Opioid receptors on immune cells

Sharp BM (2003) Opioid receptor expression and intracellular signaling by cells involved in host defense and immunity. Adv Exp Med Biol 521 98-105 Sharp BM (2006) Multiple opioid receptors on immune cells modulate intracellular signaling. Brain Behav Immun 20 9-14... 

Shar-p BM (2006) Multiple opioid receptors on immune cells modulate inti acellulai signaling. Brain Behav Immun 20 9—14. 

Opioids affect the function and development of the immune system, both indirectly through its control system, and directly via the opioid receptors on immune cells. Bone marrow progenitor cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, immature thymocytes, B cells, and T cells, all express opioid-related receptors on their surfaces and have been shown to change their behavior in the presence of opioid agonists. Prolonged opioid exposure suppresses immune function in animal models, as... 

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