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2 clusters · 6 sources · 15 days · First seen · Last updated

Brain mechanism discovery for chronic pain management

Overview

Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine have identified a biological mechanism in the brain that may allow for the control of chronic neuropathic pain. The study, published in ‘Current Biology’, focuses on the locus coeruleus, a brain region responsible for alertness, stress, and pain processing.

In healthy conditions, mu-opioid receptors in this region act as a natural ‘brake’ to suppress pain signals. However, the research indicates that nerve damage can cause this system to become hyperactive, driving persistent pain rather than suppressing it. In preclinical mouse models, the removal of these receptors increased sensitivity to touch and temperature, while restoring them eliminated the hypersensitivity.

This discovery suggests a pathway for developing targeted therapies that act specifically on the locus coeruleus. Such treatments could potentially manage pain while avoiding the systemic toxicity, addiction risks, and respiratory depression associated with traditional opioid medications.

Entities

locus coeruleus · Washington University School of Medicine · Current Biology · Jordan McCall · Jordan McColl

Timeline

  1. 1 day ago

    [HEALTH] 2 sources
    Scientists identify brain mechanism to suppress chronic pain

    Scientists have discovered a brain mechanism in the locus coeruleus that can be manipulated to shut off chronic neuropathic pain, potentially paving the way for non-addictive, targeted treatments.

  2. 16 days ago

    [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Washington University researchers identify brain mechanism to control chronic pain

    Scientists at Washington University have identified a brain mechanism in the locus coeruleus that acts as a natural brake on chronic pain, potentially leading to safer, more targeted non-addictive therapies.

Sources

bolnews.com · finance.technews.tw · futurity.org · prv.mk · trn.mk · world-today-journal.com