The study found that macrophages, a type of immune cell, play a crucial role in the long-term effects of early-life pain. Macrophages are both necessary and partially sufficient to drive neonatal nociceptive priming, which is the process by which early-life pain and stress can lead to long-term changes in the immune system and pain sensitivity.
Macrophages and Neonatal Nociceptive Priming
Macrophages are a type of immune cell that are known to be involved in the inflammatory response. The researchers found that these cells are necessary for the development of neonatal nociceptive priming. When macrophages were depleted in the animal models, the long-term effects of early-life pain were prevented.
Partial Sufficiency of Macrophages
Interestingly, the researchers also found that macrophages are only partially sufficient to drive neonatal nociceptive priming. While the presence of macrophages is required, other factors and cell types are also necessary for the full manifestation of the long-term effects of early-life pain.