Capsaicin-sensitive primary afferent fibers and neuropathic pain

Jennifer L.吉布斯，D.D.S.，博士在完成她的根管治疗后，我被任命为助理兼职教授 2008年7月入住。她之前接受过系统神经科学研究的培训，包括生化分析， 细胞培养、解剖学研究和行为实验。这一K-23指导了以患者为导向的研究 职业发展奖将用于启动她的职业生涯在翻译ororofacial疼痛研究的重点 了解神经性疼痛（NP）的机制。 研究计划：吉布斯博士提出了一系列研究，以评估辣椒素敏感的主要作用， 传入神经元介导的NP进行横断面研究的主题诊断后， 疱疹性神经痛（PHN）和一个补充系列的研究，在动物中使用模型的口面NP。在 这些研究将确定辣椒素反应试验（CRT）与疼痛结局之间的关系， 以及与高反应初级传入一致的感觉测量，以确定CRT是否促进 NP的机制诊断。此外，我们还将测试PHN受试者对以下问题的反应 辣椒素具有不同的表皮和真皮神经支配模式， 皮肤活组织检查的评价可以鉴定用于NP的基于机制的分类的生物标志物。最后，一种动物 模型将被用来研究辣椒素敏感的主要神经元的外周和中央终末的贡献。 神经损伤时的传入神经 发展计划：吉布斯博士将继续她以前发起的工作与博士艾伦Basbaum在他的实验室 研究疼痛的基本机制和相关技术，包括神经解剖学和疼痛行为。在 此外，吉布斯博士将与加州大学旧金山分校疼痛临床研究中心的罗博瑟姆博士合作， 测试研究并收集PHN受试者的活检。吉布斯博士将继续与博士合作。 施密特确定NP的生物标志物，并开发一种新的动物口面疼痛模型。吉布斯博士也是 目前正在攻读临床研究硕士学位，以促进她进行转化研究的能力。博士 吉布斯得到了内政部的全力支持，并将于2009年7月过渡到终身职位。 相关性（参见说明）： 这些研究将产生新的和重要的见解的机制，促进th NP和帮助定义 更有可能受益于靶向镇痛机制的人群（例如辣椒素应答者） 治疗神经性疼痛对患者的社交、工作和整体影响能力具有破坏性影响。 享受生活。提高NP的诊断对于更好地管理这些患者至关重要。

Jennifer L. Gibbs, D.D.S., Ph.D. was appointed as an Assistant Adjunct Professor after completing her Endodontic Residency in July 2008. She has prior training in systems neuroscience research including biochemical assays, cell culture, anatomical studies, and behavioral experiments. This K-23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award will be used to launch her career in translational orofacial pain research with a focus on understanding the mechanisms of neuropathic pain (NP). Research Plan: Dr. Gibbs has propsed a series of studies to evaluate the role of capsaicin-sensitive primary afferent neurons in mediating NP by performing a cross-sectional study on subjects diagnosed with post- herpetic neuralgia (PHN) and a complementary series of studies in animals using a model of orofacial NP. In these studies we will determine the relationship between a capsaicin response test (CRT) and outcomes of pain and sensory measures consistent with hyper-responsive primary afferents to determine if the CRT faciliatates a mechanism-based diagnosis of NP. In addition we will test the hjqjothesis that PHN subjects who respond to capsaicin have distinct epidermal and dermal innervation patterns and determine whether histological evaluation of skin biopsies can identify a biomarker for mechanism-based classification of NP. Finally, an animal model will be used to study the contribution of peripheral versus central terminals of capsaicin sensitive primary afferents in the setting of nerve injury Development Plan:Dr. Gibbs will continue her previously initiated work with Dr. Allan Basbaum in his laboratory studying basic mechanisms of pain and relevant techniques including neuroanatomy and pain behavior. In addition Dr. Gibbs will work with Dr. Rowbotham at the UCSF Pain Clinical Research Center to conduct sensory testing studies and collect biopsies from PHN subjects. Dr. Gibbs will continue collaborative efforts with Dr. Schmidt to identify biomarkers for NP and develop a new model of orofacial pain in animals. Dr. Gibbs is also currently pursuing a Master's in Clinical Reseach to facilitate her ability to perform translational research. Dr. Gibbs has the full support ofher home department and will transition to a tenure track position in July 2009. RELEVANCE (See instructions): These studies will yield novel and important insights into the mechanisms contributing th NP and help define populations (e.g. capsaicin responders) who are more likely to benefit from mechanims targeting analgesic therapies. Neuropathic pain has devastating impact on patients ability to inderact socially, work, and overall enjoyment of life. Improvement in diagnosis of NP is critical for better management of these patients.