Opioid Receptors

Opioid receptors are currently classified into three groups, κ, δ and μ receptors. Subtypes within each group have been suggested including μ1, μ2, δ1, δ2, κ1, κ2, and κ3. An opioid-like receptor with a high degree of homology to μ, δ and κ-opioid receptors has been cloned and termed the orphan opioid receptor (NOP, ORL1). This receptor has a distinct pharmacological profile from the classical opioid receptors and an endogenous ligand, nociceptin (orphanin FQ) has been identified.

Receptor Data

Opioid Receptor Data

Receptor Subtypeμ (MOP, OP3)δ (DOP, OP1)κ (KOP, OP2)NOP (ORL1, OP4)
G proteinGi/oGi/oGi/oGi/o
Transduction MechanismActivation of inwardly rectifying K+ channels, inhibition of Ca2+ channels, inhibition of adenylyl cyclase
Localization in CNSAnterior cingulate cortex, neocortex, amygdala, hippocampus, ventral dentate gyrus, presubiculum, nucleus accumbens, caudate putamen, thalamus, habenula, interpeduncular nucleus, pars compacta of the substantia nigra, superior and inferior colliculi, raphe nucleiMedial habenula, hypothalamus, pons, medulla, dorsal root ganglion, caudate putamen, medial habenula, tegmentum, trigeminal nucleusClaustrum, endopiriform nucleus, caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, midline nuclear group of the thalamus, superficial grey layer of the superior colliculus, central grey, caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, thalamus, interpeduncular nucleiCortex, olfactory bulb, suprachiasmatic nucleus, amygdala, nucleus accumbens, thalamic nuclei, hypothalamus, hippocampus, septum, superior colliculus
Likely Physiological RolesRespiration, cardiovascular functions, feeding, learning and memory, intestinal transit, locomotor activity, thermoregulation, hormone secretion, immune functionsAnalgesia, motor integration, gastrointestinal motility, olfaction, respiration, cognitive function, mood driven behaviorRegulation of nociception, diuresis, feeding, neuroendocrine secretionsMotor and balance control, reinforcement and reward, nociception, the stress response, sexual behavior, aggression, autonomic control of physiological processes
Key Selective AgonistsEndomorphin-1 (1055)
Endomorphin-2 (1056)
DAMGO (1171)
 
SNC 80 (0764)
SB 205607 (0921)
DPDPE (1431)
(±)-U-50488 (0495)
BRL 52537 (0699)
Dynorphin A (3195)
 
Nociceptin (0910)
MCOPPB (3763) SCH 221510 (3240)
Key Selective Antagonistsβ-Funaltrexamine (0926)
CTOP (1578)
Cyprodime (2601)
Naltrindole (0740)
Naltriben (0892)
BNTX maleate (0899)
nor-Binaltorphimine (0347)
DIPPA (0794)
GNTI (1282)
UFP-101 (1552)
(±)-J 113397 (2598)
JTC 801 (2481)

References

Dhawan et al (1996) International union of pharmacology. XII. Classification of Opioid Receptors. Pharmacol Rev. 48 567.
Cox et al (2009) Opioid receptors, introductory chapter. Last modified on 13/10/2009. Accessed on 27/02/2013. IUPHAR database (IUPHAR-DB).