Abstract
The endogenous opioid peptides belong to three groups: the endorphins, the enkephalins and the dynorphins. These three groups are clearly distinct chemical families derived from three different precursor peptides: pro-opiomelanocortin. proenkephalin and prodynorphin. Endogenous opioid peptides are present as well in the brain as in the periphery and interact with opioid receptors. Three subtypes of opioid receptors are now generally accepted: mu. delta and kappa. Enkephalins are preferential1y active at de1ta-receptor, beta-endorphin is very potent at both mu- and delta-receptors, while dynorphins shou kappa-receptor preference.
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© 1986 MTP Press Limited
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Lefebvre, R.A. (1986). Opioid peptides and their receptors. In: Van Miert, A.S.J.P.A.M., Bogaert, M.G., Debackere, M. (eds) Comparative Veterinary Pharmacology, Toxicology and Theraphy. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4153-3_42
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4153-3_42
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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