Scientists report that a subset of monocytes releases interleukin-10 (IL-10), a signalling molecule that helps switch off pain. The researchers found these IL-10-producing cells were more active in males, and they linked the difference to higher levels of sex hormones such as testosterone. Females in the study had longer-lasting pain and slower recovery because their monocytes were less active.
Using high-dimensional spectral flow cytometry, the team showed that monocytes communicate directly with pain-sensing neurons by producing IL-10. When researchers blocked male sex hormones, the pattern changed in the opposite direction. The study included at least five types of tests on mouse models, and all results were consistent.
Work with another group after car accidents found a similar pattern in people: men had more active IL-10-producing monocytes and recovered faster. The next step is to test treatments that boost IL-10 production so pain can resolve rather than only be blocked. Funding came from the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense.
Difficult words
- monocyte — a type of white blood cellmonocytes
- interleukin-10 — a molecule that signals to reduce inflammationIL-10
- signalling molecule — a chemical that sends messages between cells
- testosterone — a male sex hormone in the body
- recovery — the process of getting better after injury
- neuron — a cell that sends and receives signalsneurons
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Discussion questions
- How could treatments that increase IL-10 change recovery from pain for patients?
- Why is it important to study both male and female biology in pain research?
- What are the benefits and limits of testing new pain treatments first in mouse models?
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