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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

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Inducing Long-Term Plasticity of Intrinsic Neuronal Excitability in Neurons of the Dorsal Lateral Geniculate Nucleus
Published on: September 20, 2024
Central mechanisms I: plasticity of central pathways
1Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, 4150 V Street, 1104 PSSB, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|October 1, 2008
Summary
Substance P in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) may drive enhanced cough reflexes. Targeting NTS neurons could lead to new treatments for chronic cough.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cough is a common symptom with limited effective treatments.
- The nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) is a key central nervous system (CNS) site for processing cough reflexes.
- NTS neurons exhibit neuroplasticity in response to various stimuli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of substance P in the NTS in modulating the cough reflex.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets within the NTS for enhanced cough treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of current findings on substance P and NTS function in cough.
- Analysis of neuroplasticity in NTS neurons related to cough reflex alterations.
Main Results:
- Substance P is abundant in the NTS, suggesting its involvement in cough reflex pathways.
- The NTS is a critical site for reorganizing sensory input related to coughing.
Conclusions:
- Substance P in the NTS plays a significant role in enhanced cough reflexes.
- Targeting NTS neurons offers a promising strategy for developing novel cough therapies.
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