How Does Narcotic Drug Addiction Occur?
In general, morphine metabolism is a complex process. This metabolite is formed in the stomach due to the actions of a specific enzyme called mu opioid receptor ligand, or simply mu receptors for short. Mu receptors are found on the surface of all cells and are primarily found in the central nervous system and the brain.
Mu receptors are found throughout the body in different parts including the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, and skeletal muscle. These receptors allow for the transfer of morphine from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream. The transfer of this compound into the bloodstream is accomplished through a series of metabolic events that take place in the stomach. The main metabolic activities include:
Oxygenated blood provides the necessary energy for the body and in the case of morphine, it provides vital nutrients to the cells. As the oxygenated blood enters the bloodstream it passes through a series of filters known as the arterioles and is then distributed to various parts of the body.
The process of morphine metabolism is not a very easy one, and in fact there are many areas in the body that do not make use of this powerful and addictive substance. For example, there is an area of the brain called the nucleus accumbens which does not metabolize morphine at all. In order for this drug to reach the brain, morphine must be injected into the body. In fact, it must travel through the pulmonary circulation before reaching the brain where it is converted into its morphine derivative.
The second metabolic stage is one that involves the oxidation of the morphine compound by the enzyme mu-opioid receptor. The mu-opioid receptor has a series of two and a half steps. At first it will form a receptor complex, and then it will convert the morphine molecule into morphine acid. Finally, the morphine acid is released into the blood stream.
The mu receptors located in the lung provide a unique type of pathway that is important in the morphine metabolism process. The pathway is one that link the stomach to the lungs, and this is a critical part of the pathway. The chemical compounds produced during the oxidation of the morphine compound are then sent to the lungs, where they are transformed into morphine and sent back into the bloodstream.
When these chemicals enter the bloodstream they then travel to other areas such as the brain and the spleen where they are used by the immune system to fight infection and the effects of toxins. If, however, the chemicals are unable to reach the lungs, the drugs are eliminated from the body as waste products through the excretory system.
Morphine metabolism is one of the primary steps in morphine addiction. Without this important step the effects of the drug could be greatly reduced. Without this step, the risk of death or serious illness associated with the use of morphine can be significantly increased.
