Feeling no pain: Alcohol as an analgesic

Woodrow, Kenneth M.; Eltherington, L. G.

doi:10.1016/0304-3959(88)90064-4

Cited by 68 publications

(48 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Ethanol at clinically relevant concentrations, shortens AP, prolongs refractory period and decreases firing frequency in a subgroup of primary afferent neurons, most likely nociceptors, by activation of BK K (Ca) channels [27]. Thus, modulation of sensory information in primary afferent neurons may explain partly the analgesic and anesthetic effect of ethanol [43,95]. Similarly, the anesthetic and analgesic effects of chloral hydrate can be partly explained by the 20-fold more potent than ethanol activating effect of its active metabolite 2,2,2-trichloroethanol (TCE) on BK channels of DRG neurons, which results in a significant outward current and AP shortening with subsequent excitability reduction [26].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Opposing effects of spinal nerve ligation on calcium-activated potassium currents in axotomized and adjacent mammalian primary afferent neurons

Sarantopoulos¹,

McCallum²,

Rigaud³

et al. 2007

Brain Research

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Calcium-activated potassium channels regulate AHP and excitability in neurons. Since we have previously shown that axotomy decreases I Ca in DRG neurons, we investigated the association between I Ca and K (Ca) currents in control medium-sized (30-39 μM) neurons, as well as axotomized L5 or adjacent L4 DRG neurons from hyperalgesic rats following L5 SNL. Currents in response to AP waveform voltage commands were recorded first in Tyrode's solution and sequentially after: 1) blocking Na + current with NMDG and TTX; 2) addition of K (Ca) blockers with a combination of apamin 1μM, iberiotoxin 200 nM, and clotrimazole 500 nM; 3) blocking remaining K + current with the addition of 4-AP, TEA-Cl, and glibenclamide; and 4) blocking I Ca with cadmium. In separate experiments, currents were evoked (HP −60 mV, 200 ms square command pulses from −100 to +50 mV) while ensuring high levels of activation of I K(Ca) by clamping cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration with pipette solution in which Ca 2+ was buffered to1μM. This revealed I K(Ca) with components sensitive to apamin, clotrimazole and iberiotoxin. SNL decreases total I K(Ca) in axotomized (L5) neurons, but increases total I K(Ca) in adjacent (L4) DRG neurons. All I K(Ca) subtypes are decreased by axotomy, but iberiotoxin-sensitive and clotrimazole-sensitive current densities are increased in adjacent L4 neurons after SNL. In an additional set of experiments we found that small sized control DRG neurons also expressed iberiotoxin-sensitive currents, which are reduced in both axotomized (L5) and adjacent (L4) neurons.Conclusions: Axotomy decreases I K(Ca) due to a direct effect on K (Ca) channels. Axotomy-induced loss of I Ca may further potentiate current reduction. This reduction in I K(Ca) may contribute to elevated excitability after axotomy. Adjacent neurons (L4 after SNL) exhibit increased I K(Ca) current.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Opposing effects of spinal nerve ligation on calcium-activated potassium currents in axotomized and adjacent mammalian primary afferent neurons

Sarantopoulos¹,

McCallum²,

Rigaud³

et al. 2007

Brain Research

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Importantly, each of these daily substances have mild analgesic effects when used in daily doses (i.e. Lane et al, 1995;Shapiro, 2007;Woodrow and Eltherington, 1988). As these substances have been thoroughly researched and discussed, the results of such studies may provide relevant and useful information that can be used to guide investigations into the effect pain has on attention (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Identifying experimental methods to determine the effect of pain on attention: a review of pain, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine studies

Moore

Keogh

Eccleston

2009

Human Psychopharmacology

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“…8,9 The prevalence and severity of chronic pain and painrelated dysfunction in patients who screen positive for the full spectrum (at-risk use to substance use disorders) of drug use (Illicit, prescription misuse) in primary care is unknown. Because alcohol, 10 many illicit drugs (e.g., heroin, marijuana) and prescription opioids have analgesic properties, it is possible that patients are using these drugs to self-medicate pain. While there are numerous reasons why individuals use substances, one theory is that individuals use psychoactive substances to Bself-medicated isturbing symptoms (e.g., posttraumatic stress).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Primary Care Patients with Drug Use Report Chronic Pain and Self-Medicate with Alcohol and Other Drugs

et al. 2016

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BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is common among patients with drug use disorders. The prevalence of chronic pain and its consequences in primary care patients who use drugs is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To examine: 1) the prevalence of chronic pain and pain-related dysfunction among primary care patients who screen positive for drug use, and 2) the prevalence of substance use to self-medicate chronic pain in this population. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional analysis. PARTICIPANTS: This study included 589 adult patients who screened positive for any illicit drug use or prescription drug misuse, recruited from an urban, hospitalbased primary care practice. MAIN MEASURES: Both pain and pain-related dysfunction were assessed by numeric rating scales, and grouped as: (0) none, (1-3) mild, (4-6) moderate, (7-10) severe. Questions were asked about the use of substances to treat pain. KEY RESULTS: Among 589 participants, chronic pain was reported by 87 % (95 % CI: 84-90 %), with 13 % mild, 24 % moderate and 50 % severe. Pain-related dysfunction was reported by 74 % (95 % CI: 70-78 %), with 15 % mild, 23 % moderate, and 36 % severe. Of the 576 that used illicit drugs (i.e., marijuana, cocaine, and/or heroin), 51 % reported using to treat pain (95 % CI: 47-55 % ). Of the 121 with prescription drug misuse, 81 % (95 % CI: 74-88 %) used to treat pain. Of the 265 participants who reported any heavy drinking in the past 3 months, 38 % (95 % CI: 32-44 %) did so to treat pain compared to 79 % (95 % CI: 68-90 %) of the 57 high-risk alcohol users. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic pain and pain-related dysfunction were the norm for primary care patients who screened positive for drug use, with nearly onethird reporting both severe pain and severe painrelated dysfunction. Many patients using illicit drugs, misusing prescription drugs and using alcohol reported doing so in order to self-medicate their pain. Pain needs to be addressed when patients are counseled about their substance use.

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Feeling no pain: Alcohol as an analgesic

Cited by 68 publications

References 4 publications

Opposing effects of spinal nerve ligation on calcium-activated potassium currents in axotomized and adjacent mammalian primary afferent neurons

Opposing effects of spinal nerve ligation on calcium-activated potassium currents in axotomized and adjacent mammalian primary afferent neurons

Identifying experimental methods to determine the effect of pain on attention: a review of pain, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine studies

Primary Care Patients with Drug Use Report Chronic Pain and Self-Medicate with Alcohol and Other Drugs

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