Abstract
There is a growing interest for connections between the central nervous system and immune/inflammatory response. Morphine (MF) has been shown to increase circulating concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) through centrally mediated mechanisms. Rats with adjuwant arthritis (AA) have elevated levels of circulating IL-6. We have investigated the role of central MF injection on the induction of IL-6 mRNA and IL-6R (receptor) mRNA in brain, pituitary and adrenals. IL-6 and IL-6R mRNA were not detected in the brain in any of the groups. IL-6 and IL-6R mRNA were increased in the anterior pituitary of AA rats given morphine compared with saline treated AA rats. In the adrenal cortex, IL-6 mRNA was unaltered and IL-6 receptor mRNA was significantly decreased under the same conditions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 50-54 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Central-European Journal of Immunology |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 1998 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Interleukin-6 and IL-6R
- morphine
- adjuvant arthritis
- brain
- pituitary
- adrenals
- Rats