Preclinical models for chronic pain, novel therapeutic development, rare human pain disorders.
505-925-0914
Karin Westlund High, PhD
Distinguished Professor
Karin Westlund High, PhD, has over 40 years of experience in chronic pain research with a focus on behavioral pharmacology. She has pursued studies relevant to clinical pain syndromes for more than 20 years and has also trained 10 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and clinical trainees who continue to study in this field.
Her laboratory specializes in developing and efficacy testing non-opioid therapeutics including:
More recently, chronic orofacial neuropathic and inflammatory pain models mimicking human chronic pain conditions have been devised for study. Single chain variable Fragment (scFv) antibodies developed to block pain biomarkers P2X4 and cholecystokinin B (CCK-B) receptor signaling are permanently reversing chronic pain, anxiety, and depression in these models. The efficacy of the patented scFv antibodies rivals other preclinical drug trials and could potentially replace morphine derivatives.
Dr. Westlund High’s laboratory’s highly cited studies are published as 179 peer reviewed manuscripts, 45 review chapters and reference texts. Read Dr. Westlund High’s recent publications here, and more about her promotion to Distinguished Professor here.
Reza Ehsanian, MD, PhD
Vice Chair for Research, Assistant Professor
Dr. Reza Ehsanian is the Vice Chair of Research and Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine. His academic interests include the translation of basic science to clinical practice to ultimately improve patient outcomes.
After completing his undergraduate degree at San Jose State University, Dr. Ehsanian worked as a Staff Scientist at NASA Ames Research Center investigating the effects of micro- and hyper-gravity on the vestibular system. Dr. Ehsanian completed his Howard Hughes Medical Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health where he developed his research interest in translational medicine.
He completed his MD training at Stanford School of Medicine and his Ph.D. training at Oxford University, Christ Church College. He went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Neurosurgery at Stanford, as well as a Clinic Research Fellowship at Vanderbilt University, after which he completed a residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and a fellowship in Pain Medicine at the University of New Mexico.
Dr. Ehsanian is involved in numerous clinical studies at UNMH as either a Co-I or PI. Read Dr. Ehsanian's recent publications here.
June Bryan I. de la Peña, RN, MS, PhD
Assistant Research Professor (Tenure-Track)
Dr. June Bryan de la Peña, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center. He brings over a decade of research experience in neuropharmacology and molecular mechanisms of nociception.
Dr. de la Peña earned his bachelor’s degree in Nursing in the Philippines and completed both his Master’s and Ph.D. in Pharmacology, with a specialization in Neuropharmacology, at Sahmyook University in Seoul, South Korea. He received postdoctoral training in molecular biology and nociception at the Center for Advanced Pain Studies at the University of Texas at Dallas and in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
His research focuses on uncovering the molecular changes in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) nociceptors that contribute to chronic pain. Key areas of investigation include neuropathic pain, opioid mechanisms, the effects of polysubstance use, and the therapeutic potential of natural products. Dr. de la Peña applies an interdisciplinary approach combining next-generation sequencing, human tissue analysis, molecular biology, pharmacology, and animal models to identify new, non-addictive strategies for pain relief.
Dr. de la Peña has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, delivered invited talks at international scientific conferences, and received multiple awards and grants in recognition of his contributions to the field.
For more information about Dr. de la Peña's research and team, visit the de la Peña Lab website.
Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine
UNM Hospital
2211 Lomas Blvd
Albuquerque, NM 87106