Anesthesiology
Research focus
Our research group focuses on peripheral mechanisms of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. We are interested in the blood-nerve barrier as well as peripheral neuroplasticity after plexus injury. We study their role in the pathophysiology of (neuropathic) pain and – translationally – in a rare disease named complex regional pain syndrome and after traumatic plexus injury. In our just granted clinical research group (KFO5001) we will decipher factors governing pain resolution – often independent nerve regeneration. Here, we will conduct longitudinal studies in patients and identify targets in basic sciences to improve diagnosis and treatment of neuropathic pain states to foster resolution. A second major clinical focus is research in health services in chronic pain including multimodal pain therapy (pain2020), preventing chronification of postsurgical pain (POETpain) and long-term outcome of postsurgical pain services (LOPSTER).
contact: rittner_h@ukw.de
Apl. Prof. Dr. med. Barbara Namer
Research Focus: Neuronal Signal Pathways of Pain and Itch in Humans
Our primary objective is to address clinically relevant questions in the fields of pain and itch. Through a combination of neurophysiological experimental approaches and computational modeling, our group investigates the function—and dysfunction—of thin nerve fibers (nociceptors and pruriceptors) with regard to human pain and itch perception. We strive to bridge basic research with clinical practice, linking peripheral nerve fiber activity in tissues to central processing in the brain and the subjective experience of pain and itch.
1. Mechanisms of Sensory Nerve Fiber Mediation:
We explore how individual sensory nerve fibers convey the unique perception of pain and itch. C-fibers—extremely thin and slowly conducting nerves—innervate the skin, deeper structures such as muscles, and internal organs, transmitting signals triggered by stimuli (e.g., heat) to the spinal cord. In the spinal cord, these signals are processed and relayed to the brain, forming the basis of nociceptive or pruriceptive experiences. Using the technique of microneurography, we record single action potentials from single nerve fibers in awake subjects, correlating these electrophysiological responses with subjective sensations.
2. Functional Roles of Distinct Nerve Fiber Classes:
Our work distinguishes between mechano-sensitive and mechano-insensitive nerve fibers in human pain and itch perception. Mechano-sensitive fibers provide rapid spatial and temporal information about acute stimuli or external threats, activating briefly as an early warning system. Mechano-insensitive fibers appear to serve as a prolonged alert mechanism, particularly when chemical mediators—either exogenous or endogenously produced—are present.
3. Altered Function in Neuropathic Pain:
Neuropathic pain, often associated with conditions such as diabetic polyneuropathy or small fiber neuropathy (SFN), results from dysfunction and degeneration of thin, unmyelinated fibers (Aδ and C fibers). Our investigations focus on patients experiencing neuropathic pain, probing how abnormalities in these fibers contribute to symptoms such as hypoesthesia and persistent spontaneous pain. Microneurography allows us to identify dysfunctional patterns in individual nerve fibers, potentially revealing novel therapeutic targets for managing chronic neuropathic pain.
4. Peripheral Dysfunctions Underlying Chronic Itch:
Chronic itch significantly impairs quality of life and remains a therapeutic challenge. By examining the dysfunction of peripheral sensory nerve fibers in affected patients, we seek to uncover overarching, cause-specific mechanisms of chronic itch. Understanding these processes may ultimately pave the way for innovative treatments.
contact: namer_b@ukw.de
