Opioids and Pain Signaling (from PDB-101)

Pain is one of the most trying experiences of life. On the cellular level it is communicated via special neuronal pathways. On the molecular level, however, pain is communicated like any other sensation, via a set of electrical and chemical signals facilitated by complex molecular machinery. These signals can be modulated by opioids, causing us to feel less pain, or no pain at all. Learn how opioids activate the G-proteins which in turn interact with other proteins to edit the pain signal. Video Guide: 00:06 Pain signaling: 00:25 Electrical Signals: Action Potential 02:47 Chemical Signals: Synaptic Signaling 04:08 Modulation of pain signal by opioids: 04:33 Introduction to opioid receptor (GPCR) and G protein 05:22 G-beta-gamma interactions 05:58 G-alpha interactions 07:09 Blocking the effects of opioids: the mechanism of Naloxone Visit https://pdb101.rcsb.org/browse/drugs-and-the-brain to explore more educational resources on how drugs help tune the function of the brain and nervous system.