Researchers have that discovered a protein in the membrane of sensory neurons is involved in our capacity to experience mechanical pain.
Is the popular claim that the brain feels no pain substantiated? A new paper looks at the accuracy of the belief.
Findings could lead to new drug targets for pain management.
The removal of a certain class of potassium channels from the surface of nociceptors is believed to be a key factor in inflammatory pain signaling. Using gene interference to reduce the expression of these specific potassium channels on nociceptors, researchers were able to produce hyperexcitability in nociceptors resembling that seen in inflammatory pain signaling.