Opiates Flashcards
Around what % of codeine is converted to morphine?
5-10%
What are mu opioid receptors important for?
Nociception
Sensorimotor function
What are the chemical names for heroin and codeine?
Heroin = diacetylmorphine Codeine = Methyl morphine
Where are mu opioid receptors located?
Cerebellum, caudate, NA
Which of the synthetic opiates has the highest lipophilicity?
Fentanyl
What is the most potent active metabolite of morphine?
Morphine-6-glucuronide
Recall 2 synthetic opiate drugs
Methadone
Fentanyl
What is naxolone?
Antagonist of opioid receptors - due to extended side chain on tertiary nitrogen
Recall the 3 types of opioid receptor and the types of opioid that act on them?
Mu - endorphins
Delta - Enkephalins
Kappa - Dynorphins
Recall 5 side effects of opiate use
- Depression of respiration (medulla)
- Stimulation of CTZ
- Miosis
- GI effects
- Urticaria
What is the most significant between synthetic opiates and natural opiates?
Synthetic drugs have a much higher lipophilicity
What chemical group determines the efficacy of an opiate drug?
OH groups bound to nitrogen
Recall the sites of conversion to morphine of heroin and codeine
Heroin - brain (can cross the BBB)
Codeine - outside brain
Recall 3 mechanisms by which endogenous opioids have a depressive effect on cells
- Increase K+ efflux to cause hyperpolarisation
- Decrease Ca++ efflux
- Decrease AC activity
Describe the structure activity relationship of opiate action
Tertiary nitrogen permits receptor anchoring
Extension of side chain changes the drug from an agonist to an antagonist