Investigating how serotonin affects neuropathic pain using advanced microelectrode technology
Official title: Probing the role of serotonin in neuropathic pain with flexible carbon microelectrode arrays
Funded at Louisiana Tech University · NIH-10624976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how serotonin, a chemical in the brain, affects nerve pain and how it might help improve pain treatments, especially for those who have chronic pain after a nerve injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisiana Tech University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ruston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $295,680 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126454-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10624976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from neuropathic pain, particularly those who have not responded well to traditional pain management therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute pain conditions or those not experiencing neuropathic pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of serotonin in managing neuropathic pain, particularly focusing on the 5-HT2C receptor in the amygdala. By utilizing innovative flexible carbon microelectrode arrays, the study aims to monitor serotonin dynamics and neural activity over time following nerve injury. This approach seeks to understand how serotonin signaling contributes to chronic pain and the effectiveness of antidepressants in pain management. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved pain treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for chronic pain conditions, enhancing patient quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding serotonin's role in pain modulation, but this specific approach using flexible microelectrode arrays is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Castagnola, Elisa — Louisiana Tech University
- Study coordinator: Castagnola, Elisa
Related research
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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.