Immune cell-derived opioids protect against neuropathic pain in mice.

ABSTRACT: The analgesic effects of leukocyte-derived opioids have been exclusively demonstrated for somatic inflammatory pain, for example, the pain associated with surgery and arthritis. Neuropathic pain results from injury to nerves, is often resistant to current treatments, and can seriously impair a patient's quality of life. Although it has been recognized that neuronal damage can involve inflammation, it is generally assumed that immune cells act predominately as generators of neuropathic pain. However, in this study we have demonstrated that leukocytes containing opioids are essential regulators of pain in a mouse model of neuropathy. About 30%-40% of immune cells that accumulated at injured nerves expressed opioid peptides such as beta-endorphin, Met-enkephalin, and dynorphin A. Selective st

SUBMITTER: Labuz D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2631295 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature