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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
07:23
Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
Immunomodulatory effects of opioids.
Adesola Odunayo1, John R Dodam, Marie E Kerl
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
Summary
Opioids significantly impact the immune system, affecting both innate and acquired immunity. These immunomodulatory effects, observed in laboratory settings, warrant careful consideration, especially in immunocompromised patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Opioids are potent analgesics with widespread clinical use.
- Emerging evidence suggests significant interactions between opioids and the immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immunomodulatory effects of opioids.
- To synthesize current knowledge on how opioids affect immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of PubMed using keywords: opioids, morphine, immunomodulation, immunosuppression.
- Inclusion of original research and review articles.
- Synthesis of data from veterinary and human studies.
Main Results:
- Opioids modulate both innate and acquired immune arms in animal models.
- Key immune functions affected include natural killer cell activity, T-cell proliferation, antibody production, phagocytic function, and cytokine production.
- Opioid administration alters immune parameters in healthy humans and may increase infection risk in certain populations.
Conclusions:
- Opioids exert well-established negative effects on the immune system in laboratory settings.
- The use of certain opioids in critically ill patients, particularly those with pre-existing immunocompromise, requires careful consideration.
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