCLUSION This preliminary study suggests that opioids must be used with care in patients who are already immunosuppressed by disease or by other, concurrently administered drugs.
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Jessop DS, Fassold A, Wolff C, Hofbauer R, Chover-Gonzalez A, Richards LJ, Straub RH. Endomorphins in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and experimental arthritis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1193:117-22. [PMID: 20398016 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05294.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The opioid tetrapeptides endomorphins (EM)-1 and EM-2 are widely expressed in central nervous system and immune tissues of rats and humans. Their analgesic properties are well characterized but they also have anti-inflammatory properties. EM-1 significantly attenuated the onset of hindpaw inflammation in adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated the presence of EMs in T cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts in synovial tissues from patients with osteo- or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In an ex vivo superfusion system, EM-1 potently inhibited the release of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 from synovial tissues from patients with osteo- or RA. These results demonstrate that EMs are endogenously synthesized within human immune cells and have the potential to act as potent therapeutic agents in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disease. We discuss the clinical potential for EM analogues chemically modified to resist proteolytic degradation and identify modified protease-resistant analogues with enhanced bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Jessop
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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12
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Endogenous morphine levels are increased in sepsis: a partial implication of neutrophils. PLoS One 2010; 5:e8791. [PMID: 20098709 PMCID: PMC2808358 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2009] [Accepted: 12/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mammalian cells synthesize morphine and the respective biosynthetic pathway has been elucidated. Human neutrophils release this alkaloid into the media after exposure to morphine precursors. However, the exact role of endogenous morphine in inflammatory processes remains unclear. We postulate that morphine is released during infection and can be determined in the serum of patients with severe infection such as sepsis. Methodology The presence and subcellular immunolocalization of endogenous morphine was investigated by ELISA, mass spectrometry analysis and laser confocal microscopy. Neutrophils were activated with Interleukin-8 (IL-8) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Morphine secretion was determined by a morphine-specific ELISA. μ opioid receptor expression was assessed with flow cytometry. Serum morphine concentrations of septic patients were determined with a morphine-specific ELISA and morphine identity was confirmed in human neutrophils and serum of septic patients by mass spectrometry analysis. The effects of the concentration of morphine found in serum of septic patients on LPS-induced release of IL-8 by human neutrophils were tested. Principal Findings We confirmed the presence of morphine in human neutrophil extracts and showed its colocalisation with lactoferrin within the secondary granules of neutrophils. Morphine secretion was quantified in the supernatant of activated human polymorphonuclear neutrophils in the presence and absence of Ca2+. LPS and IL-8 were able to induce a significant release of morphine only in presence of Ca2+. LPS treatment increased μ opioid receptor expression on neutrophils. Low concentration of morphine (8 nM) significantly inhibited the release of IL-8 from neutrophils when coincubated with LPS. This effect was reversed by naloxone. Patients with sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock had significant higher circulating morphine levels compared to patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and healthy controls. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that endogenous morphine from serum of patient with sepsis was identical to poppy-derived morphine. Conclusions Our results indicate that morphine concentrations are increased significantly in the serum of patients with systemic infection and that morphine is, at least in part, secreted from neutrophils during sepsis. Morphine concentrations equivalent to those found in the serum of septic patients significantly inhibited LPS-induced IL-8 secretion in neutrophils.
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Vousooghi N, Goodarzi A, Roushanzamir F, Sedaghati T, Zarrindast MR, Noori-Daloii MR. Expression of mu opioid receptor splice variants mRNA in human blood lymphocytes: A peripheral marker for opioid addiction studies. Int Immunopharmacol 2009; 9:1016-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2009.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2008] [Revised: 02/25/2009] [Accepted: 02/26/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Effects of chronic morphine and morphine withdrawal on gene expression in rat peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Neuropharmacology 2008; 55:1347-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2008.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2008] [Revised: 08/04/2008] [Accepted: 08/19/2008] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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15
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Li H, Liu H, Wang Z, Liu X, Guo L, Huang L, Gao L, McNutt MA, Li G. The role of transcription factors Sp1 and YY1 in proximal promoter region in initiation of transcription of the mu opioid receptor gene in human lymphocytes. J Cell Biochem 2008; 104:237-50. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.21616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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16
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Williams JP, Thompson JP, McDonald J, Barnes TA, Cote T, Rowbotham DJ, Lambert DG. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells express nociceptin/orphanin FQ, but not mu, delta, or kappa opioid receptors. Anesth Analg 2007; 105:998-1005, table of contents. [PMID: 17898379 DOI: 10.1213/01.ane.0000278865.11991.9d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expression of opioid receptors on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) is controversial. These receptors are currently classified as classical (MOP/mu/mu, DOP/delta/delta and KOP/kappa/kappa) and nonclassical NOP (nociceptin/orphanin FQ; N/OFQ). METHODS In this volunteer study we probed for the expression of both classical and nonclassical opioid receptors using 1) radioligand binding, 2) specific antibody binding, and 3) polymerase chain reaction-based experimental paradigms. RESULTS Membranes prepared from PBMC from healthy volunteers did not bind either [3H]diprenorphine (a nonselective radioligand for classical opioid receptors) or [3H]N/OFQ. There was significant concentration-dependent binding of each radioligand to control tissues expressing recombinant MOP and NOP. In addition, using fluorescence-activated cell sorting paradigms, there was no binding of fluorescent naloxone or either of two MOP antibodies to whole PBMC, though fluorescent naloxone did bind to recombinant MOP (as a positive control). Using primers specific for classical and nonclassical opioid receptors, and RNA extracted from the PBMC of 10 healthy volunteers, we were also unable to detect MOP, DOP, and KOP transcripts. In contrast, NOP was detected in all samples. CONCLUSIONS Despite using several complementary experimental strategies, we failed to demonstrate protein for classical or nonclassical opioid receptors on PBMC from healthy volunteers. We detected NOP mRNA, suggesting low-density NOP expression on these immunocytes. It is possible that N/OFQ, produced by the PBMC itself, may be involved in the control of immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Williams
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Pharmacology and Therapeutics Group, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom
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17
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Hwang CK, Song KY, Kim CS, Choi HS, Guo XH, Law PY, Wei LN, Loh HH. Evidence of endogenous mu opioid receptor regulation by epigenetic control of the promoters. Mol Cell Biol 2007; 27:4720-36. [PMID: 17452465 PMCID: PMC1951474 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00073-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological effect of morphine as a painkiller is mediated mainly via the mu opioid receptor (MOR) and is dependent on the number of MORs in the cell surface membrane. While several studies have reported that the MOR gene is regulated by various cis- and trans-acting factors, many questions remain unanswered regarding in vivo regulation. The present study shows that epigenetic silencing and activation of the MOR gene are achieved through coordinated regulation at both the histone and DNA levels. In P19 mouse embryonal carcinoma cells, expression of the MOR was greatly increased after neuronal differentiation. MOR expression could also be induced by a demethylating agent (5'-aza-2'-deoxycytidine) or histone deacetylase inhibitors in the P19 cells, suggesting involvement of DNA methylation and histone deacetylation for MOR gene silencing. Analysis of CpG DNA methylation revealed that the proximal promoter region was unmethylated in differentiated cells compared to its hypermethylation in undifferentiated cells. In contrast, the methylation of other regions was not changed in either cell type. Similar methylation patterns were observed in the mouse brain. In vitro methylation of the MOR promoters suppressed promoter activity in the reporter assay. Upon differentiation, the in vivo interaction of MeCP2 was reduced in the MOR promoter region, coincident with histone modifications that are relevant to active transcription. When MeCP2 was disrupted using MeCP2 small interfering RNA, the endogenous MOR gene was increased. These data suggest that DNA methylation is closely linked to the MeCP2-mediated chromatin structure of the MOR gene. Here, we propose that an epigenetic mechanism consisting of DNA methylation and chromatin modification underlies the cell stage-specific mechanism of MOR gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheol Kyu Hwang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, 6-120 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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18
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Wang X, Douglas SD, Peng JS, Zhou DJ, Wan Q, Ho WZ. An in vitro model of morphine withdrawal manifests the enhancing effect on human immunodeficiency virus infection of human T lymphocytes through the induction of substance P. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2006; 169:1663-70. [PMID: 17071590 PMCID: PMC1780221 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2006.060358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Opioid withdrawal is a crucial and recurring event during the course of opioid abuse that has a negative impact on the immune system. In this study, we investigated whether abrupt withdrawal (AW) or precipitated withdrawal (PW) potentiates human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection of human T lymphocytes. AW and PW enhanced HIV infection of peripheral blood lymphocytes and T-cell lines (Jurkat and CEMX174). In addition, both AW and PW induced HIV replication in a latently HIV-infected human T-cell line (J1.1). The enhancing effect of AW and PW was associated with the induction of neuropeptide substance P in both peripheral blood lymphocytes and the T-cell lines. The substance P receptor antagonist, CP-96,345, not only blocked AW- or PW-induced endogenous substance P expression but also abrogated AW- or PW-induced HIV replication in T cells. These findings provide a cellular mechanism that supports the notion that opioids have a co-factor role in promoting HIV infection of the immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Joseph Stokes Jr. Research Institute at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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19
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Doyle GA, Sheng XR, Schwebel CL, Ferraro TN, Berrettini WH, Buono RJ. Identification and functional significance of polymorphisms in the μ-opioid receptor gene (Oprm) promoter of C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice. Neurosci Res 2006; 55:244-54. [PMID: 16644048 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2006.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2005] [Revised: 03/03/2006] [Accepted: 03/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice demonstrate differences in morphine preference when tested in a two-bottle choice paradigm. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping suggested the proximal region of chromosome 10 was responsible for 41% of the observed genetic variance. The mu-opioid receptor (MOR) gene (Oprm) maps to this region and is a prime candidate for explaining the QTL. We hypothesized that variations in Oprm between these strains are responsible for differences in morphine preference. We identify five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Oprm promoter; three within or near putative transcription factor binding sites. Promoter fragments were amplified from genomic DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subcloned into luciferase reporter vectors. A significant difference in basal Oprm promoter activity was seen with C57BL/6 and DBA/2 approximately 1675 constructs in MOR-positive BE(2)-C cells, but not in MOR-negative Neuro-2a cells. In BE(2)-C cells, average DBA/2 approximately 1675 construct activity was 1.3-2.0x greater than average C57BL/6 activity suggesting that the SNPs might alter MOR expression in these two mouse strains. Significant differences in promoter activities between the two cell lines suggest that cell-type-specific transcription factors are involved. No significant differences in construct activity were found between untreated and morphine-treated BE(2)-C or Neuro-2a cells, suggesting that morphine does not regulate transcription of Oprm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn A Doyle
- The Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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20
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Mombeini T, Roushanzamir F, Jorjani M, Pourpak Z, Gaskari SA, Mehr SE, Dehpour AR. Alteration in specific opioid-receptor labeling on peripheral blood leukocytes of bile duct-ligated rat. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2006; 13:111-7. [PMID: 16542827 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2006.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2006] [Accepted: 02/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholestasis is associated with increased tonus and activity of opioidergic system. Opioid peptides have also immunomodulatory effects through stimulation of specific opioid receptors on the immune cells, or in an indirect fashion via the central nervous system. The combination of immunofluorescent technique and flow cytometry has proven to be sensitive method for the detection of leukocyte opioid receptors. This study was designed to examine the effect of cholestasis on the opioid-receptor labeling on the leukocytes from bile duct-ligated rats. Seven days after surgery, leukocytes were isolated from the peripheral blood of bile duct-ligated or sham-operated rats. The cells were incubated with naltrexone-fluorescein, in the absence or presence of unlabeled naltrexone, as a competitor and analysed by flow cytometry. Monocytes and granulocytes from bile duct-ligated rats showed an increase in the percentage of opioid-receptor labeling (29.6+/-2.08 for cholestatic versus 23+/-1.9 for sham, p<0.001; 50.6+/-3.18 for cholestatic versus 39.6+/-1.7 for sham, p<0.05; respectively). Furthermore, there was a decrease in the expression of opioid receptors on leukocytes due to cholestasis. In conclusion, changes in specific opioid-receptor labeling and percent of labeled leukocytes indicate that endogenous opioid-receptor interaction may be altered in peripheral blood leukocytes in acute cholestasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tajemah Mombeini
- Department of Pharmacology, Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahed University, P.O. Box 14155-7435, Tehran, Iran
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21
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Stalder M, Bîrsan T, Hausen B, Borie DC, Morris RE. Immunosuppressive effects of surgery assessed by flow cytometry in nonhuman primates after nephrectomy. Transpl Int 2005; 18:1158-65. [PMID: 16162103 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-2277.2005.00119.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite previous studies suggesting that surgery cause immune suppression, the underlying biologic mechanisms have not been studied using advanced immune function assays. Unilateral nephrectomy was performed in nonhuman primates. Blood was collected before surgery and at different time-points through 14 days after surgery. Lymphocyte proliferation (expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in cells in S/G(2)M-phase), production of intracellular cytokines [interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha] and expression of surface-activation antigens (CD25, CD71) on T-lymphocytes were assessed in whole blood using flow cytometry. Results were compared with nonoperated control animals. The procedure caused a decrease of 25% in absolute lymphocyte count on postoperative day 3. Inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation was maximal on postoperative day 1 (55% normalized to preoperative values) and was detectable until postoperative day 7, when it was 25%. Expression of T-cell activation antigens was decreased during the first postoperative week with a maximum on postoperative day 1 for CD71 (29%) and on postoperative day 3 for CD25 (49%). Intracellular production of cytokines by T cells was decreased only on postoperative day 1 (50% for IL-2, 29% for IFN-gamma and 22% for TNF-alpha). Immune functions returned to presurgery values by day 14. A major surgical procedure severely inhibits lymphocyte proliferation and various T-cell functions up to 1 week postoperatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Stalder
- Transplantation Immunology, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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22
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Shen H, Aeschlimann A, Reisch N, Gay RE, Simmen BR, Michel BA, Gay S, Sprott H. Kappa and delta opioid receptors are expressed but down-regulated in fibroblast-like synoviocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 52:1402-10. [PMID: 15880345 DOI: 10.1002/art.21141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression and regulation of the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) and the delta-opioid receptor (DOR) in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to explore the potential antiarthritic mechanisms of peripheral KORs. METHODS FLS isolated from synovial tissues of 6 OA patients, 8 RA patients, and 2 healthy individuals were exposed to the selective KOR agonist U69593, the selective DOR agonist SNC 80, and kappa-opioid dynorphin A in the presence or absence of the KOR antagonist nor-binaltorphimine, the DOR antagonist naltrindole, and the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). The expression of KOR and DOR in OA and RA FLS was evaluated on the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels with TaqMan real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. KOR/DOR-mediated activation of ERK-1 and ERK-2 was investigated by Western blotting. RESULTS We detected functional KOR and DOR in normal FLS and observed a reduction of both receptors in OA and RA FLS, which was more distinct in RA FLS. U69593 enhanced KOR mRNA expression in both OA and RA FLS in a KOR antagonist-reversible manner. However, the dose required for maximal enhancement in RA FLS was 10 times higher than that required in OA FLS. TNFalpha and IL-1beta both suppressed the expression of DOR and KOR mRNA in both OA and RA FLS. CONCLUSION DOR and KOR are constitutively present in normal FLS and are suppressed under inflammatory conditions, such as RA and OA. Most interestingly, the KOR agonist U69593 may exert an antiarthritic effect via up-regulation of KOR in OA and RA FLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Shen
- University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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23
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Wei E, Li P, Liu X, Qian C, Li H, Xia W, Li G. The potential promoter regions on the 5′ flank sequence of the mu opioid receptor gene in lymphocytes. J Cell Biochem 2005; 95:1204-13. [PMID: 15988758 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.20529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The human mu opioid receptor is known to mediate a variety of physiological and pharmacological effects of morphine in many tissues. However, the molecular processes that regulate the expression of the mu opioid receptor gene in immune cells are not well understood. To study regulatory elements that affect the expression of the mu opioid receptor gene in human lymphocytes (LMOR), a 2,278 bp fragment of the 5' regulatory region of the mu opioid receptor gene was cloned and sequenced from CEM x174 cells. The transcriptional initiation site was mapped through a primer extension assay. A series of 5'-deleted plasmids were constructed and transiently transfected into cultured CEM x174 cells. The data indicated that morphine up-regulated the mRNA level of LMOR in a dose-dependent manner, which could be blocked by the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. Only one transcription initiation site (TIS) about 110 bp upstream of the translation start codon was identified. The regions from -372 to -253 and -2279 to -1371 located in the 5' regulatory sequence of the mu opioid receptor gene contained enhancer elements, while the regions from -1371 to -968 and -650 to -370 possessed repressor elements. Those promoter elements were involved in the transcriptional regulation of the mu opioid receptor gene. Collectively, this data strongly indicates that the expression of the mu opioid receptor gene in lymphocytes is subject to the regulation of cis-elements upstream from the TIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erman Wei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100083, China
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24
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Hwang CK, Kim CS, Choi HS, McKercher SR, Loh HH. Transcriptional Regulation of Mouse μ Opioid Receptor Gene by PU.1. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:19764-74. [PMID: 14998994 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m400755200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that the 34-bp cis-acting element of the mouse micro opioid receptor (MOR) gene represses transcription of the MOR gene from the distal promoter. Using a yeast one-hybrid screen to identify potential transcription factors of the MOR promoter, we have identified PU.1 as one of the candidate genes. PU.1 is a member of the ets family of transcription factors, expressed predominantly in hematopoietic cells and microglia of brain. PU.1 plays an essential role in the development of both lymphoid and myeloid lineages. Opioids exert neuromodulatory as well as immunomodulatory effects, which are transduced by MOR. Moreover, MOR-deficient mice exhibit increased proliferation of hematopoietic cells, suggesting a possible link between the opioid system and hematopoietic development. The PU.1 protein binds to the 34-bp element of the MOR gene in a sequence-specific manner confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and supershift assays. We have also determined endogenous PU.1 interactions with the 34-bp element of MOR promoter by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. In co-transfection studies PU.1 represses MOR promoter reporter constructs through its PU.1 binding site. When the PU.1 gene is disrupted as in PU.1 knock-out mice and using small interfering RNA-based strategy in RAW264.7 cells, the transcription of the endogenous target MOR gene is increased significantly. This increase is probably mediated through modification of the chromatin structure, as suggested by the reversal of the PU.1-mediated repression of MOR promoter activity after trichostatin A treatment in neuroblastoma NMB cells. Our results suggest that PU.1 may be an important regulator of the MOR gene, particularly in brain and immune cells.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Motifs
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Binding Sites
- Brain/metabolism
- Cell Division
- Cell Line
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chromatin/metabolism
- DNA, Complementary/metabolism
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Genes, Reporter
- Histone Deacetylases/metabolism
- Hydroxamic Acids/pharmacology
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Plasmids/metabolism
- Precipitin Tests
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Protein Binding
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/physiology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- Rats
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/genetics
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Trans-Activators/metabolism
- Trans-Activators/physiology
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transcription, Genetic
- Transfection
- Two-Hybrid System Techniques
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheol Kyu Hwang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, 6-120 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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25
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Elvenes J, Andjelkov N, Figenschau Y, Seternes T, Bjørkøy G, Johansen O. Expression of functional mu-opioid receptors in human osteoarthritic cartilage and chondrocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 311:202-7. [PMID: 14575714 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2003.09.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence of effects of morphine on cell proliferation and intraarticular morphine produces analgesia and has an anti-inflammatory effect in chronic arthritis. The effects of opioids are mediated through the G-protein-coupled receptors affecting the cAMP pathway. We demonstrated that human osteoarthritic cartilage and cultured chondrocytes possess the mu-opioid receptor. The presence of the receptor was shown by immunodetection, polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting. Stimulation of chondrocytes with beta-endorphin resulted in decreased phosphorylation of the transcription factor cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB). The effect was reversed by naltrexone. The obtained results indicate that in human articular chondrocytes opioids affect, via the mu-opioid receptor, the transcription factor CREB which in turn can cause subsequent changes in gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Elvenes
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital of Northern-Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway.
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26
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Riley J, Ross JR, Rutter D, Shah S, Gwilliam B, Wells AU, Welsh K. A retrospective study of the association between haematological and biochemical parameters and morphine intolerance in patients with cancer pain. Palliat Med 2004; 18:19-24. [PMID: 14982203 DOI: 10.1191/0269216304pm856oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morphine is the strong opioid of choice for the treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain according to guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). However, a minority of patients do not receive the desired analgesic effect or suffer intolerable side effects from morphine, and are switched to alternative opioids. METHODS The aim of this retrospective study was to identify factors that might be associated with morphine intolerance. Data were analysed from 100 controls who tolerated morphine and 77 patients who were switched to an alternative opioid. We investigated whether currently logged data could fully explain the need to switch. Demographic details, cancer type (histological diagnosis) and markers related to organ function were included in an analysis of biochemical and haematological parameters. RESULTS Patients over 78 years (P = 0.03), or with a high white cell (P = 0.002) or high platelet count (P = 0.003), were more likely to switch. Although our numbers were small, patients with severe organ impairment were more likely to switch. However, a model including white cell count, platelet count, age, serum albumin and alkaline phosphatase, accurately separated switchers and controls in only 68% of cases. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the numbers of patients having cytotoxic drugs in the two weeks prior to the haematological and biochemical analysis. Similarly, there were no significant differences in histological diagnoses between groups. CONCLUSIONS The white cell count was the strongest single effect observed and, as such, warrants further investigation. Further studies are needed in order to accurately define a model that will predict those patients likely to be intolerant of morphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Riley
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK.
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27
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Macé G, Jaume M, Blanpied C, Stephan L, Coudert JD, Druet P, Dietrich G. Anti-mu-opioid-receptor IgG antibodies are commonly present in serum from healthy blood donors: evidence for a role in apoptotic immune cell death. Blood 2002; 100:3261-8. [PMID: 12384426 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2002-01-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously observed the presence of anti-human mu-opioid-receptor (anti-hMOR) autoantibodies in IgG pools prepared from several thousand healthy blood donors. These autoantibodies behaved agonistically because of their ability to bind to the first and third extracellular loops of the receptor. In this study, we found that each healthy donor's serum contained anti-hMOR IgG autoantibodies with a specific activity against both the first and the third extracellular loops of the receptor. Because of the inability of IgG to cross the blood-brain barrier, we investigated the effects of the expression of anti-hMOR autoantibodies on immune cells. In analogy to studies of the effects of morphine, we investigated the ability of antibodies to sensitize splenocytes to Fas (CD95)-mediated apoptosis. We took advantage of the high sequence homology between murine MOR and hMOR extracellular loops to estimate the effect on murine splenocytes of anti-hMOR antibodies raised by immunizing mice. Splenocytes from mice injected with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing MOR were sensitized to Fas-mediated apoptosis, whereas those from mice injected with CHO cells or phosphate-buffered saline were not. Similar sensitization to Fas-mediated apoptosis was observed in splenocytes from mice undergoing passive transfer either with IgG from mice previously immunized against CHO cells expressing MOR or with IgG directed against the first and third extracellular loops of the receptor. Together, our data show that anti-MOR autoantibodies are commonly expressed in healthy humans and could participate in the control of lymphocyte homeostasis by promoting Fas-mediated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëtane Macé
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U563, Department of Oncogenesis and Signaling in Haematopoietic Cells, Institut Claude de Préval, IFR 30, Hôpital Purpan, Faculté de Médecine Purpan, 31059 Toulouse, France
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28
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Suzuki S, Carlos MP, Chuang LF, Torres JV, Doi RH, Chuang RY. Methadone induces CCR5 and promotes AIDS virus infection. FEBS Lett 2002; 519:173-7. [PMID: 12023039 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(02)02746-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Methadone, a regimen for the treatment of opioid dependency, was found to induce the expression of CCR5, a co-receptor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/simian form of HIV (SIV) entry, on human CEM x174 lymphocytes. Both CCR5 mRNA and protein were elevated in methadone-treated cells. A concomitant increase of mu opioid receptors was also observed. Upon methadone exposure, SIVmac239-infected CEM x174 cells released greater amounts of virus particles as revealed by both the number of syncytia formation and reverse transcriptase activities. Similar methadone effect was not observed on CEM x174 cells infected with other simian retroviruses that do not depend on CCR5 for cellular entry. These studies raise concerns considering methadone as an innocuous morphine substitute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunji Suzuki
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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29
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Wang J, Charboneau R, Balasubramanian S, Barke RA, Loh HH, Roy S. The immunosuppressive effects of chronic morphine treatment are partially dependent on corticosterone and mediated by the μ‐opioid receptor. J Leukoc Biol 2002. [DOI: 10.1189/jlb.71.5.782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; and
| | - Richard Charboneau
- Department of Surgery, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and North Memorial Medical Center, Robbinsdale, Minnesota
| | | | - Roderick A. Barke
- Department of Surgery, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and North Memorial Medical Center, Robbinsdale, Minnesota
| | - Horace H. Loh
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; and
| | - Sabita Roy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; and
- Department of Surgery, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and North Memorial Medical Center, Robbinsdale, Minnesota
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30
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Zeiger AR, Patkar AA, Fitzgerald R, Lundy A, Ballas SK, Weinstein SP. Changes in mu opioid receptors and rheological properties of erythrocytes among opioid abusers. Addict Biol 2002; 7:207-17. [PMID: 12006216 DOI: 10.1080/135562102200120433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Opioids, reported originally to bind to specific receptors in the brain, now also appear to bind to receptors on blood cells. The high prevalence of anemia among chronic opioid users leads us to propose that chronic opiate use results in elevated mu opioid receptor levels on human erythrocytes and that these receptor changes may affect erythrocyte membrane properties. Blood samples from 17 opioid-dependent subjects (based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition or DSM-IV) and 15 drug-free controls were assayed for mu opioid receptors on erythrocytes using a flow cytometry immunoassay. Deformability and the hydration status of erythrocytes were studied by ektacytometry. Data were analyzed by independent t-tests, tests of correlation, chi square and cluster analyses. As expected, the percentage of erythrocytes from opioid-dependent subjects with opioid receptors (opioid receptor levels) was significantly higher (47.4 +/- 38.3%) than controls (22.8 +/- 30.1%) (t = 2.01, df = 30, p < 0.05). Also, the opioid-dependent patients showed a wide variation in the percentage of erythrocytes bearing opioid receptors and data analyses of these patients showed two strongly defined clusters. One subgroup consisted of nine individuals with very high receptor levels (mean = 81.5%) while the other had eight patients with low receptor levels (mean = 9.1%) that were not significantly different than the receptor levels of controls. Ektacytometry of opioid dependent patients with high opioid receptor levels showed changes in rheological parameters of erythrocytes, such as deformability index and cellular hydration. For example, a positive correlation was observed between opioid receptor levels and deformability indices among opioid-dependent patients (r = 0.74, p < 0.005). Our findings indicate that the mu opioid receptor is present on human erythrocytes, although with considerable variation in receptor levels, and that the levels of this receptor are significantly elevated with chronic opioid exposure. Moreover, erythrocytes with high opioid receptor levels from chronic opiate users seem to have high deformability. This study may offer clues to the biological properties of peripheral blood cells that may be mediated by mu opioid receptors and lead to a better understanding of some of the clinical effects of opioid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen R Zeiger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Wang J, Charboneau R, Balasubramanian S, Barke RA, Loh HH, Roy S. Morphine modulates lymph node‐derived T lymphocyte function: role of caspase‐3, ‐8, and nitric oxide. J Leukoc Biol 2001. [DOI: 10.1189/jlb.70.4.527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jinghua Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; and
| | - Richard Charboneau
- Department of Surgery, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and North Memorial Medical Center, Robbinsdale, Minnesota
| | | | - Roderick A. Barke
- Department of Surgery, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and North Memorial Medical Center, Robbinsdale, Minnesota
| | - Horace H. Loh
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; and
| | - Sabita Roy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; and
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