Delta-opioid receptor
Delta-opioid receptor
The Delta-opioid receptor (pronounced as DEL-ta OH-pee-oid re-SEP-ter), often abbreviated as DOR, is one of the three main types of opioid receptors found in the human body. The other two are the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) and the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR).
Etymology
The term "Delta-opioid receptor" is derived from the Greek letter Delta (Δ), used in the classification of opioid receptors, along with Mu (μ) and Kappa (κ). The term "opioid" refers to any substance, whether endogenous or synthetic, that binds to these receptors.
Function
Delta-opioid receptors are primarily involved in the modulation of pain perception and mood regulation. They are also implicated in the regulation of appetite, stress response, and immune system function. Activation of DORs can produce analgesia, antidepressant-like effects, and a decrease in anxiety-like behavior.
Distribution
Delta-opioid receptors are widely distributed throughout the body, but are particularly concentrated in the brain, especially in areas involved in pain perception and emotional regulation, such as the amygdala, periaqueductal gray, and nucleus accumbens.
Related Terms
- Opioid: A broad class of drugs that includes natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic substances, all of which bind to opioid receptors.
- Endorphin: Endogenous opioids produced by the body that bind to and activate opioid receptors.
- Enkephalin: A type of endorphin that has a high affinity for delta-opioid receptors.
- Naloxone: A drug that acts as an antagonist at opioid receptors, blocking their activation.
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