Researchers uncover brain mechanisms behind chronic pain management
Chronic pain, often overwhelming and debilitating, can sometimes be alleviated by stress, fear, or hunger. Scientists at the Center for Neuroscience (CNS), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), have identified how neurons across brain regions collaborate to manage chronic pain in mice, shedding light on potential therapeutic strategies.
The study, led by Arnab Barik, Assistant Professor at CNS, focused on mice with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a condition that makes cancer patients hypersensitive to stimuli like cold. Researchers discovered that the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) in the brain plays a pivotal role in this hypersensitivity.
When LPBN neurons were activated, mice responded to cold stimuli by licking their paws more frequently—a behavior interpreted as an active coping mechanism. These neurons act as a “relay junction,” processing input from various brain regions to regulate pain intensity and coping behaviors.
Excitatory inputs from the spinal cord heightened LPBN activity, increasing the licking response. Conversely, inhibitory inputs from the lateral hypothalamus, a region associated with stress and hunger, reduced this behavior and likely the sensation of pain. Both types of inputs converge on the same LPBN neurons, determining whether pain responses are amplified or suppressed.
Barik explained that this mechanism helps prioritize actions based on the intensity of pain. For instance, a person experiencing mild pain might still focus on finding food, while intense pain would override such priorities.
The findings enhance our understanding of how the brain perceives and regulates pain. However, whether similar mechanisms apply to other conditions like arthritis or diabetic neuropathy remains uncertain.
“Pain is subjective, and understanding its variability is complex,” said Barik. “These mechanisms offer insights into the origins of this subjectivity and how the brain computes pain responses.”
This research paves the way for more targeted approaches to chronic pain management, bringing hope to those affected by persistent pain conditions.
Source: Indian Institute of Science
Category: Education
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