Previous studies have shown that paragigantocellularis nucleus (PGI) neurons contain some neurotransmitters such as GABA, neuropeptides, monoamines, substance P, enkephalin and serotonin. It has been suggested that PGI is a main cholinergic source in the rat’s brain stem. There are few evidences on the presence and importance of cholinergic receptors on PGI neurons with regard to nociception. I...

BACKGROUND Recent advances in imaging have improved our understanding of the role of the brain in painful conditions. Discoveries of morphological changes have been made in patients with chronic pain, with little known about the functional consequences when they occur in areas associated with 'number-sense'; thus, it can be hypothesized that chronic pain impairs this sense. METHODS First, an ...

Recent neuroimaging studies suggest that the brain adapts with pain, as well as imparts risk for developing chronic pain. Within this context, we revisit the concepts for nociception, acute and chronic pain, and negative moods relative to behavior selection. We redefine nociception as the mechanism protecting the organism from injury, while acute pain as failure of avoidant behavior, and a meso...

Background and Objective: Regarding side effects of acute and especially chronic inflammation and incomplete treatment of patients suffering from these side effects, the new and effective strategies are needed. For this purpose, in the present study, we scientifically evaluate an introduced folk herb Urtica dioica, for treatment of inflammation. Materials and Methods: The Sham, control and trea...