Researchers have identified a key group of cells involved in regulating long-term pain states in the brainstem. These neurons are activated during enduring pain states and also integrate information about hunger, fear, and thirst, allowing for pain signals to be modulated by other brain circuits signaling more urgent needs. These circuits can reduce the activity of neurons that transmit the signal of pain. The research opens up a new path for the treatment of chronic pain.
Read the article on Penn Today.
Sources:
• TLDR. (2025, October 10). TLDR Newsletter. https://a.tldrnewsletter.com/web-version?ep=1&lc=f5cb7e17-003d-11ed-9258-0241b9615763&p=85bc1104-a5bb-11f0-aee3-45609736e10f&pt=campaign&t=1760093966&s=33f0f5849915b9340c183d0fb7c76f2f79ed2e35ed200df82f0b17c2477ee43f
• Magubane, N. (2025, October 8). A built-in ‘off switch’ to stop persistent pain. Penn Today. https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/select-neurons-brainstem-may-hold-key-treating-chronic-pain
