Identification of a Model for Enhanced Pain Sensitivity

An electrophysiological study revealed that low frequency stimulation of ascending pain fibers induces the formation of a synaptic amplifier in post-synaptic spinal cord neurons. The model closely resembles the characteristics of the hyperalgesia pathway in terms of the induction mechanism, neuron populations, pharmacological profile, and signal transduction pathways. The results suggest that long-term potentiation at the first synapse between nociceptive C-fibers and spinal lamina I neurons is the key mechanism underlying chronic pain.

This model should support further research into the molecular mechanisms behind inflammatory pain and approaches to ameliorating the condition.

Message posted by: Keith Markey