Estradiol Protects Against Pain-Facilitated Fentanyl Use Via Suppression of Opioid-Evoked Dopamine Activity in Males

Pain affects over 50% of US adults. Opioids are potent analgesics used to treat pain symptoms but are highly prone to abuse, creating a major dilemma for public health. Evidence suggests that the risk for opioid misuse under conditions of pain may vary based on gender/sex, but the biological basis of this relationship is unclear. Here, we characterize the effects of pain on fentanyl use and decipher its underlying mechanisms within mesolimbic dopamine reward circuitry, providing evidence for regulation by ovarian hormones.
Source: The Journal of Pain - Category: Materials Science Authors: Source Type: research