Molecule derived from tarantula venom may help relieve chronic IBS pain
For patients who have inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), the condition is literally a pain in the gut. Chronic or long-term abdominal pain is common, and there are currently no effective treatment options for this debilitating symptom. In a new study in
ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science, researchers identify a new potential source of relief: a molecule derived from spider venom. In experiments with mice, they found that one dose could stop symptoms associated with IBS pain.
The sensation of pain originates in electrical signals carried from the body to the brain by cells called neurons. Tiny channels in the surfaces of neurons help them transmit these signals by allowing positively charged sodium ions to pass into the cell. There are numerous types of sodium channels, and some pain-killing drugs work by blocking them. However, existing treatments interfere with channels indiscriminately and can onl
Australia
Peru
Peruvian
Australian
Glenn-king
Stuart-brierley
Emily-henderson
University-of-queensland
Us-national-institutes-of-health
Australian-research-council
Australian-national-health
Research-council