http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/health/feeds/hscout/2005/06/22/hscout526431.html
Health
Brain's Marijuana-like Chemicals Postpone Pain
-- Robert Preidt
WEDNESDAY, June 22 (HealthDay News) -- Experts have long known that
the brain has the ability to suspend the pain response in times of
injury and great stress, even after traumatic incidents such as
gunshot wounds.
Now, a new study in rats suggests marijuana-like neurochemicals called
endocannabinoids may be key to this process.
The discovery may lead to a new class of painkillers with fewer side
effects than existing pain medications, report researchers at the
University of California, Irvine (UCI). Their study appears in the
June 23 issue of Nature.
"This study shows for the first time that natural marijuana-like
chemicals in the brain have a link to pain suppression," researcher
Daniele Piomelli, a professor of pharmacology and director of the
Center for Drug Discovery at the UCI School of Medicine, said in a
prepared statement.
Stress can provide a delayed pain reaction in certain situations, an
effect called stress-induced analgesia. Previous research has
identified two kinds of stress-induced analgesia mechanisms in the
body -- opioid and non-opioid. This study is the first to offer
evidence that the non-opioid form is produced by cannabinoid
compounds.
"If we design chemicals that can tweak the levels of these cannabinoid
compounds in the brain, we might be able to boost their normal
effects," Piomeilli explained.
"Aside from identifying an important function of these compounds, it
provides a template for a new class of pain medications that can
possibly replace others shown to have acute side effects," he added.
More information
The National Pain Foundation has advice on dealing with pain.
http://www.painconnection.org/MyTreatment/MyTreatment_Tips_For_Dealing_With_Your_Pain.asp
© 2005 Health Day News
--
Contempt of Congress meter reading-offscale.
Hello, theocracy with a fundamentalist US Supreme
Court who will ensure church and state are joined
at the hip like clergy and altar boys.
America 1776-Jan 2001 RIP
"As democracy is perfected, the office of president
represents, more and more closely, the inner soul
of the people. On some great and glorious day the
plain folks of the land will reach their heart's
desire at last and the White House will be adorned
by a downright moron." --- H.L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)
Religion is the original war crime.
-Michelle Malkin (Feb 26, 2005)
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