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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
Involvement of cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules in opioid analgesia
1Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Operative Intensivmedizin, Charité -- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, D-12200 Berlin, Germany. heike.rittner@charite.de
Abstract:
Tissue destruction is accompanied by an inflammatory reaction. The inflammatory reaction leads to activation of nociceptors and the sensation of pain. Several mediators are responsible for pain and hyperalgesia in inflammation including cytokines, chemokines, nerve growth factor as well as bradykinin, prostaglandins and ATP. Simulatenously however, analgesic mediators are secreted: opioid peptides, somatostatin, endocannabinoids and certain cytokines. Opioid peptides secreted from immune cells are so far the best studied peptides in peripheral inflammatory pain control. This system is hampered for example by anti-adhesion molecule treatment. Novel immunosuppressive drugs for treatment of autoimmune disease targetting cytokines, chemokines or adhesion molecules should therefore be evaluated for potential harmful effects on pain.
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