title: [Mechanisms of the analgesic effect of alpha 2 adrenergic agonists].
abstract: Alpha 2 adrenergic agonists stimulate specific receptors in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord leading to blockade of potassium and calcium channels. Presynaptic alpha 2 receptors inhibit the release of substance P and other neuropeptides which stimulate transmission of nociceptive stimulations. Post-synaptic alpha 2 receptors hyperpolarize neurons membranes and decrease the activity of nociceptive neurons. In addition, alpha 2 adrenergic agonists have a synergistic action with opioid and cholinergic agonists.
authors.affiliation: Service d'Anesthésie Réanimation, Hôpital-Henri Mondor, Créteil.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bonnet
mesh_terms: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D018341:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2 / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D018341:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2
vernacular_title: Mécanisme de l'effet analgésique des agonistes alpha 2 adrénergiques.