Michigan State University researchers discovered that glia cells in the nervous system can make adjacent neurons more sensitive to pain, especially after gut inflammation, a finding relevant to patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study shows glia cells release compounds that sensitize nerve fibers, suggesting a new mechanism for gut pain. This research, focusing on nociception rather than direct pain measurement, could pave the way for new treatments targeting glia and further investigations into factors influencing visceral pain susceptibility.
Reference: Davenport M. Getting to the root of visceral pain. Michigan State University College of Natural Science. Published November 27, 2023. Accessed December 15, 2023. https://natsci.msu.edu/news/2023-11-getting-to-the-root-of-visceral-pain.aspx
Link: https://natsci.msu.edu/news/2023-11-getting-to-the-root-of-visceral-pain.aspx
