Understanding how stress affects pain relief mechanisms in the brain
Official title: Stress-induced plasticity in noradrenergic analgesia
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10884233 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress affects the brain's ability to manage pain, especially for people dealing with chronic pain and stress, to help find better treatments for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $354,822 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS117899-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884233 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, or depression, particularly those with a history of prolonged stress.
✕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 how the brain's noradrenergic systems influence pain relief during stressful situations. It aims to explore the relationship between chronic stress, emotional regulation, and pain perception, focusing on a specific area of the brain known as the locus coeruleus. By using advanced techniques like optogenetics, researchers will assess how stress alters the brain's ability to manage pain. The findings could lead to new treatments for individuals suffering from chronic pain and stress-related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients experiencing chronic pain and stress-related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of noradrenergic systems in pain modulation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccall, Jordan G. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Mccall, Jordan G.
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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.