The antidepressant -like effects of delta-opioid receptor agonists.
Activation of the delta-opioid receptor (DOR) system produces an interesting behavioral profile distinct from that of other opioids. Unlike mu- and kappa-opioid agonists, delta-opioid agonists alone have limited pain-relieving qualities as measured in morphine-sensitive antinociceptive assays. Recent evidence, however, suggests that the DOR system may play a role in regulating mood and emotional states. For example, DOR activation stimulates robust antidepressant-like effects in preclinical assays, suggesting that these compounds may have therapeutic potential for treating human depression. This review discusses the role of the DORs in depression and the antidepressant-like effects of delta-opioid agonists as well as their limitations.
Jutkiewicz
Emily M
EM
Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Medical Science Research Building III, 1150 W Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0632, USA. ejutkiew@umich.edu
D000818:Animals; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D003292:Convulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D017465:Receptors, Opioid, delta / Q000819:agonists* / Q000378:metabolism
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D003292:Convulsants; D017465:Receptors, Opioid, delta