Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Determining heat and mechanical pain threshold in inflamed skin of human subjects
Published on: January 14, 2009
Lymphocytes upregulate signal sequence-encoding proopiomelanocortin mRNA and beta-endorphin during painful
Nicolle Sitte1, Melanie Busch, Shaaban A Mousa
1Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité University Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
Proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived beta-endorphin1-31 (END) released from immune cells inhibits inflammatory pain. We examined the expression of END and POMC mRNA encoding the signal sequence required for entry of the nascent polypeptide into the regulated secretory pathway in lymphocytes of rats with inflamed hindpaws. Within 12 h of inflammation, END increased in popliteal lymph nodes and at 96 h the intraplantar neutralization of END exacerbated pain. Lymphocytes expressed POMC, END, and full-length POMC mRNA. Semi-nested PCR revealed 8-fold increased exon 2-3 spanning POMC mRNA. Thus, painful inflammation enhances signal sequence-encoding lymphocytic POMC mRNA needed for regulated secretion of functionally active END.
Related Concept Videos
Nociception
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Analgesia and Pain Management
Regulation of Food Intake
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
