Implication of Src family kinase-dependent phosphorylation of NR2B subunit-containing NMDA receptor in the rewarding effect of morphine.

The present study was undertaken to further clarify the role of tyrosine phosphorylation of NR2B subunit-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the development of the morphine-induced rewarding effect in mice. The morphine (5 mg/kg, sc)-induced rewarding effect was completely inhibited by pretreatment with a selective NR2B subunit-containing NMDA receptor antagonist ifenprodil (20 mg/kg, i.p.). The protein level of phospho-Tyr-1472, but not phospho-Ser-1303, NR2B subunit was significantly increased in the mouse limbic forebrain containing the nucleus accumbens (N.Acc.) of mice that had shown the morphine-induced rewarding effect. In addition, the level of phospho-Tyr-416 Src family kinase was also increased in the limbic forebrain of mice that had shown the morphine-induced rewarding effect. These findings suggest that Tyr-1472 phosphorylation of NR2B subunit-containing NMDA receptor associated with activation of Src family kinase in the limbic forebrain may be involved in the morphine-induced rewarding effect.