Delta-opioid augments cardiac contraction through β-adrenergic and CGRP-receptor co-signaling

► ICA cells exclusively express δ-opioid receptor in left ventricular myocardium. ► δ-opioid receptor stimulation of ICA cells augments myocardial contraction. ► This Effect is due to enhanced myocardial β-adrenergic/CGRP receptor co-signaling. ► This adrenopeptidergic co-signaling is coupled with cAMP-dependent PKA pathway.