Endogenous Opioid in Millimeter Wave-Induced Pain Relief

在我们之前由NIH资助DHHS 1 RO1 AT00493-01支持的实验中，我们确定毫米波疗法（MWT）能够通过激活内源性阿片类药物系统在急性和慢性非神经性疼痛的实验模型中产生痛觉减退。然而，慢性神经性疼痛具有不同的神经生理机制，对传统治疗方法具有高度抗性，是否也可以通过MWT来缓解，目前尚不清楚。本研究将研究和评估MWT对慢性神经性疼痛的抑制能力。中枢神经系统组织中内源性阿片含量的变化，以及阿片受体各种亚型的参与，将特别令人感兴趣。此外，将在小鼠神经性疼痛模型中筛选不同的MWT方案，以确定治疗的“最佳”特征。同时还将确定MW与口服氯胺酮（NMDA受体阻滞剂）联合治疗抑制实验性神经性疼痛症状的有效性和相互作用类型（协同作用或叠加效应）。计划项目的结果将为将MWT引入神经性疼痛患者的临床实践提供适当的科学基础。

In our previous experiments that were supported by the NIH grant DHHS 1 RO1 AT00493-01 we determined that Millimeter Wave Therapy (MWT) was able to produce hypoalgesia in experimental models of acute and chronic non-neuropathic pain via activation of the system of endogenous opioids. However, it is unclear whether chronic neuropathic pain, that has different neurophysiological mechanisms and is highy resistant to traditional methods of treatment, may be relieved by MWT too. The present study will study and evaluate the ability of MWT to suppress chronic neuropathic pain. Changes in the content of endogenous opioids in the central neural system tissue, as well as the involvement of the various subtypes of opioid receptors, will be of particular interest. Also, different regimens of MWT will be screened in murine model of neuropathic pain in order to define the "optimal" characteristics of the treatment. The effectiveness and type of interaction (synergism or additive effect) in combined treatment with MW and oral ketamine (NMDA receptor blocker) for suppressing the symptoms of experimental neuropathic pain will be dermined as well. Results from the planned project will provide an appropriate scientific base for the introduction of MWT into clinical practice in patients with neuropathic pain conditions.