Delta opioid receptor

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opioid receptor, delta 1
Identifiers
SymbolOPRD1
Entrez4985
HUGO8153
OMIM165195
RefSeqNM_000911
UniProtP41143
Other data
LocusChr. 1 p36.1-34.3

δ-Opioid receptors are a class of opioid receptor which have enkephalins as their endogenous ligands.

Function

Activation of the receptors produces analgesia. Some research suggests that they may also be related to seizures.

Until quite recently, there were few pharmacological tools for the study of δ receptors. As a consequence, our understanding of their function is much more limited than those of the other opioid receptors.

Recent work indicates that exogenous ligands which activate the delta receptors mimic the phenomenon known as ischemic preconditioning. Experimentally, if short periods of transient ischemia are induced the downstream tissues are robustly protected if longer-duration interruption of the blood supply is then effected.

Opiates and opioids with delta activity mimic this effect. In the rat model introduction of delta active ligands results in significant cardioprotection.

External links

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