In: Biology
For Opiates answer the following:
- Type of receptor it binds to. Ion channel recept or GPCRs, is it excitatory or inhibitory on postsynaptic cell.
- Identify the endogenous molecule that the drug is interacting with and how it changes its function.
-Discuss the changing synaptic transmission by drugs based on the neural circuits that are affected.
The opiates bind to three receptors . All the three receptors that the opiate binds to are G-protein coupled receptors.
These receptors are:
Opiates elicit an inhibitory action on postsynaptic cells.
The endogenously produced opiates are beta-endorphin, the met- and leu-enkephalins, and the dynorphins.
They cause postsynaptic inhibition of cell firing . They may also cause a presynaptic reduction in the release of excitatory transmitters. These mechanisms result in inhibition of discharge of nerve cells. There is direct inhibition of cell firing by opening membrane potassium channels and hyper polarizing the membrane, in case of the cells of myenteric plexus. If hyperpolarization occurs on nerve cell processes,it can lead to reduction in transmitter release by blocking action potential propagation and by reducing the entry of calcium during action potential.