Exploring delta-receptor function using the selective opioid antagonist naltrindole.

Until recently the only pharmacological probes for delta-receptors have been peptide enkephalin analogues. These suffer from a number of limitations including high cost, partial agonist effects and a propensity for neurotoxicity. A stable non-peptide antagonist, naltrindole, has recently become available. We have explored its intrinsic actions and found that it attenuated swim stress-induced antinociception, a model for endogenous delta-receptor activation. Naltrindole may therefore be a useful alternative to presently available delta-receptor antagonists.