Opioid receptor
Opioid receptors are a group of G protein-coupled receptors with opioids as ligands. The endogenous opioids are dynorphins, enkephalins, endorphins, endomorphins and nociceptin. The opioid receptors are ~40% identical to somatostatin receptors (SSTRs).
Types[edit | edit source]
There are four major subtypes of opioid receptors. These include:
- Delta opioid receptor (DOR)
- Kappa opioid receptor (KOR)
- Mu opioid receptor (MOR)
- Nociceptin receptor (NOP)
Function[edit | edit source]
Opioid receptors are distributed widely in the brain, and are found in the spinal cord and digestive tract. They mediate both the psychoactive and physical effects of opioids. Stimulation of opioid receptors produces analgesia, and a wide range of side effects, including respiratory depression, sedation, euphoria, and addiction.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
Opioid receptors are the target of a number of analgesic drugs such as tramadol and methadone. These drugs are used to relieve severe or chronic pain, but their use is limited by side effects such as respiratory depression, sedation, and addiction.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
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