Section: Research

Sonia Ortiz-Miranda, Ph.D.

Academic Role: Research Assistant Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Physiology

Opioid effects on ion channels and neuropeptide release

My work focuses on opioid regulation of ion channel conductances in peptidergic nerve terminals. Magnocellular neurons (MCN) in the hypothalamus control neuroendocrine processes such as parturition, lactation, and sodium and water retention, by releasing the neuropeptides Oxytocin and Vasopressin into the blood circulation at their nerve endings in the Neurohypophysis. Endogenous and exogenous opioids modulate neuropeptide release in MCN by targeting voltage-gated channels at the cell’s soma as well as at their nerve endings. We study how the activation of the μ and κ opioid receptors can selectively inhibit the release of these neuropeptides. We are also interested in studying acute vs long-term opioid effects on young individuals, and during pregnancy and lactation.

Office: S4-710A
Phone: 68927
E-mail: Sonia.Ortiz-Miranda@umassmed.edu
Keywords: Secretion, Electrophysiology, Addiction, Ion Channels

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