Opiates/Opioids Lecture Review

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the pharmacology and neurobiology of opiates and opioids.

Antagonist

A substance that interferes with or inhibits the physiological action of another.

Agonist

A substance that activates a receptor to produce a biological response.

Endogenous opioids

Natural peptides in the body that bind to opioid receptors and produce effects similar to opiates.

Peptide transmitters

Short chains of amino acids that function as neurotransmitters or hormones.

Opioid receptors

Types of receptors in the body that bind to opioids, including mu (MOR), delta (DOR), kappa (KOR), and nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOPR).

Pharmacodynamics

The study of the effects of drugs and their mechanisms of action.

β-endorphin

The first discovered endogenous opioid, acting similarly to morphine.

Naloxone

An opioid antagonist used to counteract life-threatening depression of the central nervous system.

Dopamine (DA)

A neurotransmitter that plays several important roles in the brain and body, involved in reward and pleasure.

Analgesia

The inability to feel pain, which can be induced by opioid drugs.

Respiratory depression

A decrease in the rate and depth of breathing, which can be a side effect of opioids.

Cough suppression

The action of inhibiting the cough reflex, which can be caused by opioid medications.

Gastrointestinal effects

The effects opioids have on the digestive system, primarily reducing motility.

Pupil constriction

A reaction to opioid use characterized by the narrowing of the pupils.

Metabotropic receptors

Receptors that are not ion channels themselves but can affect ion channels indirectly through G-proteins.

Soma

The part of the neuron that contains the nucleus and is responsible for synthesizing neurotransmitters.

Peptidases

Enzymes that break down peptides into smaller parts.

Placebo effect

An improvement of symptoms due to the belief that one is receiving treatment, which can also involve opioid release.

Endomorphins

A type of endogenous opioid that has strong affinity for mu-opioid receptors.

Kappa receptors (KOR)

Type of opioid receptor associated with dysphoria and not typically abused.

Mu-opioid receptor (MOR)

The primary receptor type targeted by opioid drugs associated with pain relief and euphoria.