Interaction of cholecystokinin with opioid receptors - on leucocytes, possible model for investigating addiction and for drug development

摘要

The action of the gastrointestinal hormone cholecystokinin (CCK), or of its fragments (e.g. CCK-8) and/or analogues, on immune cells, can be investigated to detect any interaction with opioid receptors present on leucocytes. USE/ADVANTAGE - Interaction of CCK with the specified receptors could provide a model for investigating addiction and for developing active agents to treat various forms of addiction. Unlike other non-opioids, CCK-8 has a well characterised structure and CNS functions to which any effects on the immune system could be related leucocytes are more easily available than nerve cells and easier to manipulate in vitro.