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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Measuring Spinal Presynaptic Inhibition in Mice By Dorsal Root Potential Recording In Vivo
Published on: March 29, 2014
Substance P and somatostatin modulate spinal cord excitability via physiologically different sensory pathways
Abstract:
The effect of intrathecally injected substance P and somatostatin on spinal flexion reflex excitability was examined in decerebrate, spinalized, unanaesthetized rats. Substance P increased the excitability of the spinal cord to mechanical and thermal stimuli suprathreshold for C-afferents. Somatostatin had a similar effect with thermal, but not with mechanical stimuli. It is suggested that both peptides are released in association with C-afferent activation. Substance P may be released by polymodal nociceptors whereas somatostatin may be released by thermosensitive C-afferents.
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