Which receptor is associated with diuresis as a systemic effect?

Which receptor is associated with diuresis as a systemic effect?

• A. Mu
• B. Delta
• C. Kappa
• D. All

Answer: (C)

Diuresis from drugs that act on opioid receptors is linked to how these receptors influence water balance hormones. Activation of mu receptors tends to suppress the release of antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) from the posterior pituitary. With less vasopressin, the kidneys reabsorb less water in the collecting ducts, so urine output increases. This makes mu receptor activation the primary driver of systemic diuresis seen with opioids such as morphine. Delta receptors are more closely associated with analgesia, and kappa receptors with dysphoria and other effects; neither is the main mediator of the diuretic response. So the receptor most associated with diuresis is the mu receptor.

Diuresis from drugs that act on opioid receptors is linked to how these receptors influence water balance hormones. Activation of mu receptors tends to suppress the release of antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) from the posterior pituitary. With less vasopressin, the kidneys reabsorb less water in the collecting ducts, so urine output increases. This makes mu receptor activation the primary driver of systemic diuresis seen with opioids such as morphine.

Delta receptors are more closely associated with analgesia, and kappa receptors with dysphoria and other effects; neither is the main mediator of the diuretic response. So the receptor most associated with diuresis is the mu receptor.