Abstract: Methods and materials related to the use of morphine, morphine precursors (e.g., reticuline), and inhibitors of morphine synthesis or activity to treat diseases, to reduce inflammation, or to restore normal function are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules, host cells that contain an isolated nucleic acid molecule, and substantially pure polypeptides. For example, the invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode polypeptides having mu3 opiate receptor activity, host cells that contain an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes a polypeptide having mu3 opiate receptor activity, and substantially pure polypeptides that have mu3 opiate receptor activity. In addition, the invention provides methods and materials for identifying mu3 opiate receptor agonists and antagonists.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for assessing the effect of exercise on an individual by measuring changes in the concentration of a compound in the individual's blood. Specifically, the invention measures changes in the concentration of an anti-inflammatory signal molecule or endogenous morphine. Anti-inflammatory signal molecules include, for example, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), cortisol, and interleukin-10 (IL-10). A first embodiment of the invention provides a method for assessing the effect of exercise on an individual comprising the steps of measuring a concentration of at least one compound in the individual's blood before exercise, measuring a concentration of the at least one compound in the individual's blood after exercise, and comparing the concentrations of the at least one compound.

Abstract: Methods and materials related to the use of morphine, morphine precursors (e.g., reticuline), and inhibitors of morphine synthesis or activity to treat diseases, to reduce inflammation, or to restore normal function are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for treating Raynaud's conditions such as Raynaud's syndrome, Raynaud's phenomenon, and Raynaud's disease. For example, this document provides methods for using electrical stimulation to reduce the severity of a symptom of a Raynaud's condition. Gloves and socks that can be used to reduce the severity of a symptom of a Raynaud's condition also are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules, host cells that contain an isolated nucleic acid molecule, and substantially pure polypeptides. For example, the invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode polypeptides having mu3 opiate receptor activity, host cells that contain an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes a polypeptide having mu3 opiate receptor activity, and substantially pure polypeptides that have mu3 opiate receptor activity. In addition, the invention provides methods and materials for identifying mu3 opiate receptor agonists and antagonists.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules, host cells that contain an isolated nucleic acid molecule, and substantially pure polypeptides. For example, the invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode polypeptides having mu3 opiate receptor activity, host cells that contain an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes a polypeptide having mu3 opiate receptor activity, and substantially pure polypeptides that have mu3 opiate receptor activity. In addition, the invention provides methods and materials for identifying mu3 opiate receptor agonists and antagonists.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules, host cells that contain an isolated nucleic acid molecule, and substantially pure polypeptides. For example, the invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode polypeptides having mu3 opiate receptor activity, host cells that contain an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes a polypeptide having mu3 opiate receptor activity, and substantially pure polypeptides that have mu3 opiate receptor activity. In addition, the invention provides methods and materials for identifying mu3 opiate receptor agonists and antagonists.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules, host cells that contain an isolated nucleic acid molecule, and substantially pure polypeptides. For example, the invention provides isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode polypeptides having mu3 opiate receptor activity, host cells that contain an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes a polypeptide having mu3 opiate receptor activity, and substantially pure polypeptides that have mu3 opiate receptor activity. In addition, the invention provides methods and materials for identifying mu3 opiate receptor agonists and antagonists.

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, 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.