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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 2, 2025

Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model
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The opioid system in depression.

Luke A Jelen1, James M Stone2, Allan H Young1

  • 1Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.

Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|August 1, 2022
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The endogenous opioid system is dysregulated in depression. Modulating mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors shows potential for novel antidepressant treatments.

Keywords:
Delta opioid receptor (DOR)DepressionKappa opioid receptor (KOR)Mu opioid receptor (MOR)Nociceptin opioid receptor (NOP)Opioid system

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Opioid receptors are crucial for mood, reward, and well-being.
  • The endogenous opioid system appears dysregulated in depression.
  • Mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptor modulators may treat depression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence for opioid system involvement in depression.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of opioidergic agents as antidepressants.
  • To explore the opioid system's role in other antidepressant mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Review of animal and clinical data.
  • Evaluation of clinical trials on opioidergic agents.
  • Analysis of neurochemical and molecular mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Evidence supports opioid system dysregulation in depression.
  • Opioidergic modulation impacts depression-associated behaviors and brain regions.
  • Opioid system engagement shows potential in antidepressant responses.

Conclusions:

  • The opioid system is a relevant target for depression treatment.
  • Further investigation into opioidergic agents is warranted.
  • Understanding opioid system interactions may enhance other therapies.