[Dermorphins--a natural opioids with unique primary structure that determines their biological specificity]

Abstract

Based on the authors' and published data, the spectrum of biological activities of dermorphins was theoretically analyzed for the first time from the viewpoint of specific structural features of their molecule that determine selective affinity to mu-opiate receptors. It was shown that specific distribution of dermorphins and corresponding opiate receptors in tissues and organs, especially in the CNS structures, determines the role of dermorphins in the regulation of functions of the most important physiological systems.