Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025

Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities
Published on: July 29, 2014
High mobility group box-1: A therapeutic target for analgesia and associated symptoms in chronic pain
Norimitsu Morioka1, Yoki Nakamura1, Kazue Hisaoka-Nakashima1
1Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan.
Abstract:
The number of patients with chronic pain continues to increase against the background of an ageing society and a high incidence of various epidemics and disasters. One factor contributing to this situation is the absence of truly effective analgesics. Chronic pain is a persistent stress for the organism and can trigger a variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Hence, the search for useful analgesic targets is currently being intensified worldwide, and it is anticipated that the key to success may be molecules involved in emotional as well as sensory systems. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) has attracted attention as a therapeutic target for a variety of diseases. It is a very unique molecule having a dual role as a nuclear protein while also functioning as an inflammatory agent outside the cell. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that HMGB1 acts as a pain inducer in primary sensory nerves and the spinal dorsal horn. In addition, HMGB1 can function in the brain, and is involved in the symptoms of depression, anxiety and cognitive dysfunction that accompany chronic pain. In this review, we will summarize recent research and discuss the potential of HMGB1 as a useful drug target for chronic pain.
Related Concept Videos
Analgesia and Pain Management
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Carrier-Mediated Transport
Active transport involves two types of membrane-spanning transporters: uptake and efflux. Uptake transporters are expressed in the small...
Spasmolytic Agents: Chemical Classification
A major class of centrally acting spasmolytics is the α2-agonist, such as tizanidine. These drugs bind to α2-adrenoceptors, inhibiting the release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. They also...
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners

