Researchers have spent 40 years trying to find out how the chemical element sodium controls the signaling of opioid receptors in the brain - a class of receptors that play an important role in pain disorders and addictions. Now, scientists from The Scripps Research Institute and the University of North Carolina say they have finally uncovered the mechanism.
The research team, led by Dr. Gustavo Fenalti of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), says their findings could lead to the development of new drugs for an array of brain-related medical conditions.
Opioid receptors are naturally triggered by peptide neurotransmitters - endorphins, dynorphins and enkephalins - in the brain.
Synthetic and plant-derived drugs, such as morphine, codeine, oxycodone and heroin, can also activate opioid receptors by mimicking peptide neurotransmitters.
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