Anesthesiology
-
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a brain region that has been critically implicated in the processing of pain perception and modulation. While much evidence has pointed to an increased activity of the ACC under chronic pain states, less is known about whether pain can be alleviated by inhibiting ACC neuronal activity. ⋯ The findings of this study indicate that enhanced neuronal activity in the ACC contributes to maintain bone cancer-induced mechanical hypersensitivity and suggest that the ACC may serve as a potential therapeutic target for treating bone cancer pain.
-
Previous evidence suggests that opioid-tolerant patients are less responsive to local anesthetics (LAs) for postoperative pain management. ⋯ These preclinical data suggest that the morphine-induced decrease in LA potency is due, at least in part, to the intrinsic changes in the peripheral nerve. Identification of the underlying mechanisms may suggest strategies for more effective postoperative pain management in the growing population of opioid-tolerant patients.