Pain prediction a step closer thanks to fresh science

A breakthrough by a young Adelaide researcher may lead to a new era of pain control.

University of Adelaide student Mark Hutchinson has discovered a strong link between the immune system and how we feel pain.

His results, now published in the international journal Pain, could revolutionise the prevention and control of pain.

Pain and its associated suffering is a global health problem, costing society in excess of A$12 billion a year in Australia and US$100 billion in the United States.

"We still don't fully understand pain," said Mr Hutchinson, who is studying for his PhD in the university's Department of Clinical & Experimental Pharmacology.

"The brain and nerves were traditionally thought to control pain signalling. While neurons are vital to pain, our experience with pain medications led us to investigate what role the immune system might play in pain.

"85% of the cells in the brain are immune-like cells and I had an idea these cells might be involved in pain control."

Mr Hutchinson was the only South Australian participant in this year's Fresh Science event, which provides a national forum for young scientists to explain their work and interact with the media and the public.

His research led to the discovery of a simple blood test that uses morphine to produce a response in the collected immune cells, which can be used to predict pain tolerance.

"A simple blood test is much easier than asking for a brain tissue sample," he said.

"While the science behind the blood test remains a mystery to us, we believe it is possible our test reflects the activity of brain immune cells. We appear to have stumbled across a biological pain dimmer switch that is controlled by the immune system."

The finding may lead to the development of new pain treatments targeting both the immune system and the brain.

"Our discovery will initially accelerate pain research focusing on the way the immune system controls pain. Subsequent research will then be required to further develop the pain blood test and new pain medications," Mr Hutchinson said.

"This research has opened a window into the brain, which will enable us to significantly expand our understanding of how we feel pain and why some people feel pain more.

"Furthermore, our findings may help to explain the variable response people have to the available pain medications and treatments."