Molecular Biology of Opioid Analgesia and Its Clinical Considerations
Julia C Finkel1, Jennifer Pukish2
1Pain Medicine, The Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Health System, Pediatrics and Critical Care Medicine, The George Washington University.
Abstract:
Understanding the molecular biology of opioid analgesia is essential for its proper implementation and mechanistic approach to its modulation in order to maximize analgesia and minimize undesired effects. By appreciating the molecular mechanisms intrinsic to opioid analgesia, one can manipulate a molecular target to augment or diminish a specific effect using adjuvant drugs, select an appropriate opioid for opioid rotation or define a molecular target for new opioid drug development. In this review, we present the cellular and molecular mechanisms of opioid analgesia and that of the associated phenomena of tolerance, dependence, and hyperalgesia. The specific mechanisms highlighted are those that presently can be clinically addressed.
Related Concept Videos
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Analgesia and Pain Management
Design Consideration
The factor of safety is another key...
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...


