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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
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance
1Department of Anesthesiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. mbekhit@mednet.ucla.edu
American Journal of Therapeutics
|September 17, 2010
Summary
Opioid therapy for pain can paradoxically increase pain sensitivity, a condition known as opioid-induced hyperalgesia. Understanding and preventing this phenomenon is crucial for effective pain management.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Opioids are first-line for moderate to severe pain but can paradoxically worsen pain.
- Postoperative and chronic pain patients may experience exaggerated pain due to opioid therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) and opioid tolerance.
- To differentiate between OIH and tolerance and their management.
- To review underlying mechanisms, current literature, and treatment/prevention strategies for OIH.
Main Methods:
- Literature review addressing key questions on OIH.
- Analysis of neuroanatomic and molecular mechanisms.
- Examination of recent literature on OIH and pre-emptive analgesia.
Main Results:
- Opioid exposure can lead to hyperalgesia, complicating pain assessment.
- Distinguishing OIH from tolerance is critical for appropriate clinical management.
- Existing literature suggests various treatment and prevention modalities for OIH.
Conclusions:
- Opioid-induced hyperalgesia is a significant clinical concern that requires a paradigm shift in pain management.
- Further research and clinical attention are needed to effectively manage and prevent OIH.
- Understanding OIH can improve the perception and management of perioperative and chronic pain.
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