Elucidate the mechanism of chronic pain caused by pain memory

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K23780
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0704:Neuroscience, brain sciences, and related fields
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Nakamura Yukiko 大阪大学, 医学系研究科, 特任講師 (90548083)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-08-30 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: chronic pain / nociplastic pain / extinction / 5-HT3

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Chronic pain involves both spinal and brain circuits at various levels. Abnormal amplification of pain sensation by the CNS is one of the major factors contributing to chronic pain. To elucidate the mechanism of the chronic pain associated with CNS, I made an animal model, then I revealed the associated area using behavioral and histological analysis. Moreover, I found the compound which is a potential for a therapeutic agent.

Free Research Field

疼痛

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

日本では約20％の方が慢性疼痛に苦しんでいるが、効果的で安全な治療薬がないことが大きな問題になっている。申請者は痛みの記憶や学習に起因する痛みの存在を明らかにし、その痛みを緩和する可能性のある化合物を見出した。本研究成果は治療方法がなく長期間苦しんでいる慢性疼痛患者に還元できる可能性が大いになる。