Dermorphin
Also known as: Dermorphin
Dermorphin is a naturally occurring opioid heptapeptide originally isolated from the skin of South American Phyllomedusa frogs that acts as an extremely potent and selective mu-opioid receptor agonist.
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Mechanism of Action
Dermorphin is a D-amino-acid-containing heptapeptide (Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2) that binds with very high affinity and selectivity to the mu-opioid receptor (MOR), a Gi/Go-coupled GPCR. Activation inhibits adenylyl cyclase, reduces cAMP, opens inwardly rectifying potassium channels and closes voltage-gated calcium channels, producing potent analgesia. The unnatural D-alanine residue confers resistance to peptidase degradation, giving it analgesic potency reported to be many times greater than morphine on a molar basis.
- Half-life
- Relatively short; on the order of minutes to a couple of hours depending on route
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous
- Research Status
- Research Chemical
Reported Benefits
- Extremely potent analgesic activity in animal models
- High selectivity for the mu-opioid receptor
- Peptidase resistance from D-amino-acid content
- Used as a research probe for opioid receptor pharmacology
Potential Side Effects
- Respiratory depression
- Sedation and drowsiness
- Physical dependence and tolerance with repeated use
- Constipation and gastrointestinal slowing
- Risk of overdose given high potency
Common Dosing
No legitimate human dosing exists; it is encountered in research and as a doping agent in animals. For laboratory research use only and never intended for human administration.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Not for human use under any circumstance
- Avoid with other opioids or CNS depressants
- Respiratory insufficiency
- History of substance use disorder
No documented stacking partners for Dermorphin yet.
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Amino acid composition and sequence of dermorphin, a novel opiate-like peptide from the skin of Phyllomedusa sauvagei
1981
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Pharmacological data on dermorphins, a new class of potent opioid peptides from amphibian skin
1981
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Rediscovery of old drugs: the forgotten case of dermorphin for postoperative pain and palliation
2018
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Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of dermorphin in the horse
2015