All opioids interact with which type of receptors?

Opioids specifically bind to and interact with opioid receptors, which are a group of receptors located throughout the body, particularly in the brain, spinal cord, and digestive tract. These receptors are part of the body's endogenous pain control system and include mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors. When opioids attach to these receptors, they inhibit pain signals and produce effects such as analgesia (pain relief), sedation, and euphoria. Understanding this interaction is crucial for comprehending how opioids work therapeutically and their potential for misuse and addiction.

The other types of receptors mentioned—serotonin, dopamine, and GABA—are involved in different neurotransmission systems that manage mood, reward, and inhibitory control in the brain, but they are not the primary targets for opioid action. While opioids may have secondary effects on these systems, their primary mechanism of action is firmly rooted in their interaction with opioid receptors.