Receptors and transmission in the brain-gut axis: potential for novel therapies. III. Mu-opioid receptors in the enteric nervous system.

G protein-coupled receptors are cell surface signal-transducing proteins, which elicit a variety of biological functions by the activation of different intracellular effector systems. Many of these receptors, including the mu-opioid receptor (mu OR), have been localized in the gastrointestinal tract. mu OR is the target of opioids and alkaloids, potent analgesic drugs with high potential for abuse. mu OR is expressed by enteric neurons, and it undergoes ligand-selective endocytosis. It is of clinical importance because it mediates tolerance and other major side effects of opiate analgesics, including impairment of gastrointestinal propulsion. An important observation of mu OR is its differential trafficking and desensitization properties in response to individual agonists, which might have long-term physiological consequences and be involved in the development of opiate side effects. Receptor activation by agonists is the basis for signaling, and alterations of the mechanisms controlling cellular responses of G protein-coupled receptors to agonists might be the basis of several diseases, including gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, understanding these basic cellular mechanisms is important for developing appropriate therapeutic agents.