Chronic Pain

Research by Dr Robert Drake from the University of Bristol has shown that a loss of function in a neuronal pathway that links the brain and spinal cord is a critical step in the emergence of chronic pain in male rats.

With support from the Foundation, Dr Drake will investigate how this loss of function affects a wider brain network that supports emotional reactivity, coping behaviour and sensory hypersensitivity. He will use state of the art computational methods to identify subtle changes in rodent behaviour related to pain, stress, and pain relief. By combining this with recordings, and the manipulation of brain activity, he will be able to relate brain function to experiences of pain and changes in behaviour.

Another major focus of Dr Drake’s fellowship will be investigating sex differences in chronic pain development.

Women are more than twice as likely to develop chronic pain, compared to men.

“By contrasting the effect of injury on brain function and how this impacts pain-like behaviour in male and female rats, I hope to reveal key mechanisms that differentiate chronic pain development in men and women,” says Dr Drake.

In collaboration with a mental health company, Dr Drake will also assess the therapeutic effects of psilocybin, a psychedelic drug which has shown promise as a treatment for mental health conditions including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. He added: “If we can demonstrate the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, while identifying which brain pathways are used to deliver any beneficial effects, this could all support the future development of treatments for chronic pain in people.”