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Vol 7, No 4 (2008)
Review articles
Published online: 2008-10-21
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The opioid systems and the role of glial cells in the effects of opioids

Joanna Mika
Advances in Palliative Medicine 2008;7(4):185-196.

open access

Vol 7, No 4 (2008)
Review articles
Published online: 2008-10-21

Abstract

Understanding of the molecular mechanisms in the opioid systems in chronic pain should produce new, more effective methods of the pharmacotherapy of pain. Pharmacological suppression of glial activation in combination with morphine, methadone, fentanyl and buprenorphine may be an important aspect of pain therapy. Long-term use of the classical opioid analgesics in patients with chronic pain processes results in tolerance, and the search of new treatment strategies based on the recognised mechanisms of pain is an important clinical and scientific issue.

Abstract

Understanding of the molecular mechanisms in the opioid systems in chronic pain should produce new, more effective methods of the pharmacotherapy of pain. Pharmacological suppression of glial activation in combination with morphine, methadone, fentanyl and buprenorphine may be an important aspect of pain therapy. Long-term use of the classical opioid analgesics in patients with chronic pain processes results in tolerance, and the search of new treatment strategies based on the recognised mechanisms of pain is an important clinical and scientific issue.
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Keywords

opioid peptides; opioid receptors; opioids; morphine; glia; minocycline; pentoxifylline; ibudilast

About this article
Title

The opioid systems and the role of glial cells in the effects of opioids

Journal

Advances in Palliative Medicine

Issue

Vol 7, No 4 (2008)

Pages

185-196

Published online

2008-10-21

Page views

710

Article views/downloads

2732

Bibliographic record

Advances in Palliative Medicine 2008;7(4):185-196.

Keywords

opioid peptides
opioid receptors
opioids
morphine
glia
minocycline
pentoxifylline
ibudilast

Authors

Joanna Mika

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