Peripheral Opioid Analgesia
Abstract
Exogenous and endogenous opioid compounds are known to have analgesic effects. Endogenous opioid compounds include endorphin, enkephalin and dynorphin which are differentially processed from precursor peptides depending on the site of their production.These peptides exert their effects through at least three opioid receptors: mll, delta and kappa. Exogenous opioid compounds can exert a more potent analgesic action but are accompanied by deleterious side effects including respiratory depression and addiction.These side effects are centrally mediated and until recently the analgesic actions of opioids were believed to occur in the CNS as well. Recent laboratory and clinical studies indicate that in the presence of inflammation endogenous and exogenous opioids have analgesic effects in the periphery. Certain immune factors are involved resulting in increased endogenous opioid peptides at the site of injury and resulting in increased opioid receptors at the nerve terminal allowing for peripheral opioid analgesia.'"
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 16, 1999
- Accession Number
- AD1012136
Entities
People
- Mary C. Figliola
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences