Affiliation:
1. Pain Relief & Palliative/Supportive Care Unit, La Maddalena Cancer Center, Palermo, Italy
2. Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Abstract
Introduction:
Similarly to the μ opioid receptor, kappa opioid receptor (KOR), is
present either in the central nervous system or in peripheral tissues. In the last years, several
molecules, able to interact with KOR, have been the focus of basic research for their therapeutic
potential in the field of chronic pain, as well as in depression, autoimmune disorders and
neurological diseases.
Discussion:
The role of KOR system and the consequent clinical effects derived by its activation
or inhibition are discussed. Their potential therapeutic utilization in conditions of stress
and drug relapse, besides chronic pain, is presented here, including the possible use of KORagonists
in drug addiction. Moreover, the potential role of KOR-antagonists, KOR agonistantagonists
and peripheral KOR agonists is proposed.
Conclusion:
Other than pain, KORs have a role in regulating reward and mood. Due to its
location, KORs seem to mediate interactions between psychiatric disorders, addiction and depression.
Experimental studies in animal models have identified brain mechanisms that may
contribute to clarify specific pathophysiological processes.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Pharmacology,Molecular Medicine,Drug Discovery,Biochemistry,Organic Chemistry
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