Abnormal substance P release from the spinal cord following injury to primary sensory neurons

The neuropeptide substance P (SP) modulates nociceptive transmission within the spinal cord. Normally, SP is uniquely contained in a subpopulation of small-calibre axons (Adelta- and C-fibres) within primary afferent nerve. However, it has been shown that after nerve transection, besides being downregulated in small axons, SP is expressed de novo in large myelinated Abeta-fibres. In this study we investigated whether, following peripheral nerve injury, SP was released de novo from the spinal cord after selective activation of Abeta-fibres. Spinal cords with dorsal roots attached were isolated in vitro from rats 2 weeks following distal sciatic axotomy or proximal spinal nerve lesion (SNL). The ipsilateral dorsal roots were electrically stimulated for two consecutive periods at low- or high-threshold fibre strength, spinal cord superfusates were collected and SP content was determined by radioimmunoassay. SNL, but not axotomized or control rat cords, released significant amounts of SP after selective activation of Abeta-fibres. Not only do these data support the idea that Abeta myelinated fibres contribute to neuropathic pain by releasing SP, they also illustrate the importance of the proximity of the lesion to the cell body.