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Immune mechanisms in pain control
Author(s) -
Stein C.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of neurochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.75
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1471-4159
pISSN - 0022-3042
DOI - 10.1046/j.1471-4159.85.s2.12_1.x
Subject(s) - immune system , opioid , receptor , opioid peptide , inflammation , medicine , neuroscience , immunology , biology
Pain inhibition can be induced by immune‐derived opioids interacting with opioid receptors on peripheral sensory nerves. These receptors are up‐regulated in inflammation (1). Opioid peptides are synthesised in circulating immune cells which migrate to injured tissue. This is orchestrated by selectins and other adhesion molecules located on immunocytes and on vascular endothelium (2). In response to releasing stimuli the opioids are secreted, activate peripheral opioid receptors and produce analgesia by inhibiting the excitability of sensory nerves and/or the release of excitatory neuropeptides. These effects occur in the periphery and are devoid of central side‐effects such as respiratory depression, sedation, dysphoria or dependence. Targeting of immune cells containing opioids to injured tissues is a novel concept of pain control and opens potential new therapeutic approaches.