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kappa opioid receptors

·April 17, 2020·6 min read

A key brain region for controlling binge drinking has been found

Turning off kappa opioid receptors in the brain decreases the urge the binge drink. Findings suggest the kappa opioid receptor system is important not only for the negative state of withdrawal but also for driving binge drinking behaviors.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain

·March 13, 2019·5 min read

Blunting pain’s emotional component

Blocking the release of dynorphin, researchers restore motivation in animals experiencing pain. The findings may help in the development of new, less addictive, pain medications.

Featured Psychology

·November 6, 2017·2 min read

New Drug Shows Potential As Different Kind of Antidepressant: Mouse Study

A new compound known as BU10119 blocks kappa opioid receptors, creating an antidepressant effect in mice, researchers say.

This image shows a person scratching their arm.

Featured Neuroscience

·September 24, 2014·3 min read

Researchers Identify Brain Areas Activated by Itch Relieving Drug

Opioid receptors involved in itch relief, a new study reports.

The image shows a PET scan of a normal brain.

Featured Psychology

·September 17, 2014·5 min read

Neuroimaging Study Pinpoints Neurobiological Basis for Key Symptoms Associated with PTSD

A new neuroimaging study links kappa opioid receptors in the brain to a narrow cluster of symptoms associated with PTSD.

Featured Neuroscience

·January 13, 2014·3 min read

Scientists Develop Promising Drug Candidates for Pain, Addiction

Researchers describe a pair of drug candidates which advance the search for new treatments for addiction, pain and other disorders.

The diagram shows the location of the amygdala in the brain.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 12, 2013·4 min read

Researchers Point to Brain’s ‘Dark Side’ as Key to Cocaine Addiction

A new study provides evidence that the central amygdala, an area of the brain associated with emotion, plays a major role in sustaining cocaine addiction.