| abstract |
Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), or more particularl y extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERKs) inhibits the development of tolerance to opioid analgesics. Therefore, methods for reducing tolerance, reducing the risk of physical dependence, reducing hyperalgesia, reducing th e symptoms of opioid withdrawal or inhibiting pain sensitization are described . MAPK inhibition at the spinal level represents a powerful treatment modality for chronic pain, blocking both neural sensitization induced by pain and factors limiting the effectiveness of opioids, the strongest analgesics currently in use to treat chronic pain. |