Effects of Delta Opioid Antagonists on Enkephalin-Induced Seizures

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Abstract
We examined the effect of opioid receptor antagonists on the seizure phenomena induced by specific delta opioid receptor agonist [D-Ser2, Leu5] enkephalyl-Thr (DSLET). The experiments have been performed in the anesthetized rats, and the DSLET-induced seizure phenomena were registered by electrocorticogram and electromyogram. It was demonstrated that two selective delta opioid receptor antagonists, ICI 152,129 and ICI 174,864 inhibitied DSLET-induced epileptiform ECoG pattern and myoclonic contractions in a dose-related manner. An equimolar concentration of naloxone failed to antagonize the epileptiform effects of DSLET. It is concluded that delta opioid receptor agonist-induced seizure is mediated by delta receptors, since it can be blocked by delta opioid receptor antagonists. Evidently, delta opioid antagonists can be used as a good tool, in order to demonstrate a delta component in the seizure phenomena induced by other endogenous opioid peptides or their derivatives.