Abstract
In this issue of Pain Medicine , an Australian group of researchers studied two cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10, in the patients receiving intrathecal (IT) opioid analgesics via implantable drug delivery system [1]. These cytokines have been shown to play opposite roles in pain processing with IL-6 being a pro-inflammatory and pronociceptive cytokine whereas IL-10 possesses anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties. Zin and colleagues compared the plasma and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of these two cytokines and assessed pain intensity in a group of 50 patients (Group A) receiving long-term (mean 5 years) IT infusion of either morphine or hydromorphone as monotherapy or in combination with a local anesthetic. Additionally, they studied the same parameters in a pilot group of 10 patients (Group B), who were followed for 3 months from the time of the initiation of IT therapy. Cytokines are released in the periphery by a variety of cells such as macrophages, …
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
