Deltorphin II
Overview[edit | edit source]
Deltorphin II is a naturally occurring opioid peptide that is primarily found in the skin of certain species of frogs, particularly those belonging to the genus Phyllomedusa. It is known for its high affinity and selectivity for the delta-opioid receptor, which is one of the four main types of opioid receptors in the body. Deltorphin II is of significant interest in the field of pharmacology and medicine due to its potential therapeutic applications and its role in understanding opioid receptor function.
Chemical Structure[edit | edit source]
Deltorphin II is a heptapeptide with the amino acid sequence Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Glu-Val-Val-Gly-NH₂. The presence of D-amino acids in its structure is a notable feature that contributes to its high receptor selectivity and resistance to enzymatic degradation.
Biological Activity[edit | edit source]
Deltorphin II exhibits potent analgesic effects due to its action on the delta-opioid receptors. These receptors are involved in modulating pain perception, mood, and other physiological processes. Unlike other opioid peptides that may also interact with mu or kappa receptors, deltorphin II is highly selective for delta receptors, which may reduce the risk of side effects typically associated with opioid use, such as addiction and respiratory depression.
Pharmacological Significance[edit | edit source]
The study of deltorphin II and its analogs has provided valuable insights into the development of new analgesic drugs that target delta-opioid receptors. These drugs have the potential to offer pain relief without the adverse effects associated with traditional opioids. Additionally, deltorphin II serves as a tool in research to better understand the physiological roles of delta-opioid receptors.
Sources and Isolation[edit | edit source]
Deltorphin II is isolated from the skin secretions of Phyllomedusa frogs, particularly Phyllomedusa bicolor. The isolation process involves collecting the skin secretions, followed by purification using techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Research and Development[edit | edit source]
Ongoing research is focused on synthesizing deltorphin II analogs with improved pharmacokinetic properties and reduced side effects. Studies are also exploring the potential of these compounds in treating conditions such as chronic pain, depression, and anxiety.
Also see[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD