Selectins and integrins but not platelet–endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 regulate opioid inhibition of inflammatory pain

Control of inflammatory pain can result from activation of opioid receptors on peripheral sensory nerves by opioid peptides secreted from leukocytes in response to stress (e.g. experimental swim stress or surgery). The extravasation of immunocytes to injured tissues involves rolling, adhesion and transmigration through the vessel wall, orchestrated by various adhesion molecules. Here we evaluate the relative contribution of selectins, integrins α 4 and β 2 , and platelet–endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1) to the opioid‐mediated inhibition of inflammatory pain. We use flow cytometry, double immunofluorescence and nociceptive (paw pressure) testing in rats with unilateral hind paw inflammation induced by complete Freund's adjuvant. In inflamed tissue, 43–58% of hematopoietic cells (CD45 + ) expressed opioid peptides. L‐selectin and β 2 were coexpressed by 7 and 98% of opioid‐containing leukocytes, respectively. Alpha 4 integrin was expressed in low levels by the majority of leukocytes. Opioid‐containing cells, vascular P‐ and E‐selectin and PECAM‐1 were simultaneously upregulated. Swim stress produced potent opioid‐mediated antinociception in inflamed tissue, unaffected by blockade of PECAM‐1. However, blockade of L‐ and P‐selectins by fucoidin, or of α 4 and β 2 by monoclonal antibodies completely abolished peripheral stress‐induced antinociception. This coincided with a 40% decrease in the migration of opioid‐containing leukocytes to inflamed tissue. These findings establish selectins and integrins α 4 and β 2 , but not PECAM‐1, as important molecules involved in stress‐induced opioid‐mediated antinociception in inflammation. They point to a cautious use of anti‐inflammatory treatments applying anti‐selectin, anti‐ α 4 and anti‐ β 2 strategies because they may impair intrinsic pain inhibition.British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142 , 772–780. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705837