Chunk #14 — Discussion — Reduced DAMGO-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding by A112G SNP in the VTA may be related to decreased morphine-induced hyperactivity and locomotor sensitization
VTA plays an important role in morphine-induced hyperactivity and locomotor sensitization (Bunney, Massari, and Pert, 1984; Kalivas and Duffy, 1987). Our observations that A112G SNP led to reduced DAMGO-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in VTA are consistent with the findings that G/G mice showed decreased morphine-induced hyperactivity and locomotor sensitization (Mague et al., 2009). In addition, we have demonstrated that A112G SNP results in reduced MOPR expression in the VTA (Wang et al., 2012), which may play a role as well.
