Molecular Biology of Opioid Analgesia and Its Clinical Considerations. Issue 6 (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Finkel, Julia C.; Pukish, Jennifer
• Is Part Of: Clinical journal of pain. Volume 35:Issue 6(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: opioids -- opioid receptors -- tolerance -- dependence -- hyperalgesia -- analgesia; Pain -- Periodicals; Pain -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Analgesia -- Periodicals; 616.047205
• DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0749-8047

Abstract

Abstract : Understanding the molecular biology of opioid analgesia is essential for its proper implementation and mechanistic approach to its modulation in order to maximize analgesia and minimize undesired effects. By appreciating the molecular mechanisms intrinsic to opioid analgesia, one can manipulate a molecular target to augment or diminish a specific effect using adjuvant drugs, select an appropriate opioid for opioid rotation or define a molecular target for new opioid drug development. In this review, we present the cellular and molecular mechanisms of opioid analgesia and that of the associated phenomena of tolerance, dependence, and hyperalgesia. The specific mechanisms highlighted are those that presently can be clinically addressed.