1. Endogenous morphine.
- Author
-
Stefano GB, Goumon Y, Casares F, Cadet P, Fricchione GL, Rialas C, Peter D, Sonetti D, Guarna M, Welters ID, and Bianchi E
- Subjects
- Animals, Humans, Brain Chemistry physiology, Morphine metabolism, Opioid Peptides metabolism, Receptors, Opioid metabolism
- Abstract
It is now well accepted that endogenous morphine is present in animals, both in invertebrates and vertebrates. It is a key signaling molecule that plays an important role in downregulating physiological responses, such as those in the immune system, including immune elements in the CNS. It has been demonstrated that a specific mu-opiate-receptor subtype, mu3, mediates these downregulatory effects through release of NO. This article examines morphine as an endogenous signaling molecule, in terms of its role in neural and immune regulation.
- Published
- 2000
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