The researchers focused on a small brain region called the locus coeruleus, which plays a role in alertness, stress and pain regulation. Their study found that mu opioid receptors in this region can act as a natural “brake” that helps control pain signals.
The findings, published in Current Biology, came from experiments involving mice with nerve injuries.
Researchers removed mu opioid receptors from specific cells in the locus coeruleus and found that the animals became more sensitive to touch and heat.
When the receptors were restored, the increased pain sensitivity was reduced.
Neuropathic pain occurs when nerves are damaged and begin sending abnormal signals to the brain.
It can cause burning, stabbing or shooting sensations and may result from conditions such as diabetes, infections or nerve compression.
According to the researchers, understanding how these receptors regulate pain could help scientists develop treatments that work more precisely.
Current opioid medicines act on receptors across the brain and body, which can lead to side effects, tolerance and addiction risks.
The research team is now exploring ways to influence the pain-controlling activity of the locus coeruleus without affecting opioid receptors throughout the nervous system.
Such treatments could eventually offer new options for people suffering from chronic nerve pain while potentially reducing some risks associated with conventional opioids.
However, the discovery remains at an early stage. Since the research was conducted in mice, further studies are needed to determine whether the same mechanism can be safely and effectively targeted in humans.
The findings provide new insight into how the brain regulates chronic pain and could open the door to more precise pain-management strategies in the future.
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