Contribution of brain dopamine, serotonin and opioid receptors in the mechanisms of neuroimmunomodulation: Evidence from pharmacological analysis

Neuromediators such as dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and neuroopioids are known to be involved in the immune response control. This review has summarized the evidence supporting roles for brain DA (D-1, D-2), 5-HT (5-HT1A, 5-HT2A) and opioid (mu, delta, kappa) receptor subtypes in regulating immune function. Activation of postsynaptic D-1- and D-2-receptors produced immunostimulation while their blockade or activation of presynaptic D-2-receptors mediated an immunoinhibitory effect. Activation of mu- and delta(1)-opioid receptors also increased the immune reaction intensity. Activation of postsynaptic 5-HT1A-, 5-HT2A-receptors, delta(2)- and kappa-opioid receptors resulted in immunosuppression while the blockade of postsynaptic 5-HT1A-, 5-HT2A-receptors or activation of somatodendritic 5-HT1A-autoreceptors resulted in the immune response stimulation. Immunomodulating effects of drugs acting at various mediator and opioid receptor subtypes depend on the initial psychoemotional state of animals (aggression, submission, depression). The presented data may have implications for the treatment of emotional stress and mental disorders associated with changes in activity of brain DA, 5-HT, opioid systems and their receptor function as well as immune reactivity. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.