Opiate, cannabinoid, and estrogen receptors

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to mu3 opiate receptors, cannabinoid receptors, and estrogen surface receptors (ESRs). Specifically, the invention provides methods and materials for identifying mu3 opiate receptor agonists and antagonists, cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists, and ESR agonists and antagonists. In addition, the invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes a mu3 opioid receptor, a host cell containing an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes a mu3 opioid receptor, and an isolated mu3 opioid receptor polypeptide. Further, the invention provides methods and materials for treating cancers, inflammatory conditions, sepsis conditions, viral infections, and cardiovascular diseases.

1 - 65 . (canceled)  
     
     
         66 . A method for treating a mammal having an inflammatory condition, said method comprising administering a mu3 opiate receptor agonist to said mammal such that a mu3 opiate receptor-mediated response is induced, wherein said induction of said mu3 opiate receptor-mediated response promotes anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive activity in said mammal.  
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein said inflammatory condition is selected from the group consisting of arthritis, pericarditis, vasculitis, lupus, bronchitis, and phrenitis.  
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein said method comprises administering a cannabinoid receptor agonist to said mammal such that a cannabinoid receptor-mediated response is induced.  
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein said method comprises administering an estrogen surface receptor agonist to said mammal such that an estrogen surface receptor-mediated response is induced.  
     
     
         70 - 103 . (canceled)