Scientists discover new pain-sensing organ

[Judi Lynn]

Octopus-like Schwann cells that engulf nerves in skin can sense pain, experiments show

Nicola Davis
@NicolaKSDavis
Thu 15 Aug 2019 14.00 EDT Last modified on Thu 15 Aug 2019 19.20 EDT



Illustration of a nerve cell in the human body. Illustration: SergeyNivens/Getty/iStockphoto

A new organ involved in the sensation of pain has been discovered by scientists, raising hopes that it could lead to the development of new painkilling drugs.

Researchers say they have discovered that the special cells that surround the pain-sensing nerve cells that extend into the outer layer of skin appear to be involved in sensing pain – a discovery that points to a new organ behind the feeling of “ouch!”.

The scientists say the finding offers new insight into pain and could help answer longstanding conundrums.

“The major question for us now is whether these cells are actually the cause for certain kinds of chronic pain disorders,” Prof Patrik Ernfors, a co-author of the research from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, told the Guardian.

More:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/aug/15/scientists-discover-new-pain-sensing-organ

[lastlib]

1. (I thought it was going to be about my broken leg......)

it's a great tool for sensing pain--senses it 24/7, to be exact. And if you touch it about six inches above the ankle, where the bones broke--well, you won't need fireworks for the Fourth of July; I'll just be the whole show. Roman candle to beat 'em all!