Investigating oxytocin's role in managing pain after injury
Oxytocin: a pain disease-modifying agent in the nervous system after injury
This study is looking at how oxytocin might help reduce pain and improve healing after injuries, especially after surgery, by understanding how it works in both animals and people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11074053 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how oxytocin can be used to modify pain responses in the nervous system following injuries. It aims to understand the mechanisms by which oxytocin may prevent the transition from acute pain to chronic pain, particularly in conditions like post-surgical recovery. The study involves both animal models and human participants to assess the effectiveness of oxytocin in alleviating pain and improving recovery outcomes. By examining the interactions between different types of nerve receptors and oxytocin, the research seeks to provide insights into better pain management strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals recovering from surgeries, particularly cesarean deliveries, or those experiencing acute pain conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain conditions that are not related to recent injuries or surgeries may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce chronic pain and improve recovery after injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the efficacy of oxytocin in pain management, indicating that while there is potential, this approach is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martin, Thomas Jeffrey — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Martin, Thomas Jeffrey
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 below.