Delta opioid receptors signal transduction

Quock RM et al The delta-opioid receptor Molecular pharmacology, signal transduction, and the determination of drug efficacy. Pharmacol Rev 1999 51 503. [PMID 10471416]... 

Sharp BM, Shahabi NA, Heagy W, McAllen K, Bell M, Huntoon C, McKean DJ (1996) Dual signal transduction through delta opioid receptors in a transfected human T-cell line. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 93 8294-8299. 

Endogenous opioid receptors have been identified, cloned, and sequenced. They are members of the trimeric G-protein-binding superfamily, which are coupled to signal transduction via adenyl cyclase, and to Ca and ion-channel transport. Three major receptor subtypes are known (mu, kappa, and delta). Mu (p) receptor activation results in sedation, euphoria (via dopamine release), analgesia, respiratory depression, and GI dysmoflity. Kappa (k) receptors mediate spinal analgesia, miosis (via acetylcholine... 

Signal transduction mechanism for mu, delta, and kappa receptors is via the Gi/o proteins. Thus, the activation of the ensuing opioid receptors is directly associated with the G protein to an inhibition of the critical adenylate cylase activity. Consequently, the ultimate lowering in cAMP production essentially affords an efflux of ions, and finally gives rise to hyperpolarization of the nerve cell. ... 

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