The aging process is associated with various morphological and biochemical changes in the nervous system that may affect the processing of noxious inputs. This study showed greater hyperalgesia and up-regulation of spinal dynorphin (DYN) expression in aging than in young adult rats during CFA-induced peripheral inflammation. These data indicate that nociception is regulated differently in aging individuals, a fact that should be considered when selecting treatment strategies for aging populations with persistent pain.
Center for Integrative, 3rd Floor, James Kernan Hospital Mansion, 2200 Kernan Drive, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21207, USA. Rzhan001@umaryland.edu
