Opioids and the skin : where do we stand?

摘要: The common ectodermal origin of the skin and nervous systems can be expected to predict likely interactions in adult. Over last couple decades much progress has been made elucidate nature these interactions, which provide multidirectional controls between centrally located brain peripherally immune system. opioid system is an excellent example such interaction there growing evidence that receptors (OR) their endogenous agonists are functional different structures, including peripheral nerve fibres, keratinocytes, melanocytes, hair follicles cells. Greater knowledge skin-associated will important for treatment chronic acute pain pruritus. Topical with ligands particularly attractive as they active few side effects, especially if cannot cross blood-brain barrier. Moreover, cutaneous activation (e.g. by nerves, cells, inflamed damaged skin) influence cell differentiation apoptosis, thus may repair skin. While many pieces this intriguing puzzle remain found, we attempt review weave a thread around available data discuss how impact on key players physiology pathology.