How Do Opiate Agonists Work?
Opiates describe a variety of chemicals that get their name by being derived from opium. Opiates bind to opiate receptors, which are special proteins that are found in the nervous system. When an opiate binds to an opiate receptor, it causes specific nerve pathways to become activated, leading to the effects of the opiate. One of the main opiate receptors is called the “mu” receptor, which is found in certain parts of the brain, including the limbic system, which controls emotions and pain/pleasure feelings). It is thought that this mu receptor is responsible for opiates’ ability to decrease pain and cause euphoria.
