opiate receptor


Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Legal, Encyclopedia.

opiate receptor

Etymology: Gk, opion, poppy juice; L, recipere, to receive
transmembrane proteins that bind to endogenous opioid neuropeptides and exogenous morphine and similar natural or synthetic compounds. The three major classes of these receptors are designated mu, kappa, and delta. Morphine preferentially stimulates mu receptors to produce analgesia, euphoria, respiratory depression, constipation, and pinpoint pupils. Some other drugs (e.g., butorphanol) can selectively block mu receptors while stimulating kappa receptors; this provides moderate to high pain relief with low abuse potential. Stimulation of delta receptors can also contribute to analgesia. The receptors are found in high concentrations in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and in the brain regions involved with pain modulation or pain transmission. Endogenous agonists at these receptors include endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins.

opiate receptor

A specific site on a cell surface that interacts in a highly selective fashion with opiate drugs. These receptors mediate the major known pharmacological actions and side effects of opiates and the functions of the endogenous opiate-like substances (endorphins and enkephalins).
See also: receptor
Mentioned in ?
References in periodicals archive ?
Stereospecificity of Ketamine in binding to opiate receptors has been demonstrated.
Intrathecal preservative-free ketamine with bupivacaine in comparison with bupivacaine alone for lower limb and lower abdominal surgeries--a clinical study
Buprenorphine is a partial opiate agonist at the mu receptor and an opiate antagonist at the kappa opiate receptor.
Buprenorphine in the treatment of opiate dependence
Effects of ethanol, temperature, and endogenous regulatory factors on the characteristics of striatal opiate receptors.
How adaptation of the brain to alcohol leads to dependence: a pharmacological perspective
Opiate receptors are chemical sensors that respond to opiates like morphine and endorphins, Wang said.
'Secret' of Black Cohosh as Natural Menopausal Treatment May be Tied to Human Opiate Receptors
These receptors are known as opiate receptors, and there are three different subtypes designated the w, 6, and K receptors (Connor and Christie 1999).
Communication networks in the brain: neurons, receptors, neurotransmitters, and alcohol
Evans and his co-workers have identified and described the messenger RNA that carries the genetic blueprint for one type of opiate receptor from the DNA of a cell's nucleus to the receptor's production site.
Marijuana and the brain: scientists discover the brain's own THC
Currently, the only two ways to counter opiate-induced respiratory depression is either to intubate the patient, which is an invasive procedure, or to administer an opiate receptor antagonist, drugs that will also block the effectiveness of the opiate analgesic," says Dr.
New Progress on Treatment to Keep You Safe Following Surgery
Greer added: "Clinicians are currently concerned that the only means of countering opiate induced respiratory depression is to give an opiate receptor antagonist.
Cortex and the University of Alberta Complete Patent License Agreement
The program is the only one in the world that concentrates on not stimulating the opiate receptors or even suppressing them naturally through specially designed menus.
NAMED Forms Strategic Partnership with ACTS Consulting, Inc
Regarding mechanism, it is believed that the somatic (as opposed to the drug craving) symptoms of opiate withdrawal in the adult arise from areas of the brainstem called the locus coeruleus and periaqueductal gray, which express opiate receptors.
NAS treatment options: buprenorphine as good as morphine
The action of these medications includes binding to opiate receptors and changing the perception of and response to painful stimuli while producing central nervous system depression that is generalized (Florence & Palmer, 2003).
Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic pain management for the laboring patient in obstetrics
Suboxone contains a partial opiate agonist, which attaches to the opiate receptors in the brain, minimizing cravings without causing a high.
The Suboxone fix

Medical browser ?
Full browser ?