In inflammation, leucocytes containing opioid peptides migrate into the tissue. Opioid
peptides can be released and bind to opioid receptors on peripheral nerve terminals, which …

Classically, pain sensation or suppression has been attributed exclusively to neuronal
circuits. This review challenges this notion and presents an expanded concept about the …

Opioid receptors are widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system as well
as in numerous nonneuronal tissues. Both animal models and human clinical data support …

When tissue is destroyed or invaded by leukocytes in inflammation, numerous mediators are
delivered by the circulation and/or liberated from resident and immigrated cells at the site …

In peripheral inflamed tissue interactions between leukocyte-derived opioid peptides and
opioid receptors on sensory neurons lead to potent, clinically relevant inhibition of pain …

Background Inflammatory pain can be effectively controlled by an interaction of opioid
receptors on peripheral sensory nerve terminals with opioid peptides released from immune …

Systemically administered opioids are among the most powerful analgesics for treating
severe pain. Several negative side effects (respiratory depression, addiction, nausea and …

IMPLICATIONS: The immune system not only contributes to inflammation, but also provides
localized analgesia. A depleted immune system results in a reduction of immune-derived …

When tissue is destroyed, pain arises. Tissue destruction as well as wound healing are
associated with an inflammatory reaction. This leads to activation of nociceptors (" pain …

Mechanisms of endogenous pain control are significant. Increasing studies have clearly
produced evidence for the clinical usefulness of opioids in peripheral analgesia. The …