Opioids slot into opioid receptors and activate them. This sends signals to your brain to relieve pain and promote pleasure. Both endogenous opioids, which your body naturally produces, and exogenous ...

Two different versions of the mu-opioid receptor within a cellular membrane illustrate how the receptor changes its conformation to send a signal into the cell. Scientists captured six high-resolution ...

An internationally recognized leader in molecular pharmacology and neurobiology, Dr. Bohn recently joined USF Health. She is ...

Opioid receptors are a subset of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs). These membrane proteins transmit signals into the cell ...

Kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) agonists represent a promising class of compounds that modulate pain, mood and various neurobehavioural processes. Unlike traditional opioids that primarily target the ...

Researchers identified the structure of an opioid receptor in the brain during active engagement with a drug molecule. The discovery could facilitate the creation of safer and more effective opioid ...

Drugs that target opioid receptors sometimes have severe side effects. Thousands of people around the world die every day from overdoses involving opioids such as fentanyl. Researchers have taken a ...

Mapping how Narcan reverses opioid overdose can provide a molecular blueprint for developing more effective drugs against overdose.

Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) is an endogenous peptide that plays a critical role in modulating opioid receptor function. Its dual capacity to influence both opioid-induced analgesia and tolerance has ...

An experimental drug developed at Duke University School of Medicine could offer powerful pain relief without the dangerous side effects of opioids. The drug, called SBI-810, is part of a new ...

Opioid receptors are proteins in the nervous system that interact with opioids. Opioid receptors are part of the endogenous opioid system. This is the body’s internal system for regulating pain, ...