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Published on: March 27, 2016
Nociceptive plasticity inhibits adaptive learning in the spinal cord
A R Ferguson1, E D Crown, J W Grau
1Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, 333 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. ferguson.362@osu.edu
Neuroscience
|May 9, 2006
Summary
Uncontrollable shock impairs spinal cord learning by inducing central sensitization, similar to pain pathways. Blocking N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors prevents this learning deficit.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Spinal Cord Plasticity
- Pain Research
Background:
- Spinal plasticity contributes to neurogenic pain and various forms of learning.
- Instrumental learning in spinally transected rats involves associating leg extension with shock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the shared features between spinal learning deficits and central sensitization.
- To determine if central sensitization mechanisms underlie the impairment of spinal learning.
Main Methods:
- Rats with spinal transections were subjected to controllable and uncontrollable shock paradigms.
- Tactile allodynia was assessed, and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist MK-801 was administered.
- Central sensitization was induced using intradermal carrageenan injection.
Main Results:
- Uncontrollable shock induced tactile allodynia, a hallmark of central sensitization.
- Administration of MK-801 prevented the learning deficit caused by uncontrollable shock.
- Carrageenan injection, used to induce central sensitization, resulted in a spinal learning deficit.
Conclusions:
- Spinal learning deficits and central sensitization share pharmacological and behavioral characteristics.
- NMDARs play a crucial role in the induction of spinal learning impairments.
- Central sensitization appears to inhibit specific response modifications within the spinal cord.
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