Neural Functions of the Delta-Opioid Receptor

This book is the first to summarize the progress of research on neural functions of the the delta opioid receptor (DOR) to date. This receptor, a member of the opioid receptor family, was traditionally thought to be primarily involved in pain modulation. Recent new findings have shown its unique role in neuroprotection and many other functions. Many scientists from a number of independent laboratories have now confirmed that DOR can provide neuroprotection against hypoxic/ischemic injuries. They have also found that it plays a role in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological events such as hypoxic encephalopathy, epilepsy, acupuncture, Parkinson's disease, etc. by regulating ionic homeostasis, glutamate transportation and signaling, and balancing intracellular survival/death signals. The book will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of DOR research and provide a blueprint for future directions.

This book is the first to summarize the progress of research on neural functions of the the delta opioid receptor (DOR) to date. This receptor, a member of the opioid receptor family, was traditionally thought to be primarily involved in pain modulation. Recent new findings have shown its unique role in neuroprotection and many other functions. Many scientists from a number of independent laboratories have now confirmed that DOR can provide neuroprotection against hypoxic/ischemic injuries. They have also found that it plays a role in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological events such as hypoxic encephalopathy, epilepsy, acupuncture, Parkinson's disease, etc. by regulating ionic homeostasis, glutamate transportation and signaling, and balancing intracellular survival/death signals. The book will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of DOR research and provide a blueprint for future directions.​

Preface.- Current research on the δ-opioid receptor: From neuroprotection against hypoxia/ischemia to broad neural functions.- Recent history on delta opioid receptors and ligands: Biased mechanisms, and opioid delta-mu and delta-kappa receptor heteromers.- Evolutionary distribution of the δ-Opioid Receptor: from invertebrates to humans.- Developmental distribution of the δ-opioid receptor in mammalian brains.- The Role of δ-opioid receptors in brain ionic homeostasis under physiological condition.- The δ-opioid receptor and stabilization of brain ionic homeostasis in hypoxia/ischemia.- Regulation of membrane transporters by delta-opioid receptors.- Neuroprotective interactions between delta-opioid receptors and glutamatergic signaling mediate hypoxia-tolerance in brain.- δ-Opioids and Neurogenesis.-  Delta Opioid Receptor and Peptide: Hibernation for Stroke Therapy.- An important role of the δ-opioid receptor in electroacupuncture-induced protection against ischemic brain injury.- Delta Opioid Receptor in Cerebral Preconditioning.- Delta-opioid receptor-mediated protection and mitochondria.- The delta-opioid system in the brain: A neglected element in Parkinson’s disease?.- Are δ-opioid receptors involved in deep brain stimulation?.- Acupuncture, opioid receptors and Na+ channels: A novel insight into inhibition of epileptic hyperexcitability.- Delta Opioids in Protection of the Heart and Brain.- The Various Functions of Opioids in Pathophysiological Conditions.