6. Conclusions
Endogenous concentrations of opioid peptides and receptors are under
tonic control of circulating androgens. Androgen-induced modulations of
these peptides and receptors lead to functional consequences on
opioid-mediated behavior. Some of these consequences have clinical
relevance, particularly in regard to pain sensitivity, sensitivity to
opioid analgesia, and sensitivity to opioid-mediated reward and
reinforcement. A greater understanding of how androgens influence these
outcomes would lead to better clinical management of both chronic pain
and substance use disorders. This review identifies several topics that
remain understudied in this area and proposes several lines of research
that may carry meaningful translational and public health impact.