Role of mu and delta opioid receptors in alcohol drinking behaviour.

摘要: The dopaminergic mesolimbic system plays a key role in the mechanisms of reinforcement elicited by alcohol (ethanol) and other drugs abuse. Numerous lines evidence indicate that ethanol involve, at least partially, ethanol-induced activation endogenous opioid system. Ethanol may alter opioidergic transmission different levels, including biosynthesis, release, degradation peptides, as well binding ligands to receptors. Several studies suggest mu delta receptors play major dependence. These implicate enkephalins beta-endorphin physiological mediators ethanol's actions brain. In this review we describe pharmacological characteristics their distribution brain, functions ligands. Thereafter, present supporting participation high drinking behaviour. use receptor agonists antagonists, ethanol-preferring selected rodents knockout mice, has contributed understand these processes. effects on selective experimental models are also reviewed. relevance human alcoholism is further evidenced association polymorphisms with clinical implication findings discussed regarding differential responses observed some alcoholic patients treatment antagonists such naltrexone.