Scientists make white blood cells to alleviate pain, instead of producing it, during tissue inflammation

Researchers at the University of Granada lead a novel study in mice that shows that sigma‑1 receptor blockers cause white blood cells or leukocytes to relieve the pain felt when a tissue is inflamed.

Role of the sigma‑1 receptor in inflammatory pain. Image credit: Universidad de Granada

Immune system cells (leukocytes or white blood cells) accumulate in the tissues of the human body, for example, after suffering a trauma or a wound. Their main function is repairing the damaged tissue.

However, in addition to that function, those cells release certain substances that produce pain (called algogenic chemicals), so they play a key role in the pain felt when the tissue is inflamed. This is also applicable to certain chronic pathologies that present inflammation and pain, as is the case of arthritis.

Paradoxically, these leukocytes, in addition to releasing algogenic chemicals, are capable of producing endogenous opioid peptides (such as endorphins). Said peptides have the same activity as opioid analgesics (drugs for treating intense pain, such as morphine), used for millennia for treating pain.

However, the balance between the analgesic and the pain‑inducing activity of leukocytes during inflammation clearly favors pain; in fact, inflammation produces pain.

The sigma‑1 receptor is a very small protein present in neurons, and is capable of modulating the action of opioid receptors. A study led by scientists from the University of Granada (UGR) has discovered that sigma‑1 receptor blockers are capable of increasing the effect of endogenous opioid peptides produced by leukocytes, so that these cells relieve pain instead of producing it when they are in the inflamed tissue.

This is a totally novel pain relief mechanism, based on maximizing the analgesic potential of the immune system cells, and which could have important therapeutic applications in patients with pain of inflammatory origin. (University of Granada)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Extreme temperatures could increase preterm birth

Extreme hot or cold temperatures during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth, according to study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health.

Allergy Drug Treats Hepatitis C in Mice

A common over-the-counter allergy drug lowered hepatitis C virus levels in infected mice.

Antibiotic Alternative Scores Well in Second Round of Swine Trials

ARS scientists are studying a natural antimicrobial enzyme as a possible alternative to antibiotics for promoting pig health and growth.

Circulating tumor DNA in blood can predict recurrence of the most common type of lymphoma

Measurement of circulating tumor DNA in blood can be used to detect disease recurrence in patients with a curable form of cancer known as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Cells Programmed Like Computers to Fight Disease

Cells can be programmed like a computer to fight cancer, influenza, and other serious conditions, thanks to a breakthrough in synthetic biology.

New test detects protein associated with Alzheimer’s and CTE

An ultrasensitive test has been developed that detects a corrupted protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition found in athletes, military veterans, and others with a history of repetitive brain trauma.