do.ki
17.06.05, 09:42
www.medscimonit.com/pub/vol_11/no_5/7202.pdf
Summary:
Evidence suggests that the placebo response is related to the tonic
effects of constitutive nitric oxide in neural, vascular and immune
tissues. Constitutive nitric oxide levels play a role in the
modulation of dopamine outflow in the nigrostriatal movement and the
mesolimbic and mesocortical reward and motivation circuitries.
Endogenous morphine, which stimulates constitutive nitric oxide, may
be an important signal molecule working at mu receptors on gamma
aminobutyric acid B interneurons to disinhibit nigral and tegmental
dopamine output. We surmise that placebo induced belief will activate
the prefrontal cortex with downstream stimulatory effects on these
dopamine systems as well as on periaqueductal grey opioid output
neurons. Placebo responses in Parkinson’s disease, depression and
pain disorder may result. In addition, mesolimbic/mesocortical
control of the stress response systems may provide a way for the
placebo response to benefit other medical conditions.