Posted by Dopamine123 on February 21, 2008, at 12:16:13
In reply to Re: Salvia and kappa-opioids., posted by kingcolon on January 30, 2008, at 18:19:07
"I would think kappa agonists would not be what you would want if you have depression or anxiety."
Yes kappa opioid agonists are known for their dysphoric effects.
"Kappa is the "ugly" opioid receptor whose endogenous ligand is dynorphin. The dynorphin/kappa-opioid receptor system is implicated in the unpleasant states of mind caused by chronic uncontrolled stress. Repeated use of cocaine, heroin, alcohol and other euphoriant drugs induce a compensatory up-regulation the dynorphin/kappa-opioid receptor system too, causing anxiety, anhedonia and dysphoria. Whereas mu opioids induce euphoria by enhancing dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, activation of kappa opioid receptors inhibits dopamine release from the mesolimbic terminals. This deficiency is unpleasant because the mesolimbic dopamine system regulates hedonic tone and the capacity to experience (and anticipate) happiness."
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poster:Dopamine123
thread:808350
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20080204/msgs/813914.html