Endogenous and Exogenous Opioids in Pain

Annu Rev Neurosci. 2018 Jul 8:41:453-473. doi: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-080317-061522. Epub 2018 May 31.

Abstract

Opioids are the most commonly used and effective analgesic treatments for severe pain, but they have recently come under scrutiny owing to epidemic levels of abuse and overdose. These compounds act on the endogenous opioid system, which comprises four G protein-coupled receptors (mu, delta, kappa, and nociceptin) and four major peptide families (β-endorphin, enkephalins, dynorphins, and nociceptin/orphanin FQ). In this review, we first describe the functional organization and pharmacology of the endogenous opioid system. We then summarize current knowledge on the signaling mechanisms by which opioids regulate neuronal function and neurotransmission. Finally, we discuss the loci of opioid analgesic action along peripheral and central pain pathways, emphasizing the pain-relieving properties of opioids against the affective dimension of the pain experience.

Keywords: analgesia; neuroanatomy; opioid; pain; perception; signaling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / metabolism*
  • Analgesics, Opioid / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Pain / drug therapy*
  • Pain / metabolism*
  • Pain Perception
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled