Which receptors are involved in the regulation of sensory and affective dimensions of pain?

The regulation of sensory and affective dimensions of pain is primarily associated with the mu-opioid receptors. These receptors are critical in modulating both the perception of pain (sensory dimension) and the emotional response to that pain (affective dimension). When mu-opioid receptors are activated, they can lead to analgesic effects, reducing the sensation of pain, while also affecting the emotional aspects, such as anxiety, fear, or distress associated with pain experiences.

The mu-opioid system plays a significant role in many pain management therapies and is the primary target for many opioid medications, reinforcing its importance in understanding pain regulation. The activation of other opioid receptors, like kappa and delta, has different roles, which may not encompass both sensory and affective aspects as effectively as mu-opioid receptors do.