Article

The delta opioid receptor: an evolving target for the treatment of brain disorders.

Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale/Université de Strasbourg, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France.
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences (impact factor: 10.93). 09/2011; 32(10):581-90. DOI:10.1016/j.tips.2011.06.008 pp.581-90
Source: PubMed

ABSTRACT Compared to the better-known mu opioid receptor, delta opioid receptors have been relatively understudied. However, the development of highly selective delta opioid agonists and the availability of genetic mouse models have extended our knowledge of delta opioid receptors in vivo. Here we review recent developments in the characterization of delta opioid receptor biology and aspects of delta opioid receptor function that have potential for therapeutic targeting. Preclinical data have confirmed that delta opioid receptor activation reduces persistent pain and improves negative emotional states; clinical trials have been initiated to assess the effectiveness of delta opioid agonists in chronic pain and depression. Furthermore, a possible role for these receptors in neuroprotection is being investigated. The usefulness of targeting delta opioid receptors in drug abuse remains open and a role for these receptors in impulse control disorders is emerging. Finally, the recent demonstration of biased agonism at the delta opioid receptor in vivo opens novel perspectives towards targeting specific therapeutic effects through drug design.

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Keywords

better-known mu opioid receptor
 
chronic pain
 
clinical trials
 
delta opioid agonists
 
delta opioid receptor
 
delta opioid receptor activation
 
delta opioid receptor biology
 
delta opioid receptor function
 
delta opioid receptors
 
drug abuse
 
drug design
 
genetic mouse models
 
impulse control disorders
 
negative emotional states
 
novel perspectives
 
possible role
 
Preclinical data
 
recent demonstration
 
selective delta opioid agonists
 
specific therapeutic effects