We investigated the postnatal ontogeny of opioid receptors in rat brain under assay conditions which, when combined with computerized analysis, effectively reflect the developmental profile of high affinity binding to μ, δ, and κ subpopulations. Concentrations of μ sites were assessed with the selective ligand 3H-[D-ala2,mePhe4,gly-ol5]enkephalin (DAGO). The other two sites were analyzed in binding assays with less selective radioligands but in the presence of specific unlabeled ligands which suppress cross-reactivity. We utilized 3H-[D-ala2,D-leu5]enkephalin (DADL) in the presence of 10 nm DAGO to label δ sites and 3H-ethylketocyclazocine (EKC) in the presence of 100 nm DADL + 100 nm [D-ala2,mePhe4,Met(0)ol5]enkepahlin to detect κ receptors. After birth, the density (femtomoles per milligram of wet weight) of μ sites declined for several days and then rose sharply over the next 2 weeks, increasing 2-fold by adulthood. Delta (δ) sites appeared in the second week postnatal and increased more than 8-fold in the next 2 weeks. Levels of κ receptors were relatively low at birth and increased slowly (2-fold, overall). Computerized analyses of binding data revealed that DAGO and DADL were binding to single populations of sites throughout the postnatal period. DAGO and EKC affinities did not fluctuate in this period, whereas DADL affinities were low for the first week and then rose to adult levels. In summary, μ, κ, and δ receptors exhibit differential postnatal developmental profiles. The former two are present at birth, whereas the latter appears in the second week. The postnatal increase for all three sites appear to be preceded by the previously demonstrated emergence of opioid peptides
