Israeli Researchers Discover Brain Mechanism That Controls Pain, Paving the Way for New Treatments

Jerusalem — On Sunday (June 22), the Hebrew University of Jerusalem reported that a team of Israeli scientists has discovered a mechanism in the brain that helps regulate acute pain but fails to control chronic pain—potentially leading to more effective treatments in the future.

The findings, published in the journal Science Advances, indicate that researchers are beginning to understand why certain types of pain subside while others persist and transition into chronic conditions. The team focused their study on the medullary dorsal horn, a part of the brainstem that contains neurons responsible for transmitting pain signals from the body to the brain.

These neurons play a role in reducing short-term or acute inflammatory pain, functioning as a natural braking system that protects the brain from excessive pain signals. Once the pain eases, these neurons typically return to their normal state.

However, the researchers found that this natural braking system breaks down in cases of chronic pain. Instead of calming down, the neurons become increasingly activated and send stronger pain signals—possibly explaining why chronic pain continues.

Using laboratory techniques and computer models, the team identified a key factor behind this change: the amount of potassium current in neurons known as “A-type potassium current (IA).” In cases of acute pain, this current increases to help calm the neurons. But in chronic pain, the IA current does not rise, resulting in overactivation of the neurons.

This discovery could lead to new therapies that restore or mimic the brain’s natural braking system, potentially preventing pain from becoming chronic. It also provides new insights into how the brain regulates pain and offers promising directions for more targeted and long-lasting support for chronic pain sufferers.

Source:

XinhuaThai