No changes in the internal condition, which could account for the improvements concerning pain, were observed. Table 1. Sample features These clinical observations suggest the involvement of brain dopamine (DA) transmission in nociceptive pain pathways as a result of the ‘modulation’ of the dopaminergic system
by ARP, although ARP-mediated antagonism on 5HT2A receptors [DeLeon et al. 2004] known as facilitating spinal nociception [Oyama et al. 1996], is possible. The activation of nigrostriatal (dorsal nucleus caudate and putamen) Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical DA D2 receptor-mediated neurotransmission is positively associated with individual variations in subjective ratings of sensory and affective qualities Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical of pain with an increased threshold as outcome [Scott et al. 2006]. In contrast, mesolimbic (nucleus selleck compound accumbens) DA activation, which may have an impact on both D2 and D3 receptors, is exclusively associated with Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical variations in the emotional responses of the individual during pain challenge (increases in negative affect and fear ratings) [Stahl, 2002]. The ARP antipsychotic mechanism is based on the blockade of mesolimbic D3
receptors, whereas nigrostriatal D2 receptor-mediated activity is not changed Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical by it [Oyama et al. 1996]. So its effect could result in a direct involvement on reduction of pain perception even if a positive unspecific role on pain threshold psychological-mediated is possible. However, these effects on pain perception could be particularly evident owing to the poor effectiveness of common pain treatments in our sample. This is the first report about the relationship between aripiprazole and subjective experience of pain. Footnotes Funding: Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical This research received no specific grant much from any funding agency in the public,
commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest in preparing this article. Contributor Information Leonardo Fei, Unit of Psycho-Oncology, University Hospital Careggi, viale Morgagni 85, Firenze, 50134, Italy. Luca Abrardi, FILE – Italian Foundation for Palliative Care, Firenze, Italy. Rocco Domenico Mediati, Unit of Pain Therapy and Palliative Care, Oncology, University Hospital Careggi, Firenze, Italy.
Long-term treatment with lithium has been associated with mild cognitive impairment, mental slowing and memory impairment [Cookson, 1997].