Identification of delta- and mu-type opioid receptors on human and murine dendritic cells

J Neuroimmunol. 2001 Jul 2;117(1-2):68-77. doi: 10.1016/s0165-5728(01)00313-7.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate mu- and delta-opioid receptors (OR) on human and murine dendritic cells (DC). Expression of mu- and delta-OR mRNA on DC was demonstrated by RT-PCR. The immunocytochemical and Western blot analyses revealed the expression of OR protein in DC. Radioreceptor assay demonstrated the specific saturated temperature-dependent binding of [3H]-labeled opioid ligand on DC and B(max)=2.8+/-0.3 fmol/10(6) cells and K(D)=4.8+/-1.0 nM were calculated by a Scatchard analysis. Finally, OR ligands DADLE and DAGO dose-dependently modulated the capacity of DC to induce T cell proliferation in an MLR assay. Importantly, expression of functional OR on DC was significantly increased upon TNF-alpha-induced DC maturation. Thus, these data suggest a new mechanism of opioid-dependent neuroendocrine immunomodulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dendritic Cells / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Receptors, Opioid, delta / analysis*
  • Receptors, Opioid, delta / genetics
  • Receptors, Opioid, delta / physiology
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / analysis*
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / genetics
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / physiology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / pharmacology

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Opioid, delta
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha