Opioid receptor affinities of kappa agonists, agonist/antagonists and antagonists in vitro and in vivo
Wood, P.L.
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry 7(4-6): 657-662
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0278-5846
PMID: 6320302
DOI: 10.1016/0278-5846(83)90041-6
Accession: 043841478
The CNS opioid receptors consist of a major triad: mu, delta and kappa. The kappa agonists presently available act as kappa agonists, delta antagonists and mu2 isoreceptor antagonists. Pure opiate antagonists possess a broad spectrum of activity at all 3 opioid receptor populations. The Ag/Ant analgesics also possess a broad spectrum of receptor affinities which awaits the definition of complex species differences in their actions. The design of more specific opioid agonists and antagonists will lead to a greater understanding of the many possible roles opioids serve within the CNS.