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What's in a Name for Chronic Pain?

“Nociplastic pain” officially adopted by IASP as third mechanistic descriptor of chronic pain

by Neil Andrews on 5 Feb 2018

For decades, pain researchers have set their sights on understanding pain mechanisms—the cellular and molecular machinery underlying chronic pain. In doing so, they became increasingly aware that the terms…

Research

Nanosymposiums on Pain: Highlights From SfN 2017

Talks on novel targets for pain, and on neuroimmune sex differences in pain, presented at recent meeting

by Francie Moehring on 24 Jan 2018

Comment

The following is a report on two nanosymposiums on pain held at the 2017 Society for Neuroscience annual meeting, which took place November 11-15 in Washington, DC. See other…

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Pain Researchers Among Science Advocates at Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting

Scientists seize the opportunity to educate US congressional representatives in DC

by Stephani Sutherland on 18 Jan 2018

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The 2017 annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience was held November 11-15 in Washington, DC. For some, the meeting’s proximity to Capitol Hill provided an opportunity to speak…

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More Pain, More Aging, and More Pain With Aging: Part 1

Pre-conference workshop at recent IAGG meeting featured experts in clinical research and care

by Neil Andrews on 16 Jan 2018

Comment

Editor's note: This is Part 1 of PRF’s coverage of selected talks from a pre-conference workshop on pain and aging held at the 2017 International Association of Gerontology and…

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More Pain, More Aging, and More Pain With Aging: Part 2

Pre-conference workshop at recent IAGG meeting featured experts in clinical research and care

by Neil Andrews on 16 Jan 2018

Comment

Editor's note: This is Part 2 of PRF’s coverage of selected talks from a pre-conference workshop on pain and aging, held July 23 in San Francisco, US, at the…

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Designing Safer Opioids: How Biased Are You?

A systematic analysis of multiple mu opioid receptor agonists reveals that bias factor correlates with therapeutic window

by Nathan Fried on 11 Jan 2018

Comment

Developing safer opioids remains a long-held goal of pain researchers, who have especially set their sights on the mu opioid receptor (MOR). Agonists that bind MORs can activate multiple…

Drug Development

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The Unmet Global Need for Palliative Care and Pain Relief

Sick and dying people suffer from untreated pain in low-income countries

by Stephani Sutherland on 4 Jan 2018

Comment

Imagine suffering from agonizing pain due to advanced cancer, or recovering from surgery without receiving any pain medication. That might seem unthinkable in the US and other high-income countries.…

Research

Why Is Craniofacial Pain Often Worse Than Body Pain? An Explanation Emerges

Direct trigeminal ganglion-to-lateral parabrachial nucleus pathway may explain increased suffering associated with head and face pain

by Dara Bree on 19 Dec 2017

Comment

Patients often describe head and face pain (craniofacial pain) as more severe and emotionally unpleasant than pain from the rest of the body. These regions are also the site…

Research

Year in Review: The Top News Stories and Papers of the Week on PRF in 2017

News on a colorful approach to relieving pain, and a paper on separating opioid side effects from analgesia, grab the number 1 slots

by PRF Team on 18 Dec 2017

Comment

As the year draws to a close, it’s a good time to take stock of the news and papers that caught your attention in 2017—it’s the moment for a Top…

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What’s Behind the Spatial Acuity for Pain?

Nociceptive fibers vary in shape in the spinal cord of mice, hinting at an explanation for pain acuity in people

by Matthew Soleiman on 14 Dec 2017

Comment

Compared to other areas of the body, the fingertips are especially sensitive to the threat of injury, and yet they possess fewer pain-signaling nerve fibers. Now, according to new…

Research

Where Will New Pain Drugs Come From?

11th Annual Pain and Migraine Therapeutics Summit in San Diego seeks to fill the drug pipeline

by Stephani Sutherland on 6 Dec 2017

Comment

The 11th Annual Pain and Migraine Therapeutics Summit, chaired by William Schmidt, NorthStar Consulting, Davis, US, and organized by Arrowhead Publishers and Conferences was held September 27-28, 2017, in…

Conferences

Drug Development

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An Ion Channel That Perpetuates Pain in Diabetic Neuropathy

Peripheral HCN2 lowers threshold for pain in mouse models of type 1, type 2 diabetes

by Matthew Soleiman on 27 Nov 2017

Comment

Diabetes is on the rise, and consequently, so is the persistent and often intractable pain experienced by many diabetic patients with nerve injury. However, researchers still have a poor…

Drug Development

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The Cingulate Cortex and Pain: Let’s Get Specific

A midcingulate cortex to posterior insula pathway plays a key role in nociception, even in the absence of peripheral input

by Allison Marin on 20 Nov 2017

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A newly described pathway from the midcingulate cortex (MCC) to the posterior insula (PI) has a critical part in the regulation of nociceptive hypersensitivity, according to a new study…

Research

A Flatworm to the Rescue

Noxious heat avoidance in planarians linked to activation of TRPA1 by reactive oxygen species

by Neil Andrews on 7 Nov 2017

Comment

The ion channel TRPA1 is in some respects a conundrum, particularly regarding its contribution to temperature sensing. Some variants of TRPA1 respond to heat, while others respond to cold…

Research

Nocebo Effects and Pain: What’s the Cost?

“Expensive” inert treatment produces greater nocebo hyperalgesia than “cheap” version

by Dara Bree on 2 Nov 2017

Comment

Positive (placebo) or negative (nocebo) responses to inert or sham treatments are common occurrences in medicine. Both are complex neurobiological phenomena that can be triggered or modulated by a…

Research

A Chemogenetic Approach to Alleviating Neuropathic Pain

Activation of an engineered ion channel silences sensory neurons, reverses allodynia in mice

by Matthew Soleiman on 27 Oct 2017

Comment

For years, scientists have entertained the idea that chemogenetics—the ability to manipulate genetically defined cells using engineered receptors—might eventually become more than a research tool. If harnessed correctly by…

Research

Texas Pain Research Consortium Defies Hurricane Harvey to Host Second Biennial Pain Research Conference

Meeting in Galveston, Texas, on August 24, 2017, brings out 133 attendees from across the state

by Dayna Loyd Averitt and Shivani Ruparel on 17 Oct 2017

Comment

This meeting report is co-authored by Dayna Loyd Averitt and Shivani Ruparel (Media Committee Co-Chairs).

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Newly Identified Nociceptors Transmit Pain From Hair Follicles

A-delta nociceptor population responds to pulling of even a single hair in a mouse study

by Nathan Fried on 10 Oct 2017

Comment

Despite decades of research, scientists still don’t know all the types of neurons that transmit the sensation of mechanical pain. Now, researchers add one more piece to the puzzle,…

Research

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling Plays a Crucial Role in Pain

Wide-ranging study demonstrates genetic association between EGFR and orofacial pain in humans; new work also shows EGFR inhibitors block inflammatory and neuropathic pain in mice

by Allison Marin on 5 Oct 2017

Comment

New findings in people, mice, and flies points to a role for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in chronic pain. The work, led by Jeffrey Mogil and Luda Diatchenko,…

Research

Developmental Signaling Pathway Regulates Inflammatory Pain

New study shows reawakening of semaphorin 4C-Plexin-B2 signaling in adult mice

by Matthew Soleiman on 27 Sep 2017

Comment

The same genes and proteins that sculpt the developing nervous system are often called upon again in adulthood, even if for very different reasons. Now, a research team led…

Research

Neuroimaging Pain: Recommendations From an IASP Task Force

Ethical and legal concerns spark a Consensus Statement from prominent researchers

by Stephani Sutherland on 26 Sep 2017

Comment

A task force convened by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and made up of researchers in neuroimaging, clinical pain, neuroethics, and law has published a…

Research

The Latest Thinking on Chronic Pelvic Pain

A recent PRF webinar focused on the basic science of visceral innervation, animal models, and more

by Stephani Sutherland on 19 Sep 2017

Comment

On June 6, 2017, PRF hosted its 26th webinar, this one devoted to the topic of chronic pelvic pain. Julie Christianson, University of Kansas, Kansas City, US, delivered a…

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Research

A Sound Approach to Pain Relief?

Ultrasound-triggered release of sodium channel blocker from liposomes provides on-demand local anesthesia, according to a new rat study

by Dara Bree on 13 Sep 2017

Comment

Relief of acute postoperative pain and other forms of acute pain remains a significant challenge. Up to 41 percent of patients experience moderate to severe pain after surgery—a worrying…

Drug Development

Research

Phosphorylation Outside the Cell: A New Factor in Chronic Pain?

Extracellular phosphorylation of a single tyrosine in EphB2 on spinal cord neurons increases NMDAR activity and pain

by Nathan Fried on 5 Sep 2017

Comment

Phosphorylation is one of many post-translational mechanisms that cells harness to regulate protein function. This process is usually described in textbooks as occurring exclusively inside cells. Recent studies, however,…

Research

Optogenetics Takes Center Stage—in the Peripheral Nervous System

Recent studies showcase the technique’s contribution to the understanding of peripheral pain signaling

by Neil Andrews on 28 Aug 2017

Comment

Optogenetics—using light to control cells in genetically engineered animals expressing light-sensitive proteins—has been a part of the scientific research landscape for over a decade. But only in the last…

Research

How Changes in the Cortex Give Rise to Chronic Pain

Nerve damage disinhibits pyramidal neurons in the somatosensory cortex of mice through effects on three populations of interneurons

by Matthew Soleiman on 24 Aug 2017

Comment

In addressing how pain becomes chronic, researchers have given the lion’s share of attention to peripheral nerves and the spinal cord. But now, in a new mouse study, Guang…

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Gut-Neuronal Interactions Mediated by Intestinal Enterochromaffin Cells

“Mini guts” show these rare cells use serotonin to talk to neurons; study will enlarge understanding of visceral pain

by Allison Marin on 14 Aug 2017

Comment

A subtype of specialized gut epithelial cells called enterochromaffin (EC) cells transduce information about physiological and noxious compounds to the nervous system, reports new research led by Holly Ingraham…

Research

Light Produces Autonomic Changes and Fewer Positive Emotions in Migraine Patients

Translational study unearths new reasons for light aversion in migraineurs beyond headache exacerbation

by Dara Bree on 7 Aug 2017

Comment

Sensitivity to light (photophobia), an extremely common symptom among migraine sufferers, is a phenomenon whereby ambient light intensifies the headache and is one of the major diagnostic criteria for…

Research

Harnessing the Power of Placebo

A recent PRF webinar explored the mechanisms behind the brain’s own pain-modulating ability and how to maximize placebo benefits in the clinic

by Stephani Sutherland on 1 Aug 2017

Comment

On April 26, 2017, PRF hosted its 25th webinar, which explored the science behind placebo and nocebo effects. Luana Colloca, University of Maryland, Baltimore, US, presented her talk, "From…

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PRF and the International Association for the Study of Pain Announce a Major Partnership

PRF and IASP join forces to provide unified hub for pain researchers across the world

by PRF Team on 27 Jul 2017

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We are excited to announce that the Pain Research Forum (PRF) is joining forces with the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). Merging with IASP will help PRF…

Consider the Endosome: New Life for Neurokinin 1 Receptor Antagonists?

Blocking substance P activation of NK1R in endosomes is more effective at relieving pain than cell surface inhibition, but questions remain

by Nathan T. Fried on 18 Jul 2017

Comment

Troves of preclinical data initially supported a key role for substance P, a neurotransmitter released in response to painful stimuli, in chronic pain. In clinical trials, however, highly selective…

Drug Development

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Highlights From the 2017 Annual Meeting of the American Pain Society: Part 2

At the Basic Science SIG dinner, rigor, bias, and transparency in science were the main course

by by Stephani Sutherland on 17 Jul 2017

Comment

Editor’s note: The following is Part 2 of a two-part report on selected presentations from the 36th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pain Society (APS), held May 17-20, 2017,…

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How Cancer Hides Pain

PD-L1 signals through its receptor PD-1 on sensory neurons, suppresses pain in melanoma-bearing mice

by Matthew Soleiman on 5 Jul 2017

Comment

Cancer is often painful, but some types, such as melanomas and glioblastomas, are notably pain-free. Now, Ru-Rong Ji, Duke University, Durham, US, and colleagues might have found one reason…

Research

Highlights From the 2017 Annual Meeting of the American Pain Society: Part 1

Nutrition, inflammation, and pain: how diet cranks pain up—and dials it down

by Stephani Sutherland on 26 Jun 2017

Comment

Editor’s note: The following is Part 1 of a two-part report on selected presentations from the 36th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pain Society (APS), held May 17-20,…

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Research

A New Brain Measure of Nociception in Infants

EEG recordings reveal noxious-evoked brain activity that can serve as an objective measure of pain and analgesic efficacy

by Nathan Fried on 12 Jun 2017

Comment

Unlike adults, infants can’t tell you if they’re in pain. Instead, clinicians must interpret behaviors such as crying and physiological measures such as heart rate to determine what a…

Research

The Mysterious Link Between Migraine Aura and Headache

New MRI study finds no evidence for a weakened blood-brain barrier in migraine with aura patients

by Matthew Soleiman on 31 May 2017

Comment

For decades, researchers have wondered if migraine attacks are somehow tied to the blood-brain barrier. According to one hypothesis, a wave of decreased activity in the cortex, known as…

Research

To (Not) Sleep, Perchance to Feel More Pain?

New mouse study links decreased alertness from sleep loss to increased pain sensitivity, lack of analgesic efficacy

by Neil Andrews on 24 May 2017

Sleep. Everyone needs it, but not everyone gets it—at least not enough of it. Now, new animal research builds the case that a lack of sleep has significant and…

Research

GABA in the Dorsal Root Ganglia Blunts Pain in Rats

Local activity of neurotransmitter in DRG could serve as early “gate” for pain signals

by Matthew Soleiman on 1 May 2017

Comment

Pain signals, once they are triggered, are thought to travel largely uninterrupted from the skin and other tissues into the spinal cord, where they are first filtered. But now,…

Research

Long-Term Neuropathic Pain Leads to Changes in Gene Expression in Brain Areas Associated With Depression

RNA sequencing in multiple connected brain regions identifies large number of genes underlying pain-depression connection; new study will serve as resource for future work

by Nathan Fried on 19 Apr 2017

Comment

Over half of all chronic pain patients also develop depression. Researchers know that short-term pain affects brain areas implicated in depression, but few studies have scrutinized the effects of…

Research

Itch in the Periphery, Pain in the Spinal Cord: The Dual Nature of MRGPRX1

Activation of G protein-coupled receptor in central terminals dampens pain in “humanized” mice

by Stephani Sutherland on 6 Apr 2017

Comment

MRGPRX1, a human mas-related G protein-coupled receptor (MRGPR), detects itchy stimuli in the skin. But in new research, MRGPRX1 activation in the spinal cord dampens pain in mice, confirming…

Research

A New Opioid Targets Active Sites of Inflammation to Relieve Pain

NFEPP binds and activates mu-opioid receptors only at low pH, soothing pain in rats without typical side effects

by Nathan T. Fried on 23 Mar 2017

Comment

Adverse effects of opioids can occur because the drugs act at both injured and healthy tissue, but if researchers could find a way to direct opioids only to the…

Drug Development

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A Subset of Spinal Interneurons Triggers Intensity-Dependent Itch and Pain

New “leaky gate” model helps explain how the two sensations are encoded in mice

by Matthew Soleiman on 15 Mar 2017

Itch and pain have a complicated relationship. Pain can suppress itch, and yet itch seldom suppresses pain; in fact, some itchy substances also cause mild pain. Now, researchers led…

Research

For Pain, Green Light Means Stop

Visual exposure to green light is analgesic in rats

by Stephani Sutherland on 6 Mar 2017

Comment

The next big wave in pain treatment might come in the form of light waves—green light, in particular. No, not from a high-tech optogenetic manipulation, but simply ambient green…

Research

Inhibition of Pannexin-1 Channels on Microglia Reduces Morphine Withdrawal in Rodents

Findings point the way toward a clinical strategy to mitigate an adverse effect of opioids

by Nathan Fried on 21 Feb 2017

Comment

Opioids are the mainstay of treatment strategies to reduce pain, but withdrawal can be a serious problem when patients stop taking these drugs. However, beyond the recognition that microglia…

Research

Mu-Opioid Receptors on Nociceptors, Not Microglia, Drive Morphine Tolerance and Hyperalgesia in Mice

New findings suggest a possible strategy to curb opioid side effects in patients while maintaining analgesia

by Matthew Soleiman on 16 Feb 2017

Comment

Researchers have long sought to minimize the side effects of opioids without sacrificing the unparalleled analgesia they offer. Now, Grégory Scherrer, Stanford University, US, and colleagues show that it’s…

Research

Highlights From Neuroscience 2016: Part 3

Machine learning finds brain activity differs in low and high pain states during chronic low back pain

by Stephani Sutherland on 13 Feb 2017

Comment

Editor’s Note: The 2016 annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience took place November 12-16, 2016, in San Diego, US. Part 3, below, of our coverage of the meeting is…

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Highlights From Neuroscience 2016: Part 2

New compound boosts endogenous cannabinoids to alleviate pain

by Stephani Sutherland on 6 Feb 2017

Comment

Editor’s Note: The 2016 annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience took place November 12-16, 2016, in San Diego, US. Part 2, below, of our coverage of the meeting…

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Highlights From Neuroscience 2016: Part 1

David Julius delivers sweeping history of thermosensors in featured lecture at Society for Neuroscience annual meeting

by Stephani Sutherland on 31 Jan 2017

Comment

Editor’s Note: The 2016 annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience took place November 12-16, 2016, in San Diego, US. Part 1, below, of our coverage of the meeting…

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A Small Molecule Takes the Pain Out of Touch

Researchers identify an inhibitor of STOML3 that reverses mechanical hypersensitivity in mice

by Matthew Soleiman on 23 Jan 2017

Comment

A nerve injury can render even the softest touch painful. This hypersensitivity, known as tactile allodynia, stems in part from the actions of stomatin-like protein-3 (STOML3), a protein that’s…

Research

A Bright Future for Brain Imaging of Pain

In plenary talk at IASP World Congress on Pain, Irene Tracey emphasized translational potential of neuroimaging research

by Katherine Martucci on 17 Jan 2017

Comment

Irene Tracey, University of Oxford, UK, summarized the contributions of neuroimaging to pain research, and directions for future investigations, during “Translating Neuroimaging Discovery Science for Patient Benefit,” a plenary…

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The IASP Pain Research Forum is a publication of the International Association for the Study of Pain