How stress affects pain processing in the brain
Official title: Interoception and Pain: Noradrenergic Modulation of Nociceptive Transmission in the Parabrachial Nucleus
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11061784 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-term stress affects the way our brains handle pain, especially for people who often feel stressed and in pain, to help find better ways to treat their discomfort.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $376,046 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS127827-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061784 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic pain conditions that are worsened by stress, such as anxiety or depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience chronic pain or stress-related disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between chronic stress and pain by examining how stress influences the brain's processing of pain signals. It focuses on specific brain circuits that integrate stress and pain responses, particularly looking at how certain neurons in the brainstem interact with pain pathways. By using advanced techniques like optogenetics, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to heightened pain sensitivity in individuals experiencing chronic stress. The findings could provide insights into new treatment strategies for managing pain in stressed individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients suffering from chronic pain exacerbated by stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between stress and pain, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Masri, Radi — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Masri, Radi
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.