The Mechanisms Responsible For Tolerance At The Mu-opioid Receptor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,815.00
Summary
Strong pain relieving opioid drugs like morphine lose their effectiveness when used for long periods because the single protein target for them in the body loses its� normal signalling functions. This research will determine the mechanisms responsible for this loss of function in brain nerve cells using novel methods to identify the molecular adaptations involved. This will provide a rational framework for development of pain relieving opioid drugs that can maintain long term efficacy.