Salvinorin A: a novel and highly selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist.
Life Sciences October 15, 2004 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2004.07.008 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Salvia divinorum |
| Keywords | Pharmacology Consciousness Kappa-opioid receptors |
| Citations | 68 |
| Key findings | Salvinorin A is a highly selective KOR agonist, and its study may provide insights into the molecular basis of human higher cortical functions. |
Abstract
kappa-opioid receptors (KORs) represent the principal site of action of dynorphin and related neuropeptides. Recently, Salvinorin A--a naturally occurring neoclerodane diterpene hallucinogen was identified to be a highly selective KOR agonist. In this brief review we summarize the known chemistry, pharmacology and biology of salvinorin A. Because salvinorin A profoundly alters human consciousness and perception, a study of how salvinorin A exerts its actions on KORs may yield novel insights into the molecular and cellular basis of uniquely human higher cortical functions.