Morphinan neuroprotection: new insight into the therapy of neurodegeneration.

Neuro-inflammation plays a pivotal role in numerous neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Traditional anti-inflammatory drugs have limited therapeutic use because of their narrow spectrum and severe side effects after long-term use. Morphinans are a class of compounds containing the basic morphine structure. The following review will describe novel neuroprotective effects of several morphinans in multiple inflammatory disease models. The potential therapeutic utility and underlying mechanisms of morphinan neuroprotection are discussed.