Anatomical distribution of µ-opioid receptors, neurokinin-1 receptors, and vesicular glutamate transporter 2 in the mouse brainstem respiratory network
Andreea Furdui, Carolina da Silveira Scarpellini, Gaspard Montandon
Abstract
Opioid drugs can cause serious respiratory side-effects by binding to µ-opioid receptors (MORs) in brainstem regions that control breathing. To better understand the regions and their cellular subpopulations that may be vulnerable to modulation by opioids, we provide a comprehensive map of Oprm1 (gene encoding MORs) mRNA expression throughout brainstem regions that control and modulate breathing. Notably, we identify glutamatergic and neurokinin-1 receptor-expressing cells as potentially vulnerable to modulation by opioid drugs and worthy of further investigation using targeted approaches.
Topics & Concepts
BrainstemNeuroscienceReceptorExcitatory amino-acid transporterRespiratory systemOpioidGlutamate receptorTransporterTachykinin receptor 1BiologyChemistryPharmacologyMedicineSubstance PAnatomyInternal medicineNeuropeptideBiochemistryGeneNeuroscience of respiration and sleepNeuropeptides and Animal PhysiologyCancer, Stress, Anesthesia, and Immune Response