Chunk #27 — DISCUSSION

Source

Increased OPRM1 DNA methylation in lymphocytes of methadone-maintained former heroin addicts.

Embedded

yes

Text

Peripheral lymphocytes, the source of genomic DNA in this study, express the OPRM1 gene [e.g., (McCarthy et al, 2001)], and their availability greatly expands possible human studies. However, it is not known if these cells have a similar OPRM1 methylation pattern to that in specific brain regions.