Dynorphin and Enkephalin Opioid Peptides and Transcripts in Spinal Cord and Dorsal Root Ganglion During Peripheral Inflammatory Hyperalgesia and Allodynia

Opioids are among the most effective analgesics in use, acting at receptors for endogenous opioid neuropeptides in spinal cord and in higher brain regions. These opioid peptides are also regulated in response to persistent pain states, participating in the complex plasticities that induce hyperalgesia, guarding, and other alterations associated with sustained nociceptive input. Enhancement of the opioid peptide precursor prodynorphin (Pdyn) mRNA levels31,38,62 in the dorsal spinal cord has been extensively described in response to persistent painful conditions,47,67 and is preceded by activation of transcriptional mechanisms regulating the Pdyn promoter.
Source: The Journal of Pain - Category: Materials Science Authors: Tags: Original Reports Source Type: research