Cell communication

Fentanyl

A synthetic opioid that acts as an agonist for opioid receptors.

Mu-opioid receptor (MOR)

The primary receptor through which fentanyl exerts its effects, part of the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily.

Signal transduction pathway

The process by which a signal is transmitted through the receptor to elicit a cellular response.

Binding of fentanyl to mu-opioid receptor

Fentanyl binds to the extracellular domain of the mu-opioid receptor.

Conformational change in receptor

Upon binding of the ligand (fentanyl), the receptor undergoes a change that activates the G-protein.

G-protein activation

Involves the activation of the Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunits upon receptor activation.

Effect of activated Gα subunit

Inhibits adenylate cyclase, leading to decreased cAMP levels and reduced protein kinase A activity.

Hyperpolarization of neurons

Reduces the excitability of neurons, impacting their ability to transmit signals.

Inhibition of neurotransmitter release

Diminishes the transmission of pain signals, contributing to pain relief.