Cao F, Chen SS, Yan XF, Xiao XP, Liu XJ, Yang SB, Xu AJ, Gao F, Yang H, Chen ZJ, Tian YK (2009) Evaluation of side effects through selective ablation of the mu opioid receptor expressing descending nociceptive facilitatory neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla with dermorphin-saporin. Neurotoxicology 30(6):1096-1106. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2009.06.004
Summary: Selective ablation of rostral ventromedial (RVM) neurons expressing mu opioid receptors has been suggested as a treatment for pathological pain. This work investigated the side effects of a 0.5 µg injection of dermorphin-SAP (Cat. #IT-12) into the RVM. Saporin (Cat. #PR-01) was used as a control. Lesioned animals experienced a temporary increase in heart rate and systolic blood pressure, and mild microglial responses, but even these soon returned to normal. The data suggest this system has potential as a target for pain therapeutics.
Related Products: Dermorphin-SAP / MOR-SAP (Cat. #IT-12), Saporin (Cat. #PR-01)