Dynorphin A

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Dynorphin A is a neuropeptide that belongs to the dynorphin family. It is an endogenous opioid that is found in neurons in many different parts of the brain, including the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and spinal cord. Dynorphin A is known for its role in modulating pain and maintaining the body's response to stress.

Structure and Function[edit | edit source]

Dynorphin A is a peptide that consists of 17 amino acids. It is derived from the precursor protein prodynorphin, which is cleaved to produce dynorphin A, along with other dynorphins.

Dynorphin A functions by binding to and activating the kappa opioid receptor (KOR). This receptor is a type of G protein-coupled receptor that is found in the nervous system. When dynorphin A binds to KOR, it triggers a series of events inside the cell that ultimately lead to the inhibition of adenylate cyclase, a decrease in the production of cAMP, and a reduction in neuronal excitability.

Role in Pain and Stress[edit | edit source]

Dynorphin A is best known for its role in modulating pain. It is released in response to painful stimuli and acts to inhibit the transmission of pain signals in the spinal cord. This makes dynorphin A a key player in the body's natural pain relief system.

In addition to its role in pain, dynorphin A is also involved in the body's response to stress. It is released in response to stressors and acts to inhibit the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus. This helps to dampen the body's stress response and prevent overactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis).

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Due to its role in pain and stress, dynorphin A is a potential target for the development of new drugs for the treatment of chronic pain and stress-related disorders. However, the development of drugs that target the kappa opioid system has been challenging due to the complex pharmacology of this system and the potential for side effects.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Brain.png
This article is a stub related to neuroscience. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!


Medicine-stub.png
This article is a stub related to medicine. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

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

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