Influence of endomorphins-1, 2 on glucose uptake by T and B lymphocytes <i>in vivo</i>

Abstract

The main method of treating pain syndrome is the use of morphine and its analogues, which have a wide range of side effects. In this regard, many modern studies are aimed at finding safer analgesic compounds. Currently, among morphine analogues, much attention is paid to endogenous opioid peptides, which, along with an analgesic effect, have pronounced immunoregulatory properties. It is now known that the functional activity of immune cells is ensured by metabolism. This process supplies cells with the energy necessary for activation, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, etc. Glucose metabolism plays a key role in ensuring the functions of immune cells. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of endomorphins-1, 2 on the characteristics of glucose uptake by T and B lymphocytes in vivo. The subjects of the study were white male mice, peptides were administered to mice intraperitoneally at a dose of 100 ìg/kg, and glucose uptake by cells was assessed using fluorescent analogues of glucose (2-NBDG). It was found that endomorphin-1 did not affect at the intensity of glucose consumption in both T and B cells. Administration of endomorphin-2, on the contrary, led to a significant increase in glucose uptake in T lymphocytes. However, the level of glucose consumption in B cells after administration of endomorphin-2 did not change significantly. In a study of two subsets of T lymphocytes, it was noted that endomorphin-2 leads to an increase in glucose uptake in both CD4+ and CD4-T cells. Administration of endomorphin-1 had no significant effect on the level of uptake of this substrate in both subsets of T lymphocytes. Proliferating B lymphocytes increased glucose consumption in the presence of LPS after administration of endomorphin-2. Both endomorphins did not have a significant effect on glucose consumption in proliferating CD4+ and CD4-T cells. Thus, endomorphin-1, unlike endomorphin-2, does not have a significant effect on glucose metabolism in T and B cells. Taking into account the role of glycolysis in the functioning of immune cells and inflammation, it can be concluded that the use of endomorphin-1 may be associated with a lower risk of immune system-related side effects.