Using oxytocin to calm nerve sensitivity after injury
Oxytocin-mediated modulation of peripheral mechanical sensibility after injury
['FUNDING_P01'] · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11314604
This project explores whether oxytocin can calm overactive touch and pain nerve signals after nerve injury to support recovery.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11314604 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use a nerve-injury model in animals to see how oxytocin changes the activity of fast-conducting touch and pain nerve fibers while measuring drug levels and nerve responses over time. They compare injured and nearby uninjured nerves at peak sensitization (about 2 weeks) and again during recovery (8–12 weeks) to see if oxytocin can reverse abnormal nerve excitability and related behaviors. Results will be connected with other parts of the program that study central nervous system effects to help guide possible future human treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with nerve-injury related neuropathic pain who might later enroll in clinical trials of treatments targeting peripheral nerve sensitivity.
Not a fit: People whose pain is not caused by nerve injury (for example primary inflammatory arthritis or widespread centralized pain without clear nerve damage) may be less likely to benefit from the approaches studied here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to oxytocin-based approaches that reduce neuropathic pain by normalizing peripheral nerve sensitivity.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and some early human research indicates oxytocin can influence pain, but targeting peripheral A-fiber signaling after nerve injury is a relatively novel approach needing further validation.
Where this research is happening
WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES
- WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BOADA, MARIO DANILO — WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: BOADA, MARIO DANILO
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.