Scientists from the University of California in San Francisco have found that female hormones can suppress pain, forcing the immune cells to produce opioids. These materials block pain signals before reaching the brain. The study was published in Science magazine.
Within the work, scientists have studied the T-regulatory cells of the spinal cords of mice. Previously, it was assumed that these membranes support the central nervous system and removes the waste, now it has been proven that they are involved in transmitting signals between the immune system and neurons, which feel the sensations of the skin.
When a neuron near the skin detects a potentially painful irritant, it transmits a signal to the spinal cord. In the lower part of the spinal cord, scientists have discovered a large number of T-regulatory cells. To determine their role, they destroyed these cells with poison.
The results were unexpected. Femal mice without T-regulatory cells became more sensitive to pain, while males did not shower changes. This shows that the women's body is more released on this mechanism to control the pain.
Additional attempts revealed connection between T-regulatory cells and feminine hormones. Scientists found out that estrogen and progesterone stimulated the production of Ehkeafhaline, a natural painkiller.
Although the mechanism of this process has not yet been fully understood, the researchers believe that their discovery can lead to new methods of pain treatment. Given that sex affects drug response (for example, some migraines are better in women), discoveries can help doctors make more efficient treatments for patients based on sexual differences.
Translation of: Euromedia24.com
