Posted by jrbecker76 on July 21, 2008, at 23:48:24
In reply to stress, dynorphin, kappa opioid receptors, posted by linkadge on May 28, 2008, at 11:04:07
> So apparently kappa opioid receptor agonism can cause depression by inhibiting the release of dopamine in the neucleus accumbens.
>
> Stress increases the levels of dynorphin in the neucleus accumbens which is a agonist at kappa opiod receptors.
>
> Buprenorphine is a fairly potent kappa antagonist.
>
> Exercise decreases dynorphin levels in the neucleus accumbens (antidepressant effect?)
> Also the TCA's appear to decrease dynorphin levels.
>
> Anyhow sounds like an interesting target for mood disorders. Anyone have any input?
>
> Linkadge
>
>p38 kinase ihibitors, currently in trials by a number of companies for COPD and other inflammatory disorders, inhibits kappa activity. In early animal testing, it showed strong inhibition of dysphoria. It is currently being explored as an antidepressant by GSK.
JB
poster:jrbecker76
thread:831631
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20080706/msgs/841356.html