Dual Actions of Substance P on Nociception: Possible Role of Endogenous Opioids

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Abstract
Substance P produces analgesia when administered to mice in very small doses by the intraventricular route (1.25 to 5 nanograms per mouse). The analgesic effect can be blocked by naloxone. At higher doses (greater than 50 nanograms per mouse), this activity is lost. At these higher doses, however, substance P produced hyperalgesia when combined with naloxone and analgesia when combined with baclofen [beta-(4-chlorophenyl)-gamma-aminobutyric acid]. Substance P may have dual actions in brain, releasing endorphins at very low doses and directly exciting neuronal activity in nociceptive pathways at higher doses.