European journal of pain : EJP
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Although the efficacy of peripherally administered opioid has been demonstrated in preclinical and clinical studies, the underlying mechanisms of its anti-hyperalgesic effects are poorly understood. G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels are linked to opioid receptors in the brain. However, the role of peripheral GIRK channels in analgesia induced by peripherally administered opioid, especially in trigeminal system, is not clear. ⋯ Our data indicate that peripheral DOR agonist-induced suppression of mechanical hypersensitivity in the masseter muscle involves the activity of peripheral GIRK channels. These results could provide a rationale for developing a novel therapeutic approach using peripheral GIRK channel openers to mimic or supplement the effects of peripheral opioid agonist.
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B vitamins have been demonstrated to be effective in treating chronic pain due to peripheral nerve injury. We investigated whether B vitamins could alleviate neuropathic pain and reduce neuron injury following temporary ischaemia in a rat model of spinal cord ischaemia-reperfusion injury (SCII). ⋯ These findings support the idea that the B vitamins are capable of neuroprotection and antinociception during spinal cord injury due to temporary ischaemia. Rescuing the loss of inhibitory GABAergic tone may reduce spinal central sensitization and contribute to B vitamin-induced analgesia.
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Sex differences in pain have been well documented; however, the mechanisms involved remain to be elucidated. The present study examined whether sex differences exist in the functioning of primary afferent fibres by assessing formalin-evoked release of substance P by way of neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1r) internalization. The study also investigated whether the observed effects would be oestradiol-sensitive. ⋯ These findings suggest that oestradiol mediates sex differences in formalin-evoked substance P release, which may contribute to a differential development of central sensitization and pain behaviours in males and females.
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The prevalence of musculoskeletal (MS) pain has been increasing among adolescents in the last decades. This may be related to either adverse changes in lifestyle and/or the psychosocial environment. Our study analysed the psychosocial and lifestyle correlates of musculoskeletal pain progression in adolescence. ⋯ The strong overlap of emotional and behavioural problems and MS pains in adolescence requires awareness in both research and clinical work.
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Observational Study
Diagnostic accuracy of two questionnaires for the detection of neuropathic pain in the Spanish population.
Several questionnaires have been developed for the detection of neuropathic pain. ⋯ These results show that although both questionnaires are good screening tools, the DN4 questionnaire is particularly recommended for identifying patients with neuropathic pain in clinical practice and research studies.