Salvinorin A: a novel and highly selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist.
kappa-opioid receptors (KORs) represent the principal site of action of dynorphin and related neuropeptides. Recently, Salvinorin A--a naturally occurring neoclerodane diterpene hallucinogen was identified to be a highly selective KOR agonist. In this brief review we summarize the known chemistry, pharmacology and biology of salvinorin A. Because salvinorin A profoundly alters human consciousness and perception, a study of how salvinorin A exerts its actions on KORs may yield novel insights into the molecular and cellular basis of uniquely human higher cortical functions.
Yan
Feng
F
Department of Biochemistry, RM W441, Case Western Reserve University Medical School, 2109 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
Roth
Bryan L
BL
D000818:Animals; D004224:Diterpenes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D045785:Diterpenes, Clerodane; D006801:Humans; D017473:Receptors, Opioid, kappa / Q000819:agonists*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D004224:Diterpenes; D045785:Diterpenes, Clerodane; D017473:Receptors, Opioid, kappa; C090499:salvinorin A