Dual Regulation of Adenylate Cyclase Accounts for Narcotic Dependence and Tolerance

Dual Regulation of Adenylate Cyclase Accounts for Narcotic Dependence and Tolerance

Contributor(s):
Nirenberg, Marshall W.
Sharma, S. K. (Shail K.)
Klee, Werner A.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Publication:
National Academy Press (U.S.), August 1975
Language(s):
English
Format:
Text
Subject(s):
Adenylyl Cyclases
Narcotics
Receptors, Cell Surface
Genre(s):
Archival Materials
Articles
Abstract:
This article is an extension of the article titled, "Morphine Receptors as Regulators of Adenylate Cyclase Activity." The dependence and tolerance phenomenon involving enzymes and morphine receptors is explained as follows: narcotics affect enzymes in two opposing ways, each mediated by the opiate receptor. One process is responsible for the inhibition of the enzyme by narcotics, the other is a compensatory increase in enzyme activity, which is delayed in onset and relatively stable. Narcotics dependence and tolerance is the result of the positive regulation of the enzyme counteracting the inhibitory influence of the morphine. Furthermore, the inhibitory and positive regulatory mechanisms provide a means for "activating and deactivating neural circuits hours after the initial event and thus may play a role in memory process."
Copyright:
This item may be under copyright protection; contact the copyright owner for permission before re-use.
Extent:
5 pages
NLM Unique ID:
101584910X216 (See in Profiles in Science)
Profiles in Science ID:
JJBBNJ
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101584910X216
Archival Collection:
The Marshall W. Nirenberg Papers (Profiles in Science)