Scientists at the University of Utah found that contained in the snail substance can permanently block the pain, without causing addiction.
Little seashell conus regius, common in the Caribbean sea, capable of its venom to paralyze and kill prey.
Rg1A substance included in the composition of venom has analgesic effects, different from opioids. For example, rodents scientists have proven that RgIA4 effectively block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) for the transmission of nerve impulses across synapses. They belong to a small group of non-opioid metabolic pathways that can help from chronic pain.
The crisis of opioids has reached epidemic proportions. Overdose of these substance every day dies 91 American. Medicine is required to find a new pain reliever.
It is curious that the analgesic action continues even after the substance leaves the body of experimental rodent, that is in 4 hours. “We have found that the substance operated 72 hours after injection, still blocking the pain,” said Dr. Michael McIntosh. This duration indicates that the substance in the poison of a snail has a renewing effect by updating some components of the nervous system.
“It is particularly surprising in the results of the study is the aspect of prevention of pain. Once chronic pain occurs, it is difficult to treat, says Professor McIntosh. — This component opens a potentially new metabolic pathway primarily to prevent the pain and offers a novel therapy for those patients who have run out of opioids”.
Scientists moved on to the next step-clinical trials to study the safety and efficacy of new analgesics.