Interferon: a candidate as the endogenous substance preventing tolerance and dependence to brain opioids

It has been suggested that protein synthesis and immunological factors play a role in the development of tolerance and dependence to opiates. Interferon (IFN) is known to influence protein synthesis and the immune system. Our and other data suggest that IFN may be an agent that prevents the development of tolerance and the physical dependence to endogenous opioids.