Abstract
Beta-arrestins have been suggested to regulate μ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptor-mediated responses. In the present study, we examined the effects of pretreatment with β-arrestin-2 antibody on tail-flick inhibition induced by opioid receptor agonists in the mouse spinal cord. Intrathecal (i.t.) pretreatment with β-arrestin-2 antibody potentiated the antinociception induced by i.t.-administered μ-opioid receptor agonists [ d-Ala 2,NMePhe 4,Gly-ol 5]enkephalin (DAMGO) and endomorphin-1, but not endomorphin-2, the δ-opioid receptor agonist [ d-Ala 2]deltorphin II or the κ-opioid receptor agonist U50,488H. The present result suggests that β-arrestin-2 may tonically down-regulate a selected population of μ-opioid receptors activated by endomorphin-1 or DAMGO in the mouse spinal cord.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
