PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Tinna M. Laughlin
AU  - Alice A. Larson
AU  - George L. Wilcox
TI  - Mechanisms of Induction of Persistent Nociception by Dynorphin
DP  - 2001 Oct 01
TA  - Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
PG  - 6--11
VI  - 299
IP  - 1
4099  - http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/299/1/6.short
4100  - http://jpet.aspetjournals.org/content/299/1/6.full
SO  - J Pharmacol Exp Ther2001 Oct 01; 299
AB  - The opioid peptide dynorphin has been demonstrated to be both nociceptive and antinociceptive. This article will review the potential mechanisms through which dynorphin contributes to spinally mediated nociception. Specifically, we will examine the interaction of dynorphin with multiple sites on the NMDA receptor complex. Dynorphin-induced opioid activity is generally inhibitory, with a tendency to impede nociceptive signals and serve in a neuroprotective capacity. In contrast, dynorphin's interaction with multiple sites on the NMDA receptor complex produces excitatory responses resulting in nociceptive and even toxic effects. Thus, it is hypothesized that dynorphin has both physiological and pathological roles in acute and chronic pain states. The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics