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Opioids and central sensitisation: I. Preemptive analgesia
Jürgen Sandkühler1, Ruth Ruscheweyh
1Department of Neurophysiology, Centre for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. juergen.sandkuehler@meduniwien.ac.at
European Journal of Pain (London, England)
|March 2, 2005
Summary
Opioids can prevent or induce central sensitization in animal pain models. Their effectiveness as preemptive analgesics in humans remains unclear due to the ambiguous nature of central sensitization.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Pain Research
Background:
- Opioids are effective analgesics for acute and chronic pain.
- Opioids have demonstrated the ability to influence central sensitization in animal pain models.
- Central sensitization is a key mechanism in various pain states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on opioids' effects on central sensitization.
- To clarify the role of opioids in preventing or inducing central sensitization.
- To assess the clinical relevance of these findings for preemptive analgesia in humans.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of preclinical studies (in vitro and in vivo animal models).
- Analysis of studies investigating opioid-induced changes in central sensitization.
- Evaluation of evidence regarding opioid use for preemptive analgesia.
Main Results:
- Opioids can prevent, induce, or reverse central sensitization in animal models.
- Evidence suggests a complex, dual role for opioids in modulating pain pathways.
- The precise mechanisms and clinical implications are not fully elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Opioid effects on central sensitization are demonstrated in preclinical models.
- The concept of central sensitization requires further definition.
- The utility of opioids as preemptive analgesics in human pain management is uncertain and requires further investigation.
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