JERUSALEM, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Israeli scientists have uncovered a brain mechanism that helps regulate short-term pain but fails when pain becomes chronic, potentially opening the door to more effective therapies, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem said in a statement on Sunday.
In the study, published in Science Advances, the researchers set out to understand why some types of pain disappear while others linger and turn into long-term suffering. Their focus was a small yet critical region of the brainstem known as the medullary dorsal horn, which contains neurons that transmit pain signals from the body to the brain.
During short-term, or acute, inflammatory pain, these neurons were found to reduce their activity. This acts like a natural braking system, helping to prevent the brain from being overwhelmed by pain signals. Once the pain subsides, the neurons return to their normal state.
However, in cases of chronic pain, the researchers found that this braking system breaks down. Instead of calming down, the neurons become more excitable and send more pain signals, possibly explaining why chronic pain persists.
Using lab techniques and computer models, the team identified a key factor behind this shift: a potassium current in the neurons known as the A-type potassium current (IA).
In acute pain, IA increases to help calm the neurons. In chronic pain, this increase doesn't happen, leaving the neurons overactive.
The researchers said that this discovery could lead to new therapies that restore or mimic this natural brake, potentially preventing pain from becoming chronic. Their findings offer new insights into how the brain controls pain and suggest a path toward longer-lasting, more precise interventions for those suffering from chronic conditions. Enditem
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