Abstract
Among several pharmacological properties, analgesia is the most common feature shared by either opioid or cannabinoid systems. Cannabinoids and opioids are distinct drug classes that have been historically used separately or in combination to treat different pain states. Indeed, it is widely known that activation of either opioid or cannabinoid systems produces antinociceptive properties in different pain models. Moreover, several biochemical, molecular and pharmacological studies support the existence of reciprocal interactions between both systems, suggesting a common underlying mechanism. Further studies have demonstrated that the endogenous opioid system could be involved in cannabinoid antinociception and recent data have also provided evidence for a role of the endogenous cannabinoid system in opioid antinociception. These interactions may lead to additive or even synergistic antinociceptive effects, emphasizing their clinical relevance in humans in order to enhance analgesic effects with lower doses and consequently fewer undesirable side effects. Thus, the present review is focused on bidirectional interactions between opioids and cannabinoids and their potent repercussions on pain modulation.
Keywords: Opioids, Cannabinoids, Antinociception, Bidirectional interactions, Synergism, Clinical implications
Current Drug Targets
Title: Opioids and Cannabinoids Interactions: Involvement in Pain Management
Volume: 11 Issue: 4
Author(s): Julie Desroches and Pierre Beaulieu
Affiliation:
Keywords: Opioids, Cannabinoids, Antinociception, Bidirectional interactions, Synergism, Clinical implications
Abstract: Among several pharmacological properties, analgesia is the most common feature shared by either opioid or cannabinoid systems. Cannabinoids and opioids are distinct drug classes that have been historically used separately or in combination to treat different pain states. Indeed, it is widely known that activation of either opioid or cannabinoid systems produces antinociceptive properties in different pain models. Moreover, several biochemical, molecular and pharmacological studies support the existence of reciprocal interactions between both systems, suggesting a common underlying mechanism. Further studies have demonstrated that the endogenous opioid system could be involved in cannabinoid antinociception and recent data have also provided evidence for a role of the endogenous cannabinoid system in opioid antinociception. These interactions may lead to additive or even synergistic antinociceptive effects, emphasizing their clinical relevance in humans in order to enhance analgesic effects with lower doses and consequently fewer undesirable side effects. Thus, the present review is focused on bidirectional interactions between opioids and cannabinoids and their potent repercussions on pain modulation.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Desroches Julie and Beaulieu Pierre, Opioids and Cannabinoids Interactions: Involvement in Pain Management, Current Drug Targets 2010; 11 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138945010790980303
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138945010790980303 |
Print ISSN 1389-4501 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-5592 |
Related Books

- Author Guidelines
- Bentham Author Support Services (BASS)
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Cardiac and Renal Nitric Oxide in the Adaptation to Hypovolemic Shock
Current Enzyme Inhibition Age-Related Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Changes and Related Risk of Adverse Drug Reactions
Current Medicinal Chemistry Immediate and Late Adverse Reactions to Iodinated Contrast Media: A Pharmacological Point of View
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Fatal Disseminated Toxoplasmosis During Primary HIV Infection
Current HIV Research Herbal Medicine of the 21st Century: A Focus on the Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity of Five Widely Advocated Phytotherapies
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Chilling-Like Attacks Terminated by Slow Pathway Ablation
Current Cardiology Reviews Doxorubicin: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Effect
Current Medicinal Chemistry Non-Anaesthetic Effects of Volatile Anaesthetics: A Short Trip on the Sea of Translational Medicine
Current Vascular Pharmacology Hepatic Encephalopathy: Cause and Possible Management with Botanicals
Recent Patents on Inflammation & Allergy Drug Discovery Current Concepts of Immunopathogenesis, Diagnosis and Therapy in Whipples Disease
Current Medicinal Chemistry Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Implications of Altered Physiological Control During Sleep
Current Pediatric Reviews The Possible Therapeutic Actions of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α(PPARα) Agonists,PPARγ Agonists,3-Hydroxy-3- Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A (HMG-CoA)Reductase Inhibitors,Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE)Inhibitors and Calcium (Ca)-Antagonists on Vascular Endothelial Cells
Current Drug Targets - Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders Point of Care Cardiac Ultrasound Applications in the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit - A Review
Current Cardiology Reviews Amelioration of Myocardial Ischemic Reperfusion Injury with Calendula Officinalis
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Disease-Related Changes in TRPV1 Expression and Its Implications for Drug Development
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry New Targets for Treating the Underlying Pathophysiology and Nonmotor Aspects of Parkinson's Disease
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Classical Inhibitors of NOX NAD(P)H Oxidases Are Not Specific
Current Drug Metabolism Current Management of Traumatic Rupture of the Descending Thoracic Aorta
Current Cardiology Reviews Ischemic Neuronal Damage
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Toll-Like Receptor Radical Cycle Pathway: A New Drug Target in Immune-Related Chronic Fatigue
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets