Regulation of pain sensitivity in experimental osteoarthritis by the endogenous peripheral opioid system

Abstract

These findings indicate that a temporal induction of micro-opioid receptors in the early stages of OA delays the onset of pain. This is of clinical relevance and may contribute to the assessment of patients presenting with pain late in the disease. Furthermore, it may point to a mechanism by which the body blocks pain perception in moderate states of tissue damage, allowing an increased chance of survival.