Ethylketazocine

Ethylketazocine is a synthetic compound of the benzomorphan class of opioids. It was developed in the 1960s as a potential analgesic medication but was never marketed. Ethylketazocine has been used in scientific research, particularly in studies involving the opioid receptor system.

Chemistry

Ethylketazocine is a member of the benzomorphan class of opioids, which also includes drugs such as pentazocine and phenazocine. It is a synthetic compound, meaning it is not derived from natural sources such as the opium poppy. The chemical structure of ethylketazocine includes a benzene ring fused to a morphinan skeleton, hence the name "benzomorphan."

Pharmacology

Ethylketazocine acts as an agonist at the kappa opioid receptor (KOR), one of the three main types of opioid receptors in the body. It has also been found to have some activity at the mu opioid receptor (MOR) and the delta opioid receptor (DOR), although its effects at these receptors are less well understood.

Research

Although ethylketazocine was never marketed as a medication, it has been used in scientific research. Studies have used ethylketazocine to investigate the function of the KOR, as well as the effects of KOR agonists on pain and other physiological processes. Some research has suggested that ethylketazocine and other KOR agonists may have potential as treatments for conditions such as depression and anxiety, although more research is needed in this area.

See also

• Benzomorphan
• Opioid receptor
• Kappa opioid receptor