μ and δ opioid receptors differentially couple to G protein subtypes in membranes of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells

Karl Ludwig Laugwitz, Stefan Offermanns, Karsten Spicher, Günter Schultz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

167 Scopus citations

Abstract

Opioids are regarded to act via receptors interacting with heterotrimeric pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G proteins. In membranes of SH-SY5Y cells, the μ-selective agonist [d-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4, Gly5-ol]-enkephalin (DAGO) and the δ-selective agonist [d-Pen2,Pen5]-enkephalin (DPDPE) stimulated incorporation of the photoreactive GTP analog [α-32P]GTP azidoanilide into proteins comigrating with the α subunits of Gi1, Gi2, Gi3, Go1, and another form of Go, presumably Go2. In membranes of PTX-treated cells, both agonists were ineffective. Subtype-specific immunoprecipitation of G protein α subunits photolabeled in the absence or presence of agonists revealed profound differences between μ and δ opioid receptors in coupling to PTX-sensitive G proteins. Whereas activated ° opioid receptors preferentially coupled to Gi1, activated μ opioid receptors more effectively coupled to Gi3. Additionally, we provide evidence that Go subtypes are also differentially activated by the two receptors. Thus, μ and δ opioid receptors appear to discriminate between PTX-sensitive G proteins and lead to activation of distinct G protein subtypes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)233-242
Number of pages10
JournalNeuron
Volume10
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1993
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'μ and δ opioid receptors differentially couple to G protein subtypes in membranes of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this