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Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2008

Richard J Bodnar1

  • 1Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, United States. richard.bodnar@qc.cuny.edu

Peptides
|October 2, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This review covers 2008 research on the endogenous opioid system, detailing how manipulating opioid peptides and receptors affects behavior. It explores their roles in pain, stress, addiction, and various physiological functions.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • The endogenous opioid system plays a crucial role in regulating numerous physiological and behavioral processes.
  • Annual reviews are essential for synthesizing the rapidly evolving research in this complex field.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive summary of research published in 2008 concerning the endogenous opioid system.
  • To analyze the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological, and genetic manipulations of opioid system components.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of studies published in 2008.
  • Categorization of research based on specific behavioral and physiological outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Extensive research in 2008 investigated the behavioral consequences of altering opioid peptides, receptors, agonists, and antagonists.
  • Studies examined the opioid system's involvement in pain, stress, addiction, learning, eating, and various organ system functions.

Conclusions:

  • The endogenous opioid system remains a critical area of research with broad implications for understanding behavior and treating diverse conditions.
  • Continued investigation into opioid system's molecular and genetic underpinnings is vital for future therapeutic advancements.

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