Mouse model of OPRM1 (A118G) polymorphism has sex-specific effects on drug-mediated behavior

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 Jun 30;106(26):10847-52. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0901800106. Epub 2009 Jun 15.

Abstract

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the human mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1 A118G) has been widely studied for its association in a variety of drug addiction and pain sensitivity phenotypes; however, the extent of these adaptations and the mechanisms underlying these associations remain elusive. To clarify the functional mechanisms linking the OPRM1 A118G SNP to addiction and analgesia phenotypes, we derived a mouse model possessing the equivalent nucleotide/amino acid substitution in the Oprm1 gene. Mice harboring this SNP (A112G) demonstrated several phenotypic similarities to humans carrying the A118G SNP, including reduced mRNA expression and morphine-mediated antinociception. We found additional phenotypes associated with this SNP including significant reductions of receptor protein levels, morphine-mediated hyperactivity, and the development of locomotor sensitization in mice harboring the G112 allele. In addition, we found sex-specific reductions in the rewarding properties of morphine and the aversive components of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal. Further cross-species analysis will allow us to investigate mechanisms and adaptations present in humans carrying this SNP.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Binding, Competitive
  • Conditioning, Operant / drug effects
  • Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)- / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Models, Animal*
  • Morphine / pharmacology*
  • Motor Activity / drug effects
  • Pain / physiopathology
  • Pain / prevention & control
  • Pain Measurement / methods
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / genetics*
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sex Factors
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / genetics

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Oprm protein, mouse
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Opioid, mu
  • Enkephalin, Ala(2)-MePhe(4)-Gly(5)-
  • Morphine