PARTICIPATION OF KAPPA-TYPE, MU-TYPE, DELTA-TYPE OF OPIOID RECEPTORS IN REGULATION OF THE HUMORAL IMMUNE-RESPONSE

Changes in opioid receptor total binding level and kappa-, mu-, and de lta-type distribution were investigated during 0-14 days of primary an d 0-9 days of secondary immune response to bovine gamma-globulin. The level of opioid binding measured with [H-3]naloxone increased 6-fold d uring the primary and 1.5-fold during the secondary immune response to the antigen, reaching maxima on the 7th and the 5th days, respectivel y, i.e., on the peaks of the responses. The kappa-receptor level incre ased and the mu- and delta-receptor levels decreased from days zero to 7 or 5 of the immune responses. The opposite picture was seen with th e decay of the immune responses. kappa-Selective ligand stimulated the secretion of specific antibodies to bovine gamma-globulin, whereas mu - and delta-ligands suppressed the antibody production. The functional roles of different types of opioid receptors taking part in immune re gulation is analyzed.