Kappa receptor activation may cause which of the following?

Kappa receptor activation may cause which of the following?

• A. Diuresis and involvement in stress and affective pathways
• B. Severe respiratory depression
• C. Euphoria
• D. Immune suppression

Answer: (B)

Kappa receptor activation primarily modulates mood and certain autonomic functions rather than driving the classic mu-receptor–mediated effects. Activation of these receptors is linked to analgesia with a tendency toward dysphoria and psychotomimetic-like effects, and it also promotes diuresis. This combination—diuresis along with involvement in stress and affective pathways—fits the kappa receptor’s role best. In contrast, severe respiratory depression and euphoria are hallmark effects of mu receptor activation, and immune suppression is not a defining or consistent feature of kappa agonism. So the option describing diuresis and involvement in stress and affective pathways is the most appropriate match for kappa receptor activation.

Kappa receptor activation primarily modulates mood and certain autonomic functions rather than driving the classic mu-receptor–mediated effects. Activation of these receptors is linked to analgesia with a tendency toward dysphoria and psychotomimetic-like effects, and it also promotes diuresis. This combination—diuresis along with involvement in stress and affective pathways—fits the kappa receptor’s role best. In contrast, severe respiratory depression and euphoria are hallmark effects of mu receptor activation, and immune suppression is not a defining or consistent feature of kappa agonism. So the option describing diuresis and involvement in stress and affective pathways is the most appropriate match for kappa receptor activation.