Journal: bioRxiv
Article Title: The Endocannabinoid System’s Contribution to Placebo Analgesia
doi: 10.64898/2026.02.25.707676
Figure Lengend Snippet: To investigate the contribution of eCB and β-endorphin, and their interaction to placebo analgesia, we used a validated placebo paradigm. (A) First, to determine individual stimulus intensities and stimulation sites, we applied an adaptive staircase calibration procedure for thermal heat pain. At the beginning of the placebo paradigm, participants were informed that they would be receiving two creams during the procedure: a highly potent experimental analgesic cream, and a control cream. In reality, both creams provided were Vaseline (petroleum jelly, Vaseline Healing Jelly Original, Unilever). Red lines and drops indicate blood sampling. Next, participants underwent three blocks of testing (B): a manipulation block followed by two test blocks (conditions: placebo, control), counterbalanced across participants. Blood was drawn before and after each block. In the manipulation block, participants received individually calibrated heat stimuli to elicit a rating of 8/10 to control cream sites, and 4/10 to placebo cream sites. This manipulation served to condition participants and bolster expectations. For the next two blocks, participants received heat stimuli calibrated to elicit a 6/10, either on the control cream sites, or on the ‘analgesic’ cream sites, depending on the block (placebo, control). (C) Each block of stimulation consisted of twelve trials. At the end of each trial, participants provided a pain intensity rating. Panel B was made using Biorender.
Article Snippet: Serum concentrations of β-endorphin were analysed by competitive enzyme immunoassay using a human β-endorphin ELISA Kit (HUFI00498, Assay Genie, Dublin, Ireland), as per manufacturer instructions.
Techniques: Cream, Control, Sampling, Blocking Assay