Understanding how oxytocin affects pain and recovery after injury
Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics Core
This study is looking at how the hormone oxytocin can help with pain relief and healing after injuries or surgeries, and it involves both animals and people to find the best doses for improving recovery.
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-11074060 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of oxytocin on pain management and recovery from tissue injuries, including surgical procedures. It aims to understand how different doses of oxytocin influence its concentration in the body and how this relates to pain relief and healing. The study involves both animal models and human participants to develop mathematical models that explain the relationship between oxytocin dosage, its concentration in the blood, and its effects on pain and recovery. By precisely measuring these factors, the research seeks to enhance the clinical application of oxytocin for better patient outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals undergoing surgical procedures or those experiencing acute pain conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain conditions unrelated to acute injury or surgery may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies and faster recovery times for patients undergoing surgery or experiencing acute pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using oxytocin for pain management, suggesting that this approach could be a significant advancement in treatment.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shafer, Steven Louis — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Shafer, Steven Louis
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.