title: Pharmacology of spinal opioids.
abstract: This review presents the pharmacology of spinal opioid receptor systems which are primarily involved in pain processing. The major areas upon which we will focus are: the structure and cellular functioning of the opioid receptor systems; the physiologic effects induced by spinally administered opioids, particularly in pain modulation; and pharmacokinetic and dynamic considerations, with special attention to the problem of opioid tolerance development.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Sabbe
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Yaksh
mesh_terms: D015360:Analgesia, Epidural; D006801:Humans; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D009294:Narcotics; D011957:Receptors, Opioid