cAMP decreases steady-state levels of delta-opioid receptor mRNA in NG108-15 cells.

We have compared several drug combinations for their ability to increase basal cAMP and to down-regulate delta-opioid receptor mRNA levels. Continuous treatment for up to 48 h with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor in combination with the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin showed an early peak response, but cAMP levels returned to control after 8 and 24 h. Increases in cAMP level up to 150-fold were observed after treatment for 1 h with a series of drugs (rolipram, IBMX/forskolin, rolipram/forskolin, dibutyryl cAMP, and prostaglandin E2) that increase cAMP by different mechanisms. A significant decrease in DOR mRNA level, to 31% of control, followed the three treatments that produced the largest increases in cAMP level: IBMX/forskolin, rolipram/forskolin, and prostaglandin E2.