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Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
Pain management: is opioid immunosuppression a clinical problem?
1Pain Management, Newlands, Chevin Avenue, Menston LS29 6PE, UK. keithbudd@tiscali.co.uk
Summary
Opioid analgesics can impact the immune system, with most causing immunosuppression. Non-immunosuppressive opioids may offer benefits and should be considered for all patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Opioid analgesic agents have been associated with immune system modulation for over a century.
- Both exogenous and endogenous opioids influence the immune system, with effects varying based on multiple factors.
- Current strong opioid analgesics largely exhibit immunosuppressive properties in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of opioid analgesics on the human immune system.
- To discuss the clinical significance of opioid-induced immunosuppression.
- To identify and recommend opioid analgesics with non-immunosuppressive properties.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on opioid-immune interactions.
- Analysis of clinical data regarding the impact of opioid analgesics on immune function.
- Pharmacological assessment of different opioid agents for immunosuppressive potential.
Main Results:
- The majority of commonly used strong opioid analgesics demonstrate immunosuppressive effects in humans.
- The clinical relevance of this immunosuppression remains uncertain.
- Opioid analgesics lacking immunosuppressive properties are available and can be selected.
Conclusions:
- Avoiding immunosuppressive opioids is advisable for patients with compromised immune systems due to disease or medication.
- Non-immunosuppressive opioid analgesics offer therapeutic benefits beyond pain relief.
- Consideration should be given to using non-immunosuppressive opioids universally over those with immunosuppressive effects.
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