The literature currently suggests that voltage-gated sodium channels play a major role in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. Alterations in the expression and targeting of specific sodium channels within injured dorsal root ganglia neurons appear to predispose the neurons to abnormal firing properties, allowing for the development of neuropathic pain. Mutations of one particular sodium chann...

introduction: complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (previously called testicular feminization) is specified by a 46 xy karyotype and negative sex chromatin, bilateral undescended testes, female genitalia appearance, and lack of mullerian derivatives. discussion: our medline search revealed that this is the first reported case of bilateral sertoli–leydig cell tumor (slct) in androgen insensi...

Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy (HSAN) is a group of genetic disorders involving varying sensory and autonomic dysfunction. HSAN types IV and V are characterized by congenital generalized loss of pain and thermal sensation. HSAN type IV is additionally accompanied by decreased sweating and intellectual disability. From 2010 to 2013, we (members of the Japanese Research Group on Cong...

OBJECTIVES The causes and nature of insensitivity to pain in schizophrenia remain unknown. The role of endorphins and the association of cognitive dysfunction and negative symptoms are postulated. METHODS In this study, 43 patients with schizophrenia, five first-degree relatives, and 34 healthy controls were examined. Participants' plasma concentrations of substance P, β-endorphin, and calcit...