[Immunomodulatory role of opioids in the central nervous system].

Endogenous and exogenous opioids can influence and modulate neuronal and glial cell function via an opioid receptor mediated mechanism, leading to either protection or damage of the brain. Opiates such as morphine have been postulated to promote the progression of HIV-1 and the development of secondary opportunistic infections. Kappa opioid receptor ligands, on the other hand, may play a neuroprotective role. More studies are needed to delineate how opioids exert their effects on glial cells as well as neurons with the goal of developing new therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative disease.