Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Development of Recombinant Proteins to Treat Chronic Pain
10:37

Development of Recombinant Proteins to Treat Chronic Pain

Published on: April 11, 2018

9.2K

Oxytocin - a multifunctional analgesic for chronic deep tissue pain

Burel R Goodin, Timothy J Ness, Meredith T Robbins1

  • 1Departments of Psychology and Anesthesiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), 1300 University Blvd., Campbell Hall, Room 328, Birmingham, AL 35294. bgoodin1@uab.edu.

Current Pharmaceutical Design
|October 28, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Oxytocin, a natural hormone, shows promise for treating chronic pain by reducing pain signals and improving mood. Further research into oxytocin receptor drugs could offer new pain relief options.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Pain Management

Background:

  • Current treatments for deep tissue chronic pain are insufficient.
  • Oxytocin is an endogenous hormone and neurotransmitter involved in various physiological and psychological functions.
  • Emerging evidence suggests oxytocin modulates pain perception (nociception).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing human and basic science data on oxytocin's effects on pain.
  • To explore the potential of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor agonists as novel analgesics.

Main Methods:

  • Review of human clinical studies.
  • Review of basic science research (in vitro and in vivo animal models).
  • Analysis of data on oxytocin's direct and indirect effects on pain pathways.

Main Results:

  • Oxytocin exhibits analgesic properties.
  • Oxytocin demonstrates anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.
  • Evidence supports a role for oxytocin in modulating nociception.

Conclusions:

  • Oxytocin has significant potential as a multifunctional analgesic.
  • Drugs targeting the oxytocin receptor may offer unique therapeutic value for chronic pain.
  • Further investigation into oxytocin-based therapies is warranted for pain management.

More Related Videos

Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities07:23

Assessment of Morphine-induced Hyperalgesia and Analgesic Tolerance in Mice Using Thermal and Mechanical Nociceptive Modalities

Published on: July 29, 2014

34.7K
Electrophysiological Methods to Assess Peripheral Pain Block in an Anesthetized Rat08:05

Electrophysiological Methods to Assess Peripheral Pain Block in an Anesthetized Rat

Published on: November 21, 2025

319

Related Concept Videos

Analgesia and Pain Management01:25

Analgesia and Pain Management

Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
3.1K
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids01:15

Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids

Synthetic and semisynthetic opioids are pivotal in pain management and tackling opioid addiction. Semisynthetic opioids, including morphinans (morphine derivatives), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, have improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to morphine. Additionally, heroin and 6-MAM (6-Monoacetylmorphine) show better CNS penetration than morphine due to heightened lipid solubility. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, undergoes hepatic metabolism to form the active...
1.5K
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners01:20

Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners

Opioids are a class of drugs that mimic endogenous opioid peptides and act on opioid receptors, and help in pain relief. These compounds are classified as natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Natural opioids, like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, are derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum or Papaver album) and are termed opiates. Synthetic opioids are artificial, while semi-synthetic opioids combine natural and synthetic compounds. Morphine, a prototypical opioid, possesses a...
1.6K
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia01:29

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia

Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
1.0K
Pain01:20

Pain

Pain serves as a critical warning signal that alerts the body to potential or actual harm. When mechanical pressure on the skin is intense, such as from a sharp pinch, the sensation transitions from touch to pain. Similarly, extreme temperatures, like a hot pot handle, convert the sensation of heat into pain. Pain can also result from overstimulation of other senses, such as blinding light, loud noise, or the intense heat from habañero peppers. This ability to sense pain is essential for...
2.0K
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia01:11

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia

Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...
2.0K