Nociception and Neuropathic Pain

1) Cellular and molecular basis of neuropathic pain: our research mainly focuses on the role of glial cells in the neuroinflammatory cascade that occurs as a consequence of lesions of the central or peripheral nervous system. In particular, we study the reactivity of glial cells, the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, and the activation of multiprotein complexes called inflammasomes, as part of key processes in the development of this type of chronic pain. The neuroinflammatory process triggered after injuries or diseases of nervous can be modulated at the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, a key site for nociceptive processing, offering potential therapeutic targets to prevent chronic pain.

2) Neuroactive steroids as a therapeutic strategy to prevent the development of chronic pain and spasticity. We evaluate the effects of neuroactive steroids, in particular progesterone and its reduced derivative allopregnanolone, as regulators of the main processes associated with the development of neuropathic pain, opening potential translational implications.

3) International collaboration:
“Multidisciplinary evaluation of the therapeutic potential of new steroids analogs BR297 and BR351 for the treatment of neuroinflammation and chronic pain”, in collaboration with the Biopathology Laboratory of Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, University of Strasbourg, France, led by Prof. Dr. Mensah-Nyagan, specialist and leader in neurosteroids and neuropathic pain

4) Other collaborative projects:
“Impact of adrenocortical dysfunction on the response to stress and neuropathic pain in animal models of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes”, directed by Dra. Cora
Cymeryng. Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires

“Metabolic Syndrome and Alteration of Male and Female Fertility: Mechanisms involved and Therapeutic Approach””, directed by Dra. Becú de Villalobos, IBYME-CONICET