Outline for generation and analysis of opioid receptor knockout mice

Abstract

Knockout transgenic mice of opioid receptors make it possible to analyze molecular mechanisms of opioid receptors that could not be done by traditional pharmacological techniques. Generation of knockout mice requires a variety of technologies such as molecular genetics, cell biology, and embryology. Making knockout mice also requires a long period of labor-intensive work. Knockout mice can be obtained after several experimental steps: constructing a targeting vector, introduction of the vector into embryonic stem cell, and generation of the chimeric animal. Special attention may be required for behavioral and biochemical analyses of knockout mice. This review will be focused on the outline and pitfalls for audiences who are interested in analysis of existing knockout mice as well as making new ones.