The term ‘opioids’ refers to a class of psychoactive substances derived from the poppy plant (including opium, morphine and codeine), as well as semi-synthetic forms (including heroin) and synthetic compounds (including methadone and buprenorphine) with similar properties. Illicit use of opioids generally involves injecting, or inhaling the fumes produced by heating the drug.
Opioids have many effects on the brain, mediated through specific receptors. The key opioid receptor subtype is μ, which mediates euphoria, as well as respiratory depression, and is the main target for opioids while the κ receptor is involved in mood regulation.
Source: Emmanuelle Pinjon, Irish Medical Times, 01/12/2010
Posted by Andy on 12/02 at 10:05 AM in
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