Studies from H. Boutin and co-researchers update current data on angiology
2008 JAN 14 -- "Alterations in the opioidergic system may play a role in the molecular mechanisms underlying neurochemical responses to cerebral ischaemia. The present study aimed to determine the delayed expression of mu, delta and kappa opioid receptors, following 1, 2, 7, and 30 days of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in mice," investigators in Caen, France report. "Using quantitative autoradiography, we highlighted significant decreases in mu, delta and kappa opioid receptor expression in ipsilateral cortices from day 1 post-MCAO. Moreover, in contralateral nucleus lateralis thalami pars posterior, ipsi- and contralateral nucleus medialis dorsalis thalami, and ipsilateral substantia nigra, pars reticulata (SNr), kappa receptors were increased; mu receptor densities were decreased in nucleus ventralis thalami, pars posterior (VThP), and SNr. delta-Binding sites were increased in the striatum on day 30 post-MCAO. The alterations in opioid receptors in cortical infarcts were correlated with strong histological damage. Further reductions in opioid receptor densities in cortical infarcts were observed at later time points. In subcortical brain regions, opioid receptor densities were also altered but no histological damage was seen, except in the VThP, in which cell density was increased on day 30. Delayed reductions in opioid receptor densities in the infarct appeared as the continuation of the early processes previously demonstrated. However, changes in subcortical opioid receptor expression may correlate with neuronal alterations in remote brain regions," wrote H. Boutin and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "Changes in opioidergic receptor expression in these regions may be involved in the long-term consequences of stroke and could be used as biomarker of neuronal alteration through the use of imaging techniques in the clinic." Boutin and colleagues published their study in Acta Neuropathologica (Long-term alterations in mu, delta and kappa opioidergic receptors following middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice. Acta Neuropathologica, 2007;114(5):491-500). For additional information, contact H. Boutin, CNRS, UMR 6185, Center CYCERON, Caen, France. The publisher of the journal Acta Neuropathologica can be contacted at: Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA. Keywords: France, Caen, Angiology, Brain Ischemia, Central Nervous System Disease, Histology, Ischemia, Middle Cerebral Artery, Neurology, Opioid Receptors, Radiography. This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
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