δ-opioid receptor

The δ-opioid receptor, also known as delta opioid receptor or simply delta receptor, abbreviated DOR, is a 7-transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor, that has enkephalins as its endogenous ligands. The regions of the brain where the δ-opioid receptor is largely expressed vary from species model to species model. In humans, the δ-opioid receptor is most heavily expressed in the basal ganglia and neocortical regions of the brain; the basal ganglia, which is heavily GABA populated, has been linked to major depressive disorder, suggesting a possible role for the δ-opioid receptor in mood modulation.