Time: 11:30am – 1:00pm
Location: Dental Sciences Building, Room D7-11
Greetings!
Sickness behavior is often characterized by immune-to-brain communication that can lead to a constellation of reversible behavioral and affective changes that include lethargy, social withdrawal and enhanced sensitivity to pain. The fact that stress factors may sensitize immune to brain communication and prolong the expression of sickness behavior makes this an interesting area of study. It is for this reason that the relationship between stress and immunological activation has been studied on experimental pain sensitivity (see attached). The results of this study support a synergistic model whereby inflammation may lower the threshold for pain and increase vulnerability for somatic symptoms. Another interesting observation related to the link between the immune system and pain sensitivity is the fact that neuropathic pain following early life injury is suppressed by neuroimmune activity (see attached). However, “latent” pain can still emerge during adolescence when neuroimmune function changes. Both of these aspects concerning the relationship between the immune system, inflammation and pain sensitivity provide the foundation for an interesting discussion that will be led by Dr. Emily Bartley.
I want to remind everyone that pain journal club is a great educational opportunity that provides something for all who attend. I encourage all students, trainees and faculty to attend and present papers in their area of interest. I guarantee you that no matter what the topic there will always be an interesting discussion.
Please circulate to those you think might be interested in this topic!!
Hope to see everyone next week!!
Lacourt et al (2015) NA Predicts PTol During Inflammation
McKelvey et al (2015) Neuropathic Pain Suppression & NeuroImm Regulation