Growing pain: Epigenetic and developmental considerations in neonatal procedural pain

This thesis explores how neonatal procedural pain affects newborns neuronal development and aims to improve neonatal pain management. The studies revealed that neonatal pain alter stress responses in adulthood, particularly in females, and modify gene expression through epigenetic processes. Furthermore, neonatal pain alters markers of neuronal development, contributing to the understanding of neonatal pain consequences in adulthood. The thesis also tested oxytocin as a pain reliever but found it ineffective and potentially harmful due to its effect on body weight. Altogether, the thesis highlights the importance of considering the unique physiology of the neonatal nervous system and designing longitudinal, sex-balanced studies to develop safe and effective pain treatments for neonates.