It was proved that cells of the nervous tissue that form near the axons of cells located on the periphery are directly involved in the process of pain transmission in rats.

Until recently, there was a theory according to which, pain was transmitted as a result of transportation of nerve impulses to a particular tissue through receptors.

Scientists at the Carolina Institute (Sweden) have discovered a new mechanism that promotes the transmission of pain. The essence of the mechanism is that Schwann cells surrounding axons take part in the process.

Through these cells, the destruction and formation of the myelin structure of axons occurs. The presence of such a membrane helps to increase the transmission rate of the nerve impulse along the nerve paths. According to scientists, the myelin sheath is directly responsible for the process of formation of human memory for a long time.

By conducting research, scientists created a group of mice that underwent gene modification. In these individuals, only Schwann cells were responsible for the reaction to light. As a result of this, mice that were exposed to light felt a sense of pain. At the same time, their legs began to twitch slightly, and some individuals often began to lick the surface of the coat.

In case of blockage of these cells, in mice in the light the pain did not become so strong.But in the case of an increase in the temperature of the environment, the pain in the representatives of the studied group of mice did not dull. This proves that, despite the fact that Schwann cells are directly involved in the transmission of pain, they do not have the ability to fully control pain.

Thanks to this modern discovery, scientists have a unique opportunity to create new methods for treating complex diseases, including chronic forms. In addition, the research results will later help to understand the cause and the process of pain.

Despite the huge amount of work done during the research, scientists still have to find out many questions, for example, is there a connection between Schwann cells and neurons or how these elements interact with each other.