ByMyReckoning

The BBC report that a University of Cambridge research team have apparently discovered a gene mutation which renders its carriers unable to feel pain. The mutation was discovered amongst three related families in northern Pakistan. Although family members could feel other sensations none reported ever having experienced the sensation of pain.

The gene in question is believed to influence the movement of sodium through sensory never cells and so raises the possibility of therapeutic treatments based on this same process.

Researchers have been aware of these 'sodium channels' for some time, but according to my admittedly limited understanding, have not successfully managed to take advantage of them in ways that have benefited large numbers of patients.

For example, most local anaesthetics block sodium channels, but do so indiscriminately and as a result reduce all nerve activity causing numbness etc.

The idea of selectively blocking these channels has been around for some time, but as far as I'm aware since most channels look similar it's been hard to achieve selective blocking. Additionally I doubt that anyone knows or has proven that shutting down a particular pain related ion channel will actually work as intended. Removal of one might simply trigger the opening of another channel or some other kind of related side effect?

Let's hope this discovery helps with the development of this new approach to pain medicine.

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sodium channel, analgesia, pain relief, pain gene