title: Adrenergic and cholinergic compounds.
abstract: Adrenergic and cholinergic signalling contributes significantly to the endogenous antinociceptive system. Exogenous alpha 2 adrenergic agonists have a well-established analgesic profile; however, recent investigations suggest that this class of agents is underused, and herein we highlight the potential for both current application and future development of these agents. Nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic ligands represent a novel class of agents with much promise for the management of problematic pain. In this chapter we review advances in both preclinical and clinical arenas and highlight potential avenues for further research.
authors.affiliation: Academic Anaesthetics, Imperial College, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH, UK.
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Sanders
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maze
mesh_terms: D018663:Adrenergic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D018678:Cholinergic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018341:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2 / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D018663:Adrenergic Agents; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D018678:Cholinergic Agents; D018341:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2