Possible mechanisms of the analgesic action of calcitonin.
The analgesic activity of calcitonin is well established, both through clinical observation and specific experimental investigation. The mechanism involved, however, is still unclear, and the hypotheses that have been proposed range from a simple peripheral antiinflammatory action to a direct action on specific receptors in the central nervous system. The various hypotheses are briefly reviewed and some of the supporting evidence is presented. The conclusion is that the principal mechanism of calcitonin's analgesic effect is probably a direct central action, but that this is further supported by peripheral mechanisms that may also improve bone status locally.
Azria
M
M
Calcitonin Biology and Safety Unit, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland. moise.azria@pharma.novartis.com
D000700:Analgesics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D002116:Calcitonin / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism
D000700:Analgesics; D002116:Calcitonin