Shafaqna English- Scientists have identified a specific brain circuit that can “switch off” chronic pain. This circuit involves neurons with Y1 receptors in the brainstem.
These neurons act like a neural switchboard. They balance pain against survival needs like hunger or fear. When survival is prioritized, a molecule called Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is released.
NPY latches onto the Y1 neurons, suppressing the chronic pain signal. This allows the brain to ignore long-term pain to handle immediate threats.
Unlike short-term pain, chronic pain involves steady neuron firing long after an injury heals. Targeting these Y1 neurons offers a new path for treatments. This could include new drugs or behavioral therapies.
Source: University of Pennsylvania