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. 1980;10(Suppl 2):233S–235S. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1980.tb01805.x

Arachidonic acid metabolism, pain and hyperalgesia

The mode of action of non-steroidal mild analgesics

Gerald A Higgs
PMCID: PMC1430162  PMID: 7002184

Abstract

1 Cyclo-oxygenase products such as prostaglandins of the E series and prostacyclin produce the hyperalgesia associated with inflammation.

2 These substances may cause pain and incapacity in some inflammatory conditions.

3 Prostaglandin E2 sensitizes the chemical receptors of afferent pain endings to other inflammatory mediators such as bradykinin and histamine.

4 Unstable intermediates formed in the generation of prostaglandins may also play a role in the production of pain.

5 Drugs such as indomethacin and aspirin which are potent inhibitors of prostaglandin biosynthesis may exert their analgesic effect through this mechanism.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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