Pain neurons engage in direct cross-talk with goblet cells, or mucus-containing cells within the gut. During states of inflammation, pain cells stimulate goblet cells to release more mucus. Findings suggest the nervous system plays a key role in gut barrier maintenance and triggers protective mechanisms during periods of inflammation.
CGRP neurons found in subregions of the thalamus and brainstem relay multisensory threat information to the amygdala. These neural circuits are essential for the formation of aversive memories, a new study reports.
CGRP, a protein associated with migraine pain, appears to act differently between sexes. Researchers say a female-specific mechanism of downstream CGRP receptor activation is likely to contribute to the higher prevalence of migraine in women.
An immunotherapy that acts against an inflammatory molecule associated with migraines, has been shown to be successful in reducing the number of headaches people with chronic migraines suffer each month.
Researchers have developed a new probe that can induce blood flow changes that allows for neuroimaging without the use of radioactive labels.