A team of researchers has identified how opioids create an inflammatory response in the brain, laying the groundwork for the development of new drugs that improve morphine's effectiveness while reducing its side effects, according to a News-Medical report.
Researches from the University of Adelaide and the University of Colorado identified an immune receptor in the brain that is activated by opioids and triggers inflammation. They then demonstrated how the immune receptor can be blocked.
"Because morphine is considered to be such an important drug in the management of moderate to severe pain in patients right around the world, we believe these results will have far-reaching benefits," said study co-author Mark Hutchinson, MD.
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