Medical Neurobiology Commons^™

Dopamine-D1 And Δ-Opioid Receptors Co-Exist In Rat Striatal Neurons, L. M. Ambrose-Lanci, S. M. Gallagher, E. M. Unterwald, E. J. Van Bockstaele

Department of Neurosurgery Faculty Papers

Cocaine’s enhancement of dopaminergic neurotransmission in the mesolimbic pathway plays a critical role in the initial reinforcing properties of this drug. However, other neurotransmitter systems are also integral to the addiction process. A large body of data indicates that opioids and dopamine together mediate emotional and reinforced behaviors. In support of this, cocaine-mediated increases in activation of dopamine D1 receptors (D1R) results in a desensitization of δ-opioid receptor (DOR) signaling through adenylyl cyclase (AC) in striatal neurons. To further define cellular mechanisms underlying this effect, the subcellular distribution of DOR and D1R was examined in the rat dorsolateral striatum. Dual …