DAMGO

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.

Chemical Structure

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.

Pharmacology

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.

Effects

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.

Research Use

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.

See Also

• Opioid receptor
• Opioid peptide
• Enkephalin

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