Researchers have identified a brain pathway in mice that governs the development of opioid tolerance.If the same exists in humans, treatments that block it could prevent opioid addiction
health
February 8, 2023
The context in which opioids are used can affect tolerance to their effects Shutterstock/mwesselsphotography
A newly discovered brain pathway in mice may contribute to the development of opioid tolerance, suggesting that future therapies targeting this pathway could prevent opioid addiction and overdose.
Opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl are effective pain relievers, but they are highly addictive as frequent use requires increasingly large doses to achieve the same effect. The increased risk of ingestion has become a serious problem in the United States. In 2020, nearly 69,000 people died from opioids…
