New Topics in Vasopressin Receptors and Approach to Novel Drugs: Involvement of Vasopressin V1a and V1b Receptors in Nociceptive Responses and Morphine-Induced Effects

Abstract

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) receptors have been classified into V1a, V1b, and V2 subtypes. Recent studies have demonstrated the involvement of AVP in anti-nociception and in morphine-induced anti-nociception. However, the roles of individual AVP-receptor subtypes have not been fully elucidated. Here, we have summarized the role of V1-receptor subtypes in behavioral responses to noxious stimuli and to morphine. In this review, we focus on studies using mice lacking the V1a receptor (V1a−/− mice) and the V1b receptor (V1b−/− mice). Keywords:: arginine vasopressin, V1a receptor, V1b receptor, nociceptive response, morphine-induced response