Mu and delta opioid receptors were labeled in enkephalin knockout mice by quantitative autoradiography. Discrete, large increases (100-300%) were found in limbic forebrain structures for mu binding and striatum and pallidum for delta binding. The up-regulation of opioid receptors may reflect a form of 'denervation supersensitivity. ' The receptor up-regulation in limbic areas is consistent with the increased emotional and aggressive behaviors observed in the enkephalin knockout mice.
Copyright 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.