Opioid peptides modulate immune functions. A review

Abstract

In the past few years it has become evident that neuropeptides may be direct mediators in the modulation of the immune response and the unspecific defense by the brain. Lymphocytes have been thought to have opioid receptors and to respond to opioids with an increase in blastogenesis, cytotoxicity and factor release. Lymphocytes are said to release various neuropeptides. Furthermore, there are some unexplained effects of morphine on the immune system and of the immune system on morphine withdrawal. The purpose of this paper is to review what has been previously published in this field. The well established modulation of phagocyte functions by opioids will only be scanned.