Research progress in interactions between NO/NOS system and opioid system / 中国药理学通报

Nitric oxide, an intracellular messenger molecule linked to activation of N Methyl D aspartate(NMDA) receptor, plays a role in morphine tolerance and dependence. Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS) inhibitors attenuate or block morphine actions. NO/NOS system has an effect on morphine induced place preference. Actions of NO/NOS system are involved in the activation of opioid receptors. The effect of NO/NOS system on the expression of morphine withdrawal symptoms may be partially mediated by noradrenergic neuron system. Thus reviews on interactions between NO/NOS system and opioid system are very important towards applications of opioid analgesic as well as treatment against opioid tolerance and withdrawal.