Epigenetic regulation of spinal cord gene expression contributes to enhanced postoperative pain and analgesic tolerance subsequent to continuous opioid exposure

Conclusions Spinal epigenetic changes involving Bdnf and Pdyn may contribute to the enhanced postoperative nociceptive sensitization and analgesic tolerance observed after continuous opioid exposure. Treatments blocking the epigenetically mediated up-regulation of these genes or administration of TrkB or -opioid receptor antagonists may improve the clinical utility of opioids, particularly after surgery.
Source: Molecular Pain - Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Tags: Research Article Source Type: research