Anesthesiology
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Novel analgesics that do not suppress the respiratory drive are urgently needed. Glutamate signaling through α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors plays important roles in central pain circuits. AMPAkines augment AMPA receptor function and have been shown to stimulate the respiratory drive to oppose opioid-induced hypoventilation. However, their role in chronic pain states remains unknown. ⋯ AMPAkines alleviate pain hypersensitivity as well as depression-like behavior associated with long-lasting nerve injury and inflammatory insult.