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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
07:23
Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
[Opium and opioids: a brief history.]
Revista Brasileira De Anestesiologia
|May 28, 2009
Summary
Opium and opioids, potent analgesics, have a long history of medical use. Modern pharmacology enables precise opioid selection for optimal pain management and cost-benefit in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Medicinal Chemistry
- History of Medicine
Context:
- Opium and opioids have been utilized for centuries as sedatives and analgesics.
- The 19th century marked increased interest in medical applications and societal impacts of opioids following alkaloid isolation.
- Historical review of opium and opioids is essential for understanding their evolving role.
Purpose:
- To provide a historical overview of opium and opioids.
- To examine the scientific and social context of their use.
- To highlight key discoveries, including morphine isolation and opioid receptors.
Summary:
- Opium, from Papaver somniferum, and its derivatives (opioids) have ancient origins.
- Key milestones include morphine isolation and the discovery of opioid receptors and endogenous ligands.
- Opioids remain powerful analgesics, with current knowledge guiding their judicious clinical application.
Impact:
- Opioids continue to be the most potent analgesics available.
- Clinical pharmacology advances allow for tailored opioid selection based on patient-specific factors.
- Optimizing opioid therapy balances efficacy with cost-benefit considerations.
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