University of Arizona researchers have identified functional sex differences in nociceptors, nerve cells that produce pain. The study found that substances like prolactin and orexin B can affect nociceptor activation thresholds differently in males and females. This discovery suggests that there are male and female nociceptors, leading to potential new approaches in pain management based on patient sex. These findings could be groundbreaking in the treatment of pain conditions, especially those that are more prevalent in females. Moving forward, researchers aim to explore other sexually dimorphic pain mechanisms and develop personalized pain therapies based on genetics, including gender as a key consideration.
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Study shows first evidence of sex differences in how pain can be produced
