Heterotrimeric G proteins are key players in transmembrane signaling by coupling a huge
variety of receptors to channel proteins, enzymes, and other effector molecules. Multiple …

OBJECTIVE: After prolonged opioid exposure, children develop opioid-induced
hyperalgesia, tolerance, and withdrawal. Strategies for prevention and management should …

Drugs targeting the μ-opioid receptor (μOR) are the most effective analgesics available but
are also associated with fatal respiratory depression through a pathway that remains …

Mu-opioid receptor (µOR) agonists such as fentanyl have long been used for pain
management, but are considered a major public health concern owing to their adverse side …

This paper is the 28th consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning
the endogenous opioid system, now spanning over a quarter-century of research. It …

Cancer pain patients need variable opioid doses. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest
that opioid efficacy is related to genetic variability. However, the studies have small samples …

Drugs acting at the opioid receptor family are clinically used to treat chronic and acute pain,
though they represent the second line of treatment behind GABA analogs, antidepressants …

The μ‐opioid receptor (μOR) is the major target for opioid analgesics. Activation of μOR
initiates signaling through G protein pathways as well as through β‐arrestin recruitment …

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are pivotal cell membrane proteins that sense
extracellular molecules and activate cellular responses. The G-protein α subunit i (Gαi) …

Drug-evoked adaptations in the mesolimbic dopamine system are postulated to drive opioid
abuse and addiction. These adaptations vary in magnitude and direction following different …