Curr Pain Headache RepDOI 10.1007/s11916-010-0093-y
The Effect of Morphine on Glial Cells as a PotentialTherapeutic Target for Pharmacological Developmentof Analgesic Drugs
Haroon Hameed & Mariam Hameed & Paul J. Christo
# Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010
Abstract Opioids have played a critical role in achieving
pain relief in both modern and ancient medicine. Yet, theirclinical use can be limited secondary to unwanted side effects
Opioids have been used in the treatment of pain for
such as tolerance, dependence, reward, and behavioral
thousands of years. Some date the use of opium poppy
changes. Identification of glial-mediated mechanisms induc-
extracts for analgesia as far back as 3000 BC ••].
ing opioid side effects include cytokine receptors, κ-opioid
Unfortunately, use of opioids for the treatment of pain has
receptors, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, and the recently
been associated with potential disadvantages, including
elucidated Toll-like receptors. Newer agents targeting these
development of tolerance, dependence, and undue side
receptors such as AV411, MK-801, AV333, and SLC022,
effects such as constipation, urinary retention, and mood
and older agents used outside the United States or for other
and behavioral changes. Despite their side effects, opioids
disease conditions, such as minocycline, pentoxifylline, and
such as morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and
UV50488H, all show varied but promising profiles for
fentanyl continue to be widely prescribed due to their
providing significant relief from opioid side effects, while
simultaneously potentiating opioid analgesia.
The personal and social consequences of opioid use,
such as addiction, have not only led doctors and patients
Keywords Toll-like receptor . Opioid receptor . Morphine .
to strive to limit opioid treatment, but there has also been
Dependence . Reward . Tolerance . NMDA . Ibudilast .
an increasing trend toward tighter federal regulation of
Dizocilpine . Minocycline . Pentoxifylline . Propentofylline .
opioid prescriptions. For example, there currently is a US
Glial cell . Chronic pain . Analgesia . Pain relief
Food and Drug Administration motion to increaseregulation of prescription of many opioids in the formof Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies. Medica-
tions that soon may be included are generic and trade
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine,
name versions of oral extended-release morphine and
oxycodone, as well as extended-release transdermal
In addition to an increased interest in responsible
opioid use, the current climate makes it more important
to find methods to mitigate the unwanted side effects of
opioids while preserving their qualities of highly effec-tive pain relief. Many different mechanisms have been
P. J. Christo (*)Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology
implicated in the genesis of opioid tolerance and
dependence. This article reviews some of the different
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine,
mechanisms involved, as well as specific glial-modifying
agents that enhance opioid analgesia and mitigate
Baltimore, MD 21205, USAe-mail: pchristo@jhmi.edu
Glial Mechanisms of Pain, Opioid Tolerance,
neuropathic pain. This is evidenced by research showing
that intrathecal IL-1β injection can induce allodynia andhyperalgesia [, Also, experiments have shown
Glial cells appear to have a prominent role in the
that IL-1β induces apoptosis by phosphorylation of p38 of
development of neuropathic pain syndromes such as
MAPK, leading to the apoptotic caspace cascade by
complex regional pain syndrome, herpes zoster, diabetic
activation of caspace-3 []. p38 MAPK has also been
neuropathy, AIDS, and tumors [These cells
linked to morphine tolerance in spinal microglia by a
(astrocytes and microglia) make up 70% of cells found
mechanism of upregulation of p38 MAPK positive cells
within the central nervous system (CNS). They act as
after chronic morphine administration ••]. The mecha-
neuronal support cells and immune cells in the CNS and
nisms in which IL-1β induces sensory neuronal sensitiza-
have many important functions including maintaining
tion to pain through IL-1 receptor type-1 activation is
neuronal homeostasis, impulse propagation, immune re-
thought to involve tyrosine kinases as well as protein kinase
sponse, waste removal, and neuronal repair ]. They
C ••]. On the contrary, intrathecal IL-1α administration
surround synapses and lie in apposition to neuronal cell
has been shown to dose dependently relieve neuropathic
bodies []. Further, glia appear to play a central role in
pain symptoms ••]. IL-1—related cascades are well
neuropathic pain perception development and mainte-
studied and appear to be of high importance, especially in
nance by modulating neuronal signal transmission and
conjunction with other receptors in activating the processes
excitability [as well as development of opioid
that lead to negative glia-mediated opioid sequelae as
tolerance and dependence. These cells become upregu-
lated in chronic pain states, as evidenced by an increase of
IL-6 has also been linked to the etiology of many
their markers, glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP), and cell
neurological disorders as mentioned above. Studies have
surface receptors (OX-42 and CD11b) Glial cells
shown increased ipsilateral expression of IL-6 in the
can be activated by noxious stimuli–like trauma, hypoxia,
dorsal root ganglion after nociceptive stimulation [••].
ischemia, inflammation, infection, or neuronal degenera-
Interestingly, in contrast to the pain promoting effects of
tion. More specifically, activation occurs through the
IL-1, intrathecal IL-6 injection has been shown to have an
binding of various neurotransmitter receptors, such as
inhibitory effect on neuropathic pain [].
substance P, glutamate, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA),
Among the studied cytokines, IL-10 has been shown
and purinergic receptors. Continuous nociceptive input
to possess the most potent anti-inflammatory action, and
results in high levels of glutamate within synapses leading
its release downregulates the expression of other cyto-
to dysregulation of glutamate transporters (GLT1 and
kines, namely IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α . IL-10 has
GLAST), which are critical for removal of this excitatory
also been shown in experimental animals to reduce
neurotransmitter, further enhancing prolonged glial acti-
chronic pain over 2 months duration after administration
vation. After astrocytic receptor activation, the mitogen-
of a single dose It acts by downregulating proin-
activated protein kinase (MAPK) intracellular signaling
flammatory genes, which leads to decreased expression of
pathways become activated. The MAPK family has three
the above mentioned cytokines and their receptors and
main members: the extracellular signal-regulated kinase,
upregulation of their functional antagonists [, ]. IL-10
c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 [], each of which
upregulation is currently a promising new target for glia-
can activate the transcription factor, nuclear factor-κB
modifying medications, and we expect much research
(NF-κB), ultimately resulting in increased production of
regarding such Il-10—modifying agents in the coming
many substances such as proinflammatory cytokines and
chemokines, neurotrophic factors, prostaglandins, nitric
TNF-α is another potent cytokine associated with the
oxide, complement proteins, free radicals, neurotoxins,
induction of inflammation in the CNS as well as in
and excitatory amino acids [, Important cytokines
peripheral tissues. In the CNS, it is also produced by
in the generation of pain include interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-
microglial cells and has been shown to be released after
1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-10 and
injury [It appears to have dual action. Although its
are discussed below. These spinal cytokines have also
proinflammatory destructive effects are mediated through
been shown to oppose acute and chronic opioid analgesia
the p55 TNF-α receptor-1 [interestingly, TNF-α also
plays a neuroprotective role. This is demonstrated by itsability to encourage expression of antiapoptotic and anti-
oxidative proteins via the p75 TNF-α receptor-2 ]. Bothof these effects through different receptor mechanisms may
IL-1α and IL-1β, the IL-1 type-1 receptor and its accessory
provide targets for future glia-modifying medications
protein, appear to be important in the generation of
to be associated with neuropathic pain, glial activation, andopioid side effects; they provide a convincing platform of
evidence in favor of the central role of the TLRs. Further,
various knockout and knockdown studies of TLR2 and
TLR4 that show suppression of nerve injury—induced
allodynia strengthen this viewpoint [, ].
TLRs offer a convincing body of evidence of their role in
neuropathic pain. Among these, TLR4 appears to be the
most significant, with TLR2 and TLR3 playing minor roles.
TLR4 is normally expressed on microglia, but its expres-sion can also be induced on astrocytes in response to
IL interleukin, TNF tumor necrosis factor
inflammation [The CNS microglial response toinflammation includes activation of the TLR4-related path-ways, leading to increased IFN-γ, IL-1β, and TNF-α. This
TLR4-related cascade has been explained using the well-defined effect of bacterial LPS on the CNS. After binding
A very exciting discovery has been elaboration of the Toll-like
the LPS-binding protein, LPS is delivered to cluster
receptor (TLR) and how it relates to glial activation. TLRs are
determinant 14 (CD14) on the microglial cell membrane,
a group of pattern recognition receptors found on astrocytes
causing activation of intracellular sphingomyelinase, which
and mainly microglia that can be activated by exogenous
cleaves to form ceramide. Ceramide causes production of a
(pathogenic proteins) and endogenous (IL-1β, TNF-α)
“lipid raft” containing the coreceptor myeloid differentia-
molecules; when activated, they produce an immune response
tion factor 2 (MyD2), TLR4, and heat shock proteins 70
resulting in the release of cytokines. TLR activation has been
and 90, in addition to others. Further heterodimerization
positively linked to the development of opioid tolerance and
and homodimerization of MyD2-TLR4 pairs occurs after
other side effects, decreased opioid efficacy, and the develop-
LPS presentation by CD14 to MyD2. Finally, proinflam-
ment and maintenance of neuropathic pain ••]. TLRs are
matory cytokine production results from the NF-κB MAPK
composed of 10 different transmembrane receptors that bind
a wide variety of exogenous and endogenous substances,
Prior studies have also shown direct links between TLR4
which are inherently immunoreactive. Exogenous TLR-
and neuropathic pain models. One study showed TLR4 was
activating substances, which have been well characterized,
important in initiation of nerve injury-induced hypersensi-
include lipopolysaccharides (LPS), such as gram-negative
tivity, and correspondingly, TLR4 mRNA has been shown
bacteria, and endogenous substances that include cell
to be increased in spinal microglia post-L5 nerve transec-
membrane components, DNA and RNA, plasma proteins,
tion [••]. TLR4 knockout animals do not develop
and heat shock proteins ]. TLRs that have received
allodynia, which is likely due to reduction of glial
the most attention with respect to mediating neuropathic pain
activation and cytokine expression; TLR4 antisense nucle-
otide therapy results in reduced spinal proinflammatory
TLRs appear to activate very similar signaling pathways
cytokine production and reduced microglial activation, with
to IL-1, and some researchers now refer to this pathway as
resultant decreased centrally mediated neuropathic pain
the TLR-IL1 signaling pathway [That is, TLRs work
]. These effects may be mediated through decreased
through activation of an adapter protein known as myeloid
binding of TLRs to heat shock proteins (HSPs), especially
differentiation factor 88 (MyD88). This factor leads to
HSP70 and HSP90, with resultant decreased induction of
activation of the IL-1 receptor—associated kinases (IRAKs)
TNF-α and IL-6 release [Moreover, decreased activa-
and TNF receptor—associated factor-6 (TRAF6), which
tion of TLR4 results in decreased induction of its ligand
finally culminates in activation of NF-κB []. Other
fibronectin, which has been shown to be upregulated in
TLR-associated pathways include the JNK and interferon
neuropathic pain, and is responsible for P2X4 ATP-receptor
(IFN) pathways [Both TLR2 and TLR4 are important
activation post nerve injury []. This P2X4 down-
in recognizing endogenous pain-mediating signals such as
regulation is thought to be closely linked to a decrease in
those mentioned above. These studies have shown a highly
development of allodynia ]. P2X4 is also closely related
interconnected web of pathways involving TLRs and other
to microglial migration, which plays a role in the
well-defined proinflammatory pathways previously known
development and maintenance of neuropathic pain [
Toll-like Receptors and Inflammatory Pain
previously proven effects showing that positive andnegative isomers of naloxone block TLR4 [••,
Although direct evidence is lacking, tissue damage and
Other studies have shown potentiation of analgesia
subsequent release of endogenous proinflammatory prod-
after morphine administration in TLR4 knockout mice,
ucts and factors as well exogenous substances, such as
although there was no difference in initial pain thresh-
bacterial endotoxins, can lead to inflammatory pain.
olds between the TLR4 knockouts and wild-type mice.
Levels of inflammatory pain correlate with microglial
This further supports the role of TLR4 in antagonizing
activation. Secondary to this, some propose a concept
morphine-induced analgesia. Moreover, naloxone admin-
that microglial activation is necessary to states involving
istered concomitantly with morphine potentiated analge-
facilitated pain, which include inflammatory pain in
sia in the wild-type mice but not in the TLR4 knockouts
addition to neuropathic pain []. This correlates with
data reporting increased upregulation of microglial activa-tion markers following administration of LPS and poly-
inosinic:polycytidylic acid, a viral infection simulator]. In addition, in a model of Freund’s adjuvant-
NMDA-positive glutamate receptors have also been shown
induced chronic inflammatory pain, increased expression
to be important in the modulation of morphine tolerance. A
of TLR4 and inflammatory cytokines has been described.
great deal of research has helped explain the details of
These data contribute to the validity of a relationship
enhancement of NMDA activity after morphine adminis-
between inflammatory pain and TLR activation.
tration. This effort was inspired by studies showing thatMK-801, an NMDA-receptor antagonist, could attenuate
Toll-like Receptors and Opioid Tolerance and Dependence
morphine tolerance and dependence, whereas other studiesshow that ketamine and dextromethorphan could decrease
For some time, researchers have postulated that an
opioid requirements when administered with morphine
independent mechanism is responsible for tolerance, hyper-
]. It was subsequently shown that after chronic opioid
algesia, physical dependence, reward, and respiratory
administration, there is downregulation of the glutamate
depression than those effects mediated by classical opioid
transporter (GLAST) in astrocytes, which likely causes an
receptors such as µ, κ, and δ receptors.
increase in glutamate in the synaptic cleft, as well as an
In a recent study, the induction of opioid-induced
upregulation of D-serine, thereby potentiating NMDA-
hyperalgesia in triple receptor knockout mice suggests
receptor signaling. In addition, morphine has been shown
that opioids also act through different mechanisms
to upregulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in
separate from the classic opioid receptors on neurons. It
cultured microglia. This, coupled with the finding that
has been shown that opioids can bind to TLR-4 receptors
BDNF upregulates the antiopioid subunit of the NMDA
on glial cells leading to their activation and synthesis of
receptor subtype known as GluRepsilon1 (NR2A), led
nociceptive cytokines, thus enhancing neuropathic pain
researchers to believe that the NR2A receptor may be the
and counteracting opioid analgesic effects [Opioid
site of morphine-induced NMDA receptor-dependent anti-
receptor-independent opioid effects were corroborated by
opioid activity ••]. This concept is further corroborated
the development of opioid-induced hyperalgesia in triple
by the enhancement of morphine analgesia in NR2A
opioid receptor knockout animals that were administered
morphine. Further experiments have shown that intrathecalmorphine analgesia can be prolonged when coadminis-
tered with LPS variants, which are TLR4 competitivereceptor antagonists, and with TLR1/IL-1 receptor domain
κ-Opioid receptors (KORs) are a type of opioid receptor
adapter protein inhibitors. Interestingly, concomitant
with a somewhat different mechanism of action from the
intrathecal-intrathecal, systemic-systemic, and systemic-
classic µ receptor. For example, they have been shown to
intrathecal administration of morphine with naloxone,
be activated by dynorphins after partial sciatic nerve
respectively, have all been shown to prolong acute
ligation. In turn, this has led to glial proliferation in contrast
morphine analgesia. The simultaneous and continuous
to µ receptors, which decrease glial proliferation [
administration of naloxone and morphine intrathecally
Further, they have shown promise in the attenuation of
has been shown to attenuate morphine-induced hyper-
morphine tolerance ]. Unfortunately, it has been difficult
algesia, which occurs after prolonged morphine adminis-
to locate agents that possess these positive KOR agonist
tration. Further, this dual administration significantly
effects of diminishing tolerance while lacking the negative
decreased withdrawal after opioid administration was
KOR agonist effects such as dysphoria and psychomimetic
terminated. All these effects are thought to be related to
Specific Medications With Potential for Use as Opioid
801 is not able to decrease morphine tolerance once it has
A recent study attributed a part of MK-801’s ability to
reduce opioid tolerance to an inhibition of the NMDAreceptor-dependent activation of spinal JNK; this kinase has
AV411 (Avigen, Inc., Alameda, CA) is a blood-brain
been shown to be involved in the development of morphine
permeable, nonspecific phosphodiesterase inhibitor that
analgesic tolerance ]. Interestingly, MK-801 injection in
acts centrally by way of attenuation of glial cell activation
the ventral periaqueductal gray area increased the acute
and reduction of proinflammatory activating factors, such
analgesic action when coadministered with morphine but
as cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), nitric oxide, and chemokines
did not affect nociception when administered alone,
such as monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 and fractal-
suggesting that different tolerance mechanisms occur in
kines; it increases production of anti-inflammatory IL-10
the spinal cord compared with the periaqueductal gray area
, •]. It was initially used to treat bronchial asthma and
]. It should be noted that despite having antinociceptive
poststroke dizziness, which has been attributed to its ability
effects in chronic pain models, MK-801 has been shown to
to reduce inflammation and cause vasodilatation [In a
have the opposite effect in acute pain models causing
recent study, AV411 was shown to reduce mechanical
allodynia caused by neuropathic pain as well as noxiousneuropathy induced by chemotherapeutic agents (paclitaxel
and vincristine); it was also shown to reduce morphinetolerance.
SLC022 (Solace Pharmaceuticals, Canterbury, Kent, United
When administered systemically, AV411 was shown to
Kingdom) is an orally available, blood-brain permeable,
be distributed to the spinal cord and to attenuate morphine-
methylxanthine derivative that acts as a glial inhibitor and
induced glial cell activation in certain brain regions. AV411
has been shown to attenuate neuropathic pain states as well
has also been shown to inhibit peripheral inflammatory
as chemotherapy-induced painful neuropathy [Studies
cells , ], which has been suggested as a possible cause
have shown that it decreases allodynia, possibly through
of reduced pain perception peripherally. Other recent
altering γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic tone through
published data demonstrate that AV411 reduced spontane-
modulation of glutamic acid decarboxylase in the spinal
ous opioid withdrawal, protected naloxone-induced mor-
cord after injury, as well as reducing an injury-induced
phine withdrawal when given during the period of
development of morphine dependence, and simultaneously
Apart from its advantageous role in pain reduction,
enhanced analgesic effects (three to five times increases in
propentofylline has also been shown to modulate drug
acute potency), even in situations in which opioid depen-
reward. In vivo studies have shown that intraperitoneal
dence had already been established ]. These effects
injections of propentofylline attenuated condition-placed
were seen with both morphine and oxycodone, with no
preference, a measure of drug reward in animals that were
changes in plasma morphine levels. Another study shows
dependent on methamphetamine and morphine; this atten-
that AV411 decreases a morphine-induced increase of
uation is thought to be caused by astrocytic activation [
dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, a nucleus known to
Propentofylline has also been shown to act as a neuro-
be associated with morphine-induced drug reward as well
as withdrawal [, •], thus further illustrating thebeneficial role of AV411 in regulation of drug reward and
An extract of the tuber of Ranunculaceae Aconitum
carmichaeli Debeaux—referred to as PAT or U50488H—has been found to possess KOR agonist activity, without
MK-801 is an NMDA-positive glutamate receptor noncom-
any significant adverse effects [U50488H has been
petitive antagonist that has been shown to attenuate opioid
used in China and Japan to treat chronic pain without
tolerance and does not influence the antinociceptive effects
adverse effects for some time and has shown to be effective
of morphine. When injected intrathecally, it has been shown
not only in attenuating morphine tolerance when adminis-
to decrease morphine tolerance at the spinal level ].
tered initially, but also reversing morphine tolerance after it
Proteomic studies have shown there is upregulation of
developed. Some studies have shown greater effectiveness
GFAP in those animal models with morphine tolerance,
of U50488H over MK-801 because U50488H can poten-
whereas MK-801 was shown to reduce the GFAP levels in
tiate the thermal antinociceptive effect of morphine and can
these animals. Interestingly, similar to minocycline, MK-
reverse morphine tolerance once it has developed ].
cells is thought to partly occur by suppressing p38 MAPK, which has also shown to reduce tolerance to
AV333 (Avigen, Inc., Alameda, CA) is a plasmid that has
been shown to be a well-tolerated and effective antineur-
Minocycline also affects neuropathic pain. For instance,
opathic agent when injected intrathecally. It functions as a
minocycline enhances the effects of morphine in neuro-
glial cell inhibitor and promotes an increase in the amount
pathic pain models and diminishes the development of
of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the spinal cord.
morphine tolerance. In a recent study by Mika et al. [
Experimental studies have shown that a single course of
minocycline delayed the development of morphine toler-
therapy entirely diminishes neuropathic pain symptoms for
ance in normal and neuropathic pain conditions, and was
90 days [We expect to learn more about this agent’s
associated with decreasing the morphine-induced increase
in CD11b/c protein expression in microglial cells withoutinhibiting astroglial cells. Minocycline inhibits the activa-
tion of microglial cells, which are thought to initiateneuropathic pain, thus preventing development of neuro-
Minocycline is a semisynthetic, second-generation broad
pathic pain in animal models. However, once these cells are
spectrum, blood-brain barrier permeable tetracycline that
activated, minocycline does not seem to be as effective in
has been historically used for its antimicrobial properties.
However, it has also been reported to possess neuro-
Although minocycline enhances the analgesic efficacy of
protective effects with reported benefits in experimental
opioids, it may also increase undesirable effects of opioids
models of neurodegenerative disease, traumatic brain
such as respiratory depression and drug dependence.
injury, and cerebral ischemia. Minocycline’s protective role
Minocycline is a p-glycoprotein (p-gp) inhibitor, and
occurs by suppression of the mitochondrial permeability
inhibition of p-gp can cause altered pharmacokinetics of
transition, inhibition of caspace-1 and -3 expression, and
opioids, thus leading to increased bioavailability and
inhibition of microglial activation and proliferation [] via
ultimately an increase in adverse effects. However, in a
antihyperalgesic and antiallodynic effects []. The
recent study, minocycline was shown to reduce the
latter effects occur by reducing proinflammatory factor-
morphine-induced decrease in respiratory parameters such
mediated nociceptive transmission. This is achieved by
as tidal volume, minute volume, inspiratory force, expira-
decreasing mRNA expression for IL-1β, TNF-α, each of
tory force, and blood oxygen saturations. Minocycline did
their converting enzymes, and IL-10 in the dorsal spinal
not affect the morphine-induced depression in respiratory
cord; reducing IL-1β and TNF-α in cerebrospinal fluid;
rate. These data, in concert with some studies reporting the
and decreasing serum IL-6 , Inhibition of microglial
unsuccessful disruption of morphine tolerance [do not
Attenuates glial cell activation; increases IL-10;
Reduction of proinflammatory cytokines; attenuates morphine
tolerance; beneficial in chemotherapeutic-induced neuropathy,poststroke dizziness, and bronchial asthma
Diminishes morphine tolerance through reduced c-JNK
Antineuropathic agent; modulates drug reward; neuroprotective
Attenuates morphine tolerance when given initially or after
Glial cell activation inhibitor; phosphodiesterase
Reduction of proinflammatory cytokines; may diminish opioid
tolerance and reward by potentially reducing NO andadenosine production
Suppression of mitochondrial permeablity transition;
Diminishes morphine tolerance and reward; neuroprotective
inhibition of caspace-1 and -3 expression; inhibition
of microglial activation and proliferation
c-JNK c-Jun N-terminal kinase, IL interleukin, KOR κ-Opioid receptor, NF-κB nuclear factor-κB, NMDA N-methyl-D-aspartate, NO nitric oxide
support the theory of increased bioavailability of opioids by
minocycline administration. In fact, minocycline was alsoshown to suppress morphine reward as measured by
There are a number of exciting directions for the use of
conditioned place preference, which is a widely accepted
glial-modifying agents as opioid adjuncts for the treatment
measure of morphine reward, as mentioned previously. Of
of acute and chronic pain. Important targets include
note, this study used naive animal models, in which glial
cytokine receptors, TLRs, NMDA-positive glutamate
cells were not activated; thus, it is not known whether
receptors, and the κ-opioid receptors. It appears that basic
minocycline would continue to have similar effects in
and clinical research involving both previously discovered
neuropathic pain states, and should be studied further. In
agents such as minocycline, pentoxifylline, and U50488H,
conclusion, minocycline suppresses microglial cells, which
as well as newer agents such as MK-801, AV411, and
can lead to attenuation of neuropathic pain, enhance
SLC022, may introduce a new era of improved opioid
morphine analgesia, decrease certain undesired opioid
effects, and delay the development of morphine tolerancein normal and neuropathic pain conditions.
No potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article
Pentoxifylline is an inhibitor of glial activation, nonspecificcytokine synthesis, and phosphodiesterase (PDE) ].
Pentoxifylline has been shown to inhibit the production ofmRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines
Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been
such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, which were associated
with reduced neuropathic pain [and inflammatory pain
]. Along with reduction of these cytokines through
inhibition of NK-κB, attenuation of pain symptoms has alsobeen shown to be associated with elevated levels of the
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ÚLCERA GASTRODUODENAL. ASPECTOS GENERALES, ETIOPATOGENIA, CLÍNICA, DIAGNÓSTICO Y TRATAMIENTO MÉDICO. RODOLFO E. CORTI AMADO ESCOBAR* Jefe de la Sección Clínica Esófago-estómago MUHANNAD SAREM* RAFAEL AMÉNDOLA *Médicos Clínicos de la Sección Clínica Esófago-estómago. Médico Clínico de la Sección Clínica Esófago-estó-Hospital de Gastroenterología Dr. Bonorino U
NORMATIVA Tribuna. El Tribunal Supremo aclara la doctrina y delimita las funciones de las matronas La Sala de lo Social del Tribunal Supremo ha resuelto la controversia entre tribunales sobre lasfunciones de las matronas. El autor analiza las consecuencias del fallo y la posible discrepancia conun informe de la OMC, del que fue autor. Las conclusiones de ese estudio se basaban en unaj