Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Delta opioid receptor
Introduction
δ-Opioid receptors are a class of opioid receptor which have enkephalins as their endogenous ligands.
Function
Function
Activation of the receptors produces analgesia. Some research suggests that they may also be related to seizures.
Until quite recently, there were few pharmacological tools for the study of δ receptors. As a consequence, our understanding of their function is much more limited than those of the other opioid receptors.
Recent work indicates that exogenous ligands which activate the delta receptors mimic the phenomenon known as ischemic preconditioning. Experimentally, if short periods of transient ischemia are induced the downstream tissues are robustly protected if longer-duration interruption of the blood supply is then effected.
Opiates and opioids with delta activity mimic this effect. In the rat model introduction of delta active ligands results in significant cardioprotection.
External links
External links
- IUPHAR GPCR Database – δ opioid receptor
- delta+Opioid+Receptor at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)