Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
10:37
Development of Recombinant Proteins to Treat Chronic Pain
Published on: April 11, 2018
Targeting spinal long-term potentiation as a basis for anlagesia: recent developments
Oliver Adolph1, Karl Josef Fohr
1University Hospital of Ulm, Department of Anesthesiology, Ulm, Germany. oliver.adolph@uniklinik-ulm.de
Current Clinical Pharmacology
|January 28, 2012
Summary
This review explores drugs targeting spinal cord long-term potentiation (LTP) for pain relief. It highlights molecular targets and methods for investigating pain mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Pain Research
Background:
- Spinal cord long-term potentiation (LTP) is crucial for pain signal processing.
- Numerous molecular targets involved in spinal LTP have been identified.
- Understanding these targets is key for developing new pain therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on drugs affecting spinal cord LTP.
- To discuss molecular targets for pharmacological pain intervention.
- To provide an overview of spinal pain pathways and investigation methods.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published studies.
- Analysis of drug effects on spinal LTP.
- Overview of spinal pain pathways and investigation techniques.
Main Results:
- Identified numerous molecular targets for therapeutic intervention in pain.
- Summarized recent drug investigations impacting spinal LTP.
- Discussed methods for studying spinal pain mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological targeting of spinal LTP offers potential for novel pain treatments.
- Further research into identified molecular targets is warranted.
- Comprehensive understanding of spinal pain pathways is essential for drug development.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management
Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
01:35Long-term Potentiation
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
01:25Long-term Potentiation
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
01:11Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...
01:29Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...