Dermorphin

dermorphin

Dermorphin 3D spacefill

Dermorphin is a naturally occurring opioid peptide that was originally isolated from the skin of certain species of frogs belonging to the genus Phyllomedusa. It is a potent analgesic, significantly more powerful than morphine, and has been the subject of various studies due to its potential medical applications.

Structure and Function

Dermorphin is a heptapeptide with the amino acid sequence H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2. The presence of the D-alanine residue is unusual in natural peptides and contributes to its high affinity and selectivity for the mu-opioid receptor. This receptor is a type of opioid receptor that mediates the effects of endogenous opioids like endorphins and exogenous opioids such as morphine.

Source and Discovery

Dermorphin was first discovered in the skin secretions of South American frogs of the genus Phyllomedusa, particularly Phyllomedusa sauvagei. These frogs secrete dermorphin as a defense mechanism against predators. The peptide was identified and characterized in the early 1980s by researchers studying the bioactive compounds in amphibian skin.

Pharmacology

Dermorphin exhibits a high potency and efficacy as an analgesic. It binds to the mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, leading to pain relief. Unlike morphine, dermorphin has a lower tendency to induce tolerance and physical dependence, making it a subject of interest for developing new pain management therapies.

Medical Applications

While dermorphin itself is not used clinically, its structure and function have inspired the development of synthetic analogs and derivatives that may be used in pain management. Research is ongoing to explore its potential benefits and to develop drugs that mimic its analgesic properties without the adverse effects associated with traditional opioids.

Related Peptides

Dermorphin is part of a larger family of opioid peptides that include deltorphins, which also exhibit high affinity for opioid receptors. These peptides are similarly derived from amphibian skin and have been studied for their pharmacological properties.

See Also

• Opioid receptor
• Endorphin
• Morphine
• Phyllomedusa
• Analgesic