Dermorphin

What is Dermorphin?

• Type: Naturally occurring opioid peptide

• Source: Secretions of the Phyllomedusa frog

• Structure: Heptapeptide (7 amino acids)

• Sequence: H-Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH₂

• Receptor Target: Mu-opioid receptor (MOR) — the same receptor targeted by morphine

⚙️ Mechanism of Action:

Dermorphin binds selectively and with high affinity to mu-opioid receptors (MOR) in the brain and spinal cord, producing:

• Analgesia (pain relief)

• Sedation

• Euphoria (in some cases)

Unlike synthetic opioids, dermorphin has D-amino acids in its sequence, which makes it more resistant to enzymatic breakdown, contributing to its potency and duration of action.

🧪 Medical & Experimental Use:

✅ Potential Benefits (mostly in animal research):

• Powerful pain relief at very low doses

• Lower incidence of tolerance and dependence compared to morphine

• Neuroprotective effects (still under study)

🚫 Not FDA-approved for human use

While some experimental studies have investigated dermorphin for postoperative pain or spinal analgesia, it is not approved for medical use due to lack of clinical data and ethical concerns.