Endogenous opioid peptides and opiates, like morphine, transmit their pharmacological effects through membrane bound opioid receptors. Pharmacological studies and molecular cloning have led to the identification of three different types of opioid receptor, mu-type, delta-type and kappa-type, also designated MOR-1, DOR-1 and KOR-1, respectively. MOR-1 is a receptor for beta-endorphin, DOR-1 is a receptor for enkephalins, and KOR-1 is a receptor for dynorphins. The three opioid receptor types are highly homologous and belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors. Opioid receptors have been shown to modulate a range of brain functions, including instinctive behavior and emotions. This regulation is thought to involve the inhibition of neurotransmitter release by reducing calcium ion currents and increasing potassium ion conductance.
