Endogenous and Exogenous Opioids in Pain.

Endogenous and Exogenous Opioids in Pain.
Annu Rev Neurosci. 2018 May 31;:
Authors: Corder G, Castro DC, Bruchas MR, Scherrer G
Abstract
Opioids are the most commonly used and effective analgesic treatments for severe pain, but they have recently come under scrutiny owing to epidemic levels of abuse and overdose. These compounds act on the endogenous opioid system, which comprises four G protein-coupled receptors (mu, delta, kappa, and nociceptin) and four major peptide families (β-endorphin, enkephalins, dynorphins, and nociceptin/orphanin FQ). In this review, we first describe the functional organization and pharmacology of the endogenous opioid system. We then summarize current knowledge on the signaling mechanisms by which opioids regulate neuronal function and neurotransmission. Finally, we discuss the loci of opioid analgesic action along peripheral and central pain pathways, emphasizing the pain-relieving properties of opioids against the affective dimension of the pain experience. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Neuroscience Volume 41 is July 8, 2018. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
PMID: 29852083 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Annual Review of Neuroscience - May 31, 2018 Category: Neurology Authors: Corder G, Castro DC, Bruchas MR, Scherrer G Tags: Annu Rev Neurosci Source Type: research