Regional anesthesia and pain medicine
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Reg Anesth Pain Med · Nov 2020
Role of peripheral sensory neuron mu-opioid receptors in nociceptive, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain.
The role of peripheral mu-opioid receptors (MOPs) in chronic pain conditions is not well understood. Here, we used a combination of mouse genetics, behavioral assays, and pharmacologic interventions to investigate the contribution of primary afferent MOPs to nociceptive, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain, as well as to opioid analgesia. ⋯ MOPs in primary sensory neurons contribute to the modulation of neuropathic pain behavior and opioid analgesia. Our observations highlight the clinical potential of peripherally acting opioid agonists in the management of inflammatory and neuropathic pain.