The genetic mediation of individual differences in sensitivity to pain andits inhibition

Authors
Citation
Js. Mogil, The genetic mediation of individual differences in sensitivity to pain andits inhibition, P NAS US, 96(14), 1999, pp. 7744-7751
Citations number
151
Categorie Soggetti
Multidisciplinary
Journal title
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
ISSN journal
00278424 → ACNP
Volume
96
Issue
14
Year of publication
1999
Pages
7744 - 7751
Database
ISI
SICI code
0027-8424(19990706)96:14<7744:TGMOID>2.0.ZU;2-P
Abstract
The underlying bases of the considerable interindividual variability in pai n-related traits are starting to be revealed. Although the relative importa nce of genes versus experience in human pain perception remains unclear, ro dent populations display large and heritable differences in both nociceptiv e and analgesic sensitivity. The identification and characterization of par ticularly divergent populations provides a powerful Initial step in the gen etic analysis of pain, because these models can be exploited to identify ge nes contributing to the behavior-level variability. Ultimately, DNA sequenc e differences representing the differential alleles at pain-relevant genes can be identified. Thus, by using a combination of "top-down" and "bottom-u p" strategies, we are now able to genetically dissect even complex biologic al traits like pain. The present review summarizes the current progress tow ard these ends in both humans and rodents.