Section review central & peripheral nervous systems: Pharmacological modulation of opioid tolerance Journal Article


Authors: Pasternak, G. W.; Inturrisi, C. E.
Article Title: Section review central & peripheral nervous systems: Pharmacological modulation of opioid tolerance
Abstract: Although tolerance to opioids probably involves a variety of mechanisms, in vivo studies suggest a prominent role for the NMDA/nitric oxide cascade. Administration of NMDA antagonists blocks the development of tolerance to morphine and the delta opioid [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin without interfering with their analgesic actions, indicating the dissociation of analgesia and tolerance. Similar effects are observed with competitive and noncompetitive antagonists, as well as agents modulating NMDA function through its glycine regulatory site. Inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase have similar actions, suggesting the presence of an NMDA/nitric oxide cascade. This conclusion is supported by the ability of L-arginine, the substrate for nitric oxide synthase, to enhance morphine tolerance by increasing the production of nitric oxide. Tolerance to kappa analgesic systems behaves differently. In most studies, neither kappa1 nor kappa3 opioid tolerance is influenced by these drugs. This ability to modulate opioid tolerance has important clinical implication, in addition to providing insights into the mechanisms of analgesia and tolerance. 1995 © Ashley Publications Ltd.
Keywords: review; nonhuman; opiate; animal model; morphine; analgesia; mu opiate receptor; arginine; morphine tolerance; enkephalin[2,5 dextro penicillamine]; ketamine; delta opiate receptor; n methyl dextro aspartic acid receptor; nitric oxide; receptor subtype; kappa opiate receptor; dizocilpine; morphine addiction; n methyl dextro aspartic acid receptor blocking agent; human; dextrorphan; dextromethorphan; n(g) nitroarginine; 2 amino 4,5 (1,2 cyclohexyl) 7 phosphonoheptanoic acid; n(g) nitroarginine methyl ester; nitric oxide synthase inhibitor; 1 aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acid; 7 nitroindazole; decahydro 6 phosphonomethyl 3 isoquinolinecarboxylic acid
Journal Title: Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
Volume: 4
Issue: 4
ISSN: 1354-3784
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group  
Date Published: 1995-01-01
Start Page: 271
End Page: 281
Language: English
DOI: 10.1517/13543784.4.4.271
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 28 August 2018 -- Source: Scopus
Altmetric
Citation Impact
BMJ Impact Analytics
MSK Authors
  1. Gavril W Pasternak
    414 Pasternak