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(Ivanhoe Newswire) New research reveals an exciting breakthrough in pain relief the ability to have surgery or even a baby without pain, and still be able to move and have feeling. Investigators have found a way to selectively block pain-sensing neurons in rats without impairing movement or other sensations such as touch.
For the study, researchers used a combination of a drug called QX-314 and capsaicin. Capsaicin is the substance that makes chili peppers hot. For some reason, this combination can block the pain-sensing neurons without impairing signals from other cells. In contrast, most pain relievers used for surgical procedures block activity in all types of neurons, which can cause numbness or paralysis.
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QX-314 is a lidocaine derivative, but alone it does not block pain. When researchers first used capsaicin and QX-314 in rats, the rats did not show signs of pain and were able to continue to move normally. It took 30 minutes for the drug combination to work, but the pain relief lasted for several hours.
Researchers say this study could change pain treatment in the future. The treatment tested uses pores in the cell membranes as a way to deliver medication. They say this type of treatment could be used for surgical pain, childbirth, dental procedures and may even lead to new treatments for chronic pain.
Study authors say the only concern is that the capsaicin can cause a burning sensation until the QX-314 takes effect. However, they say giving the QX-314 10 minutes before the capsaicin seemed to solve this problem in rats.
SOURCE: Nature, 2007;449:607-610
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
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