Levomethadyl acetate (also known as LAAM) is a synthetic synthetic opioid analgesic with multiple actions quantitatively similar to those as morphine, the most prominent of which involve the central nervous system and organs composed of smooth muscle. However, levomethadyl acetate is more active and more toxic than morphine. Levomethadyl acetate can bind to mu-type opioid receptor to activate associated G-protein in the sensory neurons of central nervous system (CNS), which will reduce the level of intracellular cAMP by inhibiting adenylate cyclase. The binding of levomethadyl acetate will eventually lead to reduced pain because of decreased nerve conduction and release of neurotransmitter. Therefore, methadyl acetate can reduce nerve conduction and decrease neurotransmitter release; so that perception of pain signals can be blocked. Levomethadyl acetate can also open calcium-dependent inwardly rectifying potassium channels (OP1 receptor agonist) to reduce neuronal excitability as well as lead to hyperpolarization.

Levomethadyl Acetate Action Pathway References

Neuron Function References