Nociceptin receptor

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

opiate receptor-like 1
Identifiers
Symbol	OPRL1
HUGO	8155
Entrez	4987
OMIM	602548
RefSeq	NM_000913
UniProt	P41146
Other data
Locus	Chr. 20 [1]

An additional opioid receptor has been identified and cloned based on homology with the cDNA. This receptor is known as the nociceptin receptor or ORL 1 receptor. Its natural ligand is known alternately as nociceptin or orphanin.^[1]

Nociceptin is thought to be an endogenous antagonist of dopamine transport that may act either directly on dopamine or by inhibiting GABA to effect dopamine levels [2]. Within the central nervous system its action can be either similar or opposite to those of opioids depending on their location [3]. It controls a wide range of biological functions ranging from nociception to food intake, from memory processes to cardiovascular and renal functions, from spontaneous locomotor activity to gastrointestinal motility, from anxiety to the control of neurotransmitter release at peripheral and central sites[4].

ORL 1 agonists are being studied as treatments for heart failure and migraine [5] while nociceptin antagonists may have antidepressant qualities [6]. The novel drug buprenorphine is a partial agonist at ORL 1 receptors while its metabolite norbuprenorphine is a full agonist at these receptors [7].

[edit] References

^ Henderson G, McKnight A (1997). "The orphan opioid receptor and its endogenous ligand--nociceptin/orphanin FQ". Trends Pharmacol Sci 18 (8): 293-300. PMID 9277133.