Motivational properties of opioids: evidence that an activation of delta-receptors mediates reinforcement processes.

The role of central delta-opioid receptors in the mediation of opioid reinforcement and endogenous reward processes was examined using a non-biased place-preference conditioning procedure. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of the selective delta-receptor agonist, [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]-enkephalin (DPDPE, 10.0-25.0 micrograms) produced a significant preference for the drug-associated place and a similar effect was observed following i.c.v. injections of morphine (10.0 micrograms). Administration of the delta-receptor antagonist, ICI 174,864, at doses (1.0-5.0 micrograms, i.c.v.) which had no aversive effects when tested alone, abolished the reinforcing properties of DPDPE. Such treatment did not, however, modify the effect of morphine. These findings demonstrate the involvement delta- as well as mu-receptors in the motivational properties of opioids and suggest that the activation of either receptor type is sufficient for the elicitation of appetitively reinforcing effects.