Pharmacodynamics of opioids: recent developments.
The pharmacodynamic phase of a drug describes its interaction with its biological receptor and the creation or prevention of a signal that subsequently leads to the phenomenon, the biological response. Molecular definition of the ligands interaction with its target proteins might be the appropriate approach for understanding the action of opioid and opioid-like drugs. Characterization of the ligand as well as of the receptor protein is essential for this rational approach. This review shows some aspects how far research has come. We are now at the beginning of understanding what perfect peptidomimetics like morphine are actually mimicking, an understanding, that has led to new efficient molecular tools for the pharmacology of opioids.
Folkers
G
G
Department of Pharmacy, ETH Zürich, Switzerland.
Michael
M
M
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009294:Narcotics / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
D009294:Narcotics; D011957:Receptors, Opioid