Oligodendrocyte dysfunction has also been observed in opioid dependence. In rodents, low-level perinatal buprenorphine exposure increases fetal MBP expression and oligodendrocyte maturation; however, excessive perinatal exposure delays oligodendroglial development and decreases MBP expression (Sanchez et al. 2008). These biphasic effects are mediated by µ-opioid and nociception/orphanin FQ receptors, which are also implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic pain disorders (Eschenroeder et al. 2012).
