Kappa Opioids, Salvinorin A and Major Depressive Disorder.
Current neuropharmacology January 1, 2016 George T Taylor, Francesca Manzella
Opioids, long known for pain and addiction, are now recognized as central to mood regulation, potentially shifting focus from monoamine neurotransmitters to opioid systems in depression. Dynorphin, the last major endogenous opioid discovered, and its kappa receptor have distinct, often opposite effects from mu-receptor opioids like beta-endorphin and morphine. This review examines dynorphin/kappa neurobiology in relation to major depressive disorder (MDD). Salvinorin A, a plant-based kappa agonist, shows a complex pharmacological profile beyond kappa agonism, making it a promising candidate for MDD treatment research.