An opioid receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor recognizing opioid ligands, including endogenous peptides and exogenous drugs. Major receptor classes differ in distribution and ligand responses. Their signalling commonly engages inhibitory G proteins, linking receptor activation to changes in cyclic-AMP production and ion-channel activity. [ref]
Molecular Biology of the Cell, 4th edition by Bruce Alberts and others. Chapter 15, G-protein-linked receptors and regulation of adenylyl cyclase and ion channels
The same bound ligand need not produce identical effects in every assay. Receptor abundance, coupling efficiency and downstream amplification affect observed efficacy. Experiments comparing candidate opioid agonists showed why low intrinsic G-protein efficacy can help explain apparently favourable signalling profiles, rather than assuming that every difference establishes a uniquely selective pathway. [ref]
Low intrinsic efficacy for G protein activation can explain the improved side effect profiles of new opioid agonists by Alexander Gillis and others. 2020, abstract: efficacy and interpretation of agonist signalling profiles
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