Pain sensitivity in women Fibromyalgia is most common in women. Among the mechanisms that may contribute to increased pain sensitivity in women are the following[32] : Differences in primary afferent input to the CNS, with developmental and menstrual cycle–dependent enhancement Developmental and phasic gonadal-hormonal modulation of pain regulatory systems, stress-induced analgesia, and opioid receptors Higher levels of trait and state anxiety Increased prevalence of depression Use of maladaptive coping strategies Increased behavioral activity in response to pain Central processes Plasticity in the function of N -methyl-D -aspartate (NMDA) subtype glutamate receptors is necessary for central sensitization to occur. Increased sensitivity of central NMDA receptors were implicated in earlier studies as playing a primary role in fibromyalgia. However, subsequent evidence has suggested that suppression of the normal activity of dopamine-releasing neurons in the limbic system is the primary pathology in fibromyalgia. Increasing evidence indicates that fibromyalgia may represent a dysregulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. Serotonin
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 07:04:19 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015