Immunopharmacology
Research
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder with a world wide distribution and is associated with significant pain and disability. Further more the control of pain in arthritic joints is an essential part of the management of rheumatoid disease. Opioids are amongst the most widely used drugs in acute and chronic pain, and although widely used as analgesics, have not adequately been considered as anti-inflammatory agents.
Current Projects
Therapy for inflammatory arthritis: Immunopharmacological mechanisms
This project aims to investigate the immunopharmacological mechanisms by which opioids and bisphosponates suppress inflammation in an experimental model of arthritis.
Understanding the mechanisms of drug action and the processes of inflammation and joint damage in arthritis will allow a targeted approach toward potential new treatment strategies. The outcome we hope to achieve in the present proposal is to improve treatment options available to arthritis sufferers and to develop a treatment regimen that inhibits pain, inflammation and bone damage.
Project available for research students
Peripheral opioids in chronic and acute inflammatory pain
Peripheral inflammation leads to an increase in the synthesis of opioid receptors and hence receptor up regulation as well as increased opioid analgesic efficacy during inflammatory pain. This project utilizes an experimental model of inflammation to assess peripherally mediated opioid analgesia and potential mechanisms that can enhance opioid efficacy.
Research Students
Jignya Patel, Postgraduate student
Selected Publications
Binder, W., Mousa, S.A., Sitte, N., Kaiser, M., Stein C.& Schäfer, M. (2004). Sympathetic activation triggers endogenous opioid release and analgesia within peripheral inflamed tissue. Eur. J. Neurosci., 20, 92-100.
Binder, W. Functional role of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system in inflammatory pain. In Mind over Matter – Regulation of Peripheral Inflammation by the CNS, Progress in Inflammation Research. Series Ed. Parnham, Mj. Ed. Schäfer, M & Stein C. Birkhauser Verlag, Basel - Boston - Berlin, pp 89 – 99. 2003.
Binder, W., Machelska, H., Mousa, S., Schmitt, T., Riviere, P.J.M., Junien, J.L., Stein, C. & Schäfer, M. (2001). Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of two novel kappa opioid peptides. Anesthesiology, 94, 1034-1044.
Binder, W., Carmody, J. & Walker, J. (2000). Effect of Gender on Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Actions of Two k-Opioids. JPET., 292, 303-309.
Binder, W., Scott, C. & Walker, J.S. (1999). Involvement of substance P in the anti-inflammatory effects of the peripherally selective k-opioid asimadoline and the NK1 antagonist GR205171. Eur. J. Neurosci., 11, 2065-2072.
Binder, W. & Walker, J.S. (1998). The peripherally selective kappa-opioid agonist, asimadoline, attenuates adjuvant arthritis. Br. J. Pharmacol., 124, 647-654.