Physiology

KARIN WESTLUND HIGH, Ph.D. Professor Ph.D. University of Texas Medical Branch, 1981 Office: MS-609 Medical Center 0298 Tel: (859) 323-0672 Lab: MS-535, MS-539A-F, Tel: 323-0673 E-mail: karin.high@uky.edu Curriculum Vita (pdf)

Our studies are designed to understand (1) how sensitization of pain pathways can lead to persistent pain states and (2) how inflammatory pain can be alleviated. In response to tissue injury and pain, an amplified neurogenic drive is generated in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Nerve impulses then propagate back out to the peripheral injury site bringing neurotransmitter signals that directly impact inflammatory responses. Three neuroinflammatory models are being utilized to examine neurotransmitter activation and to promote reduction of inflammation and pain: (1) temporomandibular joint pain, (2) inflammatory pain in the knee joint, and (3) a model of visceral pain resembling chronic human pancreatitis. Treatment strategies, such as gene therapy and transdermal delivery of opioid peptides for site specific anti-nociceptive action, are being utilized to stop the activation caused by neurotransmitters for both the pancreatitis and muscle/joint inflammatory models. Information about the interface between the nervous system and the immune system is being generated, including the potential for tissue repair promoted by opioid peptides. Our investigations have led to discovery of a new visceral pain pathway and a new acid sensing G-coupled receptor in the knee joint lining. We are also developing new strategies for the treatment of chronic pain, inflammation and tissue repair after injury.

Recent publications:

Westlund, KN, Vera- Portocarrero, LP, Zhang, L,Wei, J, Quast, MJ, Palmer, SN, Cleeland, CS. fMRI of supraspinal areas after morphine and one week pancreatic inflammation. NeuroImage, 44: 23-34, 2009.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2008.07.048

Lu Y, McNearney TA, Wilson, S, Yeomans D, Westlund KN. Joint Capsule Treatment with Enkephalin Encoding HSV-1 Recombinant Vector Reduces Inflammatory Damage and Behavioral Sequelae in Rat CFA Monoarthritis. Eur J Neurosci, 27: 1153-1165, 2008. PMID: 405148-143513
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1460-9568.2008.06076.x

Yang H, McNearney TA, Chu R, Lu Y, Ren Y, Yeomans DC, Wilson SP, Westlund KN, Enkephalin-encoding herpes simplex virus-1 decreases hyperalgesia and inflammation in a chronic pancreatitis model induced by a high-fat and alcohol diet. Molecular Pain, Feb 28;4(1):8(1-21), 2008.
http://www.molecularpain.com/content/pdf/1744-8069-4-8.pdf

Other Publications