DAMGO: Difference between revisions

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'''DAMGO''' is a synthetic peptide with potent [[opioid]] agonist properties. Named from an acronym of its chemical structure, it is often used in scientific research due to its ability to selectively activate the [[mu-opioid receptor]] over other opioid receptors.
{{DISPLAYTITLE:DAMGO}}


==Chemical Structure==
== Overview ==
DAMGO is a [[tetrapeptide]], meaning it is composed of four [[amino acids]]. Its full chemical name is [D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol]-enkephalin, which is often abbreviated to DAMGO. The D-Ala2 refers to the D-isomer of [[alanine]] at the second position, N-MePhe4 refers to N-methyl-[[phenylalanine]] at the fourth position, and Gly-ol refers to [[glycine]] with an alcohol group attached.
'''DAMGO''' is a synthetic peptide that acts as a selective agonist for the [[mu-opioid receptor]]. It is widely used in [[neuroscience]] research to study the effects of mu-opioid receptor activation. The chemical structure of DAMGO is [[D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol5]] enkephalin, which is a modified form of the naturally occurring [[enkephalins]].


==Pharmacology==
== Structure ==
DAMGO is a potent [[agonist]] at the mu-opioid receptor, meaning it binds to and activates this receptor. It has a high affinity for the mu-opioid receptor, and a much lower affinity for the delta and kappa opioid receptors. This selectivity makes it a useful tool in research to study the effects of mu-opioid receptor activation.
[[File:DAMGO_Structure.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of DAMGO]]
DAMGO is a peptide with the sequence [[D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol5]] enkephalin. The modifications in its structure, such as the D-alanine and N-methylphenylalanine, enhance its selectivity and affinity for the mu-opioid receptor compared to natural enkephalins.


==Effects==
== Mechanism of Action ==
Activation of the mu-opioid receptor by DAMGO can have a variety of effects, depending on the location of the receptor. In the [[central nervous system]], these effects can include [[analgesia]], [[sedation]], and changes in mood. In the [[peripheral nervous system]], effects can include changes in [[gastrointestinal motility]] and [[respiration]].
DAMGO binds to the [[mu-opioid receptor]], which is a [[G-protein coupled receptor]] (GPCR) located in the [[central nervous system]]. Upon binding, DAMGO activates the receptor, leading to the inhibition of [[adenylate cyclase]], reduction of [[cAMP]] levels, and subsequent decrease in [[neurotransmitter]] release. This results in analgesic effects and other physiological responses associated with opioid receptor activation.


==Research Use==
== Applications in Research ==
DAMGO is often used in scientific research to study the mu-opioid receptor. Its selectivity for this receptor over other opioid receptors allows researchers to isolate the effects of mu-opioid receptor activation. This can be useful in studying the role of the mu-opioid receptor in pain, addiction, and other processes.
DAMGO is primarily used in [[pharmacological]] and [[neuroscience]] research to investigate the role of mu-opioid receptors in pain modulation, reward pathways, and [[addiction]]. It serves as a tool to understand the physiological and behavioral effects of opioid receptor activation without the complications of using endogenous opioids.


==See Also==
== Related Pages ==
* [[Mu-opioid receptor]]
* [[Enkephalin]]
* [[Opioid receptor]]
* [[Opioid receptor]]
* [[Opioid peptide]]
* [[G-protein coupled receptor]]
* [[Enkephalin]]
 
[[Category:Opioids]]
[[Category:Peptides]]
[[Category:Neurotransmitters]]


{{stub}}
[[Category:Opioid peptides]]
[[Category:Neuroscience]]

Latest revision as of 03:44, 13 February 2025


Overview[edit]

DAMGO is a synthetic peptide that acts as a selective agonist for the mu-opioid receptor. It is widely used in neuroscience research to study the effects of mu-opioid receptor activation. The chemical structure of DAMGO is D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol5 enkephalin, which is a modified form of the naturally occurring enkephalins.

Structure[edit]

Chemical structure of DAMGO

DAMGO is a peptide with the sequence D-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol5 enkephalin. The modifications in its structure, such as the D-alanine and N-methylphenylalanine, enhance its selectivity and affinity for the mu-opioid receptor compared to natural enkephalins.

Mechanism of Action[edit]

DAMGO binds to the mu-opioid receptor, which is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) located in the central nervous system. Upon binding, DAMGO activates the receptor, leading to the inhibition of adenylate cyclase, reduction of cAMP levels, and subsequent decrease in neurotransmitter release. This results in analgesic effects and other physiological responses associated with opioid receptor activation.

Applications in Research[edit]

DAMGO is primarily used in pharmacological and neuroscience research to investigate the role of mu-opioid receptors in pain modulation, reward pathways, and addiction. It serves as a tool to understand the physiological and behavioral effects of opioid receptor activation without the complications of using endogenous opioids.

Related Pages[edit]