Peripheral anti-nociceptive action of alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists

Besides that of the well-established centrally mediated anti-nociceptive effects of opioids, there is new evidence arising from the field of pain research and pain therapy indicating a peripherally mediated anti-nociception by these compounds and others, for which only a central site of analgesic action had previously been established. Focusing on α2-adrenoceptor agonists, this review will summarize some of the recent progress in this field and attempt to provide a rationale for a peripheral route of α2-adrenoreceptor agonist administration in specific clinical situations.