Pain in the female reproductive tract
Pain mechanisms in the female reproductive tract
Researchers are looking at whether serotonin and related signals cause pelvic pain in people with endometriosis, fibroids, or unexplained chronic pelvic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11119513 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to understand why pelvic pain happens by studying serotonin-producing cells and the nerve fibers that respond to them in reproductive tissues. The team will examine tissue samples and use laboratory models to see how serotonin and ATP activate pain-sensing nerves. Their early data show serotonin-producing cells and serotonin-sensitive nerve fibers are present in the female reproductive tract, and they will build on those findings to trace signaling pathways. The goal is to find biological targets that could lead to better pain treatments for people with pelvic pain conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pelvic pain related to endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or chronic unexplained pelvic pain are the most relevant group for this research.
Not a fit: People whose pelvic pain is clearly due to non-reproductive causes (for example, musculoskeletal injury or certain nerve disorders) or men would be unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce pelvic pain by blocking serotonin- or ATP-driven signals.
How similar studies have performed: Related studies have shown serotonin and ATP trigger pain signals in organs like the gut and lung, but applying this mechanism to female reproductive pain is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Julius, David — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Julius, David
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.