Opiate agonist-induced re-distribution of Wntless, a mu-opioid receptor interacting protein, in rat striatal neurons

►Wntless (WLS) mediates Wnt protein secretion, critical for neuronal development. ►Morphine induced a shift of WLS from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane. ►DAMGO treatment induced a greater distribution of WLS intracellularly. ►Agonist-induced trafficking of WLS in striatum is shown after agonist exposure. ►WLS trafficking may represent a novel target in the treatment of opiate addiction.