The journey to understand chronic pain has been complex, and a dimension of this complexity is the marked differences in the prevalence and severity of chronic pain across sexes. In this illuminating episode, we sit down with Dr. Hildebrand, whose groundbreaking research explores the underpinnings of this phenomenon.

Dr. Hildebrand's work in Freund’s adjuvant in vivo model of inflammatory pain identified a pathological coupling between KCC2-dependent disinhibition and NMDA receptor (NMDAR) potentiation within superficial dorsal horn neurons in male rats - but not in females. The study further showed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key neuroimmune mediator, did not regulate the same inhibitory and excitatory signaling elements in females as it did in males.

Remarkably, this sex-specific difference in spinal pain processing is not exclusive to rodents - it's conserved in humans, too. And when female rats underwent ovariectomy, their pain neuronal phenotype mirrored that of males, suggesting that sex hormones might play a pivotal role in determining these distinct pain processing pathways.

Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of pain research with Dr. Hildebrand and explore how these insights might pave the way for improved chronic pain treatments for both sexes.

Keywords: Dr. Hildebrand, Chronic Pain, Sex Differences, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, NMDA Receptor Potentiation, Spinal Pain Processing, Neurology, Pain Management, Neuroscience.

https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awab408