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Whilst reading about pain perception in the latest version of Kandel's Principles of Neural Science I got really confused. I understand that morphine acts primarily on mu receptors, and more so than enkephalins or dynorphins. However, on page 552, the book states:
"The number of mu receptors on alpha-gamma nociceptors, which mediate fast and acuate pain or "first pain", exceeds that on C fiber nociceptors, which mediate slow persistent or "second pain". This may help to explain why morphine is more effective in the treatment of persistent rather than acute pains."
Should it not be the other way around if morphine has preference for mu receptors and mu receptors are more prevalent on alpha-gamme nociceptors? Is this a typo in the book?
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>>7960643
It says may. If alpha-gamma nocieptors have more mu receptors that would mean that morphine has a weak signal and isn't processed as efficently in the area with more receptors. The area has low levels of mu and the cells compensate by producing more receptors to increase sensitivity.
C fiber nocieptors have less, which in this context would mean it receives a stronger signal of mu and doesn't need as much receptors.
For more clarification google receptor upregulation and downregulation
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It's a typo. Opiates are much more effective on acute pains.
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>>7960679
Yes, opiates are not very good for chronic pain.
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>>7960643
Anon, i'd very much like to talk neurosciene with you. Kandel is my favourite general neuro text.
I've been looking for neuro people to join the /sci/ discord channel for months now.
Here is the invite link. Leave a message there, I check it somewhat regularly
https://discord.gg/0lqbvcXEubLYMdhn
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