OPPOSING ROLES OF THE μ-OPIOID AND NOCICEPTIN/ORPHANIN FQ RECEPTORS IN OLIGODENDROCYTE DEVELOPMENT AND MYELINATION

<p>While the classical function of myelin is to facilitate saltatory conduction, this membrane and the myelin-making oligodendrocytes (OLGs) are now recognized as regulators of plasticity and remodeling in the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, OLG maturation and myelination are highly vulnerable processes along CNS development. We previously showed that rat brain myelination is altered by perinatal exposure to buprenorphine, an opioid analogue in clinical trials for the treatment of pregnant opioid addicts. We now found that the in vivo effects on myelination could result from direct alteration in the balance between μ-opioid receptor (MOR) and nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOPR) activities in the OLGs. Furthermore, we found that myelination could also be affected by the FDA-approved methadone. A delicate balance between MOR and NOPR signaling may play a crucial role timing OLG maturation and myelin formation and exogenous opioids may disrupt this interplay, altering the developmental pattern of brain myelination.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biochemistry

Year dc:date.available

2012

Author dc:creator

• Vestal-Laborde, Allison

Contributors dc:contributor

• Carmen Sato-Bigbee

• endogenous opioid system
• opioid receptor
• myelination
• oligodendrocyte
• oligodendrocyte differentiation
• central nervous system
• Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology
• Life Sciences

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/424

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-1423