A delta-selective counterpart to the mu-selective dermorphin, also built around a position-2 D-amino acid.
Also known as: deltorphin A · dermenkephalin
Part of the Neuropeptides & signaling cluster
Overview
Deltorphin (deltorphin A / dermenkephalin) is a naturally occurring opioid heptapeptide from Phyllomedusa frog skin and a potent, highly selective delta-opioid receptor agonist. Its D-methionine confers stability and notable blood-brain barrier penetration. It is a research peptide, and this page is educational only.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Skin secretions of Phyllomedusa frogs (e.g. P. bicolor, P. sauvagei)
Primary research or clinical context: Naturally occurring peptide and research tool in opioid pharmacology; not a Health Canada-authorized product
Delta selectivity
Deltorphin, Tyr-D-Met-Phe-His-Leu-Met-Asp-NH2, is one of the most delta-selective opioid peptides known, contrasting with the mu selectivity of dermorphin from the same frogs. Like other frog-skin opioids it carries a D-amino acid at position 2, and it is noted for comparatively good blood-brain barrier penetration among peptide opioids.
Research role
Deltorphin is widely used to probe delta-opioid receptor pharmacology in laboratory models, helping researchers dissect the roles of mu versus delta signalling. It is not authorized by Health Canada and is not a medicine. This page describes its chemistry and biology for education only and makes no therapeutic claim.
FAQ about Deltorphin
What is Deltorphin?+
Deltorphin (deltorphin A / dermenkephalin) is a naturally occurring opioid heptapeptide from Phyllomedusa frog skin and a potent, highly selective delta-opioid receptor agonist. Its D-methionine confers stability and notable blood-brain barrier penetration. It is a research peptide, and this page is educational only.
Is Deltorphin an approved medicine?+
Deltorphin is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Naturally occurring peptide and research tool in opioid pharmacology; not a Health Canada-authorized product. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Deltorphin?+
Deltorphin is commonly described as approximately 7 amino acids (Exogenous opioid heptapeptide (frog skin)).