Applying a hot water bottle at a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius to the abdomen can alleviate cramps (due to menstruation or cystitis) within one hour. This is the result of a study conducted by scientists at University College London.
The researchers utilized DNA technology to create thermal-sensing proteins TRPV1 and pain-sensing proteins P2X3 within the same cells and examined the molecular interactions between TRPV1 and P2X3. They discovered that the thermal-sensing protein can inhibit the pain-sensing protein, and in this way, TRPV1 can prevent P2X3 from transmitting pain messages to the brain. The British scientists hope that their findings will aid in the development of pain relief medications in the future.
K.H
