Analgesia system

DEFINITION:

Pain control system in the body. When stimulated suppression of pain sensation.

Components of analgesia system:

Peri-ventricular nuclei in hypothalamus: (surround the 3rd ventricle). Peri-aqueductal gray matter: (surround aqueduct of Sylvius present in midbrain and upper pons). Raphe Magnus nucleus: (thin midline nucleus in lower pons & upper medulla). A pain inhibitory complex: (in dorsal horn of spinal cord).

Neuro-transmitters in analgesia system:

ENKEPHALINS: Released by fibers: Which pass from peri-ventricular nuclei periaqueductal gray matter & Which pass from peri-aqueductal gray matter Raphe Magnus nucleus. SEROTONIN: Released by fibers: Which pass from Raphe Magnus nucleus Pain inhibitory complex (in dorsal horn of spinal cord).

Neuro-transmitters in analgesia system:

In coming pain fibers, i-e., A delta fibers & C fibers synapse with the pain inhibitory complex in dorsal horn of spinal cord. The neurons in the pain inhibitory complex release ENKEPHALINS at the nerve endings pain impulses can be inhibited at their entry into spinal cord.

ENKEPHALINS

Resemble morphine in action. (morphine binds with opioid receptors in the body). Enkephalins also bind with opioid receptors to produce analgesia. Stimulation of analgesia system can suppress both fast pain & slow pain. Reflexes initiated by pain impulses are also inhibited. Mainly the withdrawal or flexor reflex is inhibited by this system. The conditions which stimulate this system are not well understood.

Clinical aspects:

We apply liniments & rub over the area of pain some relief from pain !!! Perhaps rubbing release of ENKEPHALINS by pain inhibitory complex (in dorsal horn of spinal cord). Chinese Accupuncture relief from pain !!! (by stimulation of analgesia system).