Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026
06:05
Advanced Glycation End-Products Sensitize Human Sensory-Like Neuron Cells to Capsaicin-Induced Calcium Influx
Published on: May 2, 2025
1.2K
Human sensory neurons: Membrane properties and sensitization by inflammatory mediators
Steve Davidson1, Bryan A Copits, Jingming Zhang
1Washington University Pain Center and Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA AnaBios Corporation, San Diego, CA 92109, USA.
Pain
|June 29, 2014
Summary
Human sensory neurons, specifically small dorsal root ganglion (hDRG) neurons, respond to pain and itch compounds. These findings are crucial for understanding chronic pain and developing new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Cell Physiology
Background:
- Translational research for chronic pain is hindered by biological differences in sensory processing between humans and model organisms.
- Understanding human sensory neuron physiology is critical for advancing pain treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological characteristics and responses of human dorsal root ganglion (hDRG) neurons.
- To determine the responsiveness of hDRG neurons to various algogens, pruritogens, and inflammatory mediators.
- To classify hDRG neurons based on their electrophysiological and chemical response profiles.
Main Methods:
- Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed on 141 hDRG neurons from five young adult human donors.
- Neurons were challenged with algogens (allyl isothiocyanate, ATP), pruritogens (histamine, chloroquine), and inflammatory compounds (bradykinin, prostaglandin E2).
- Electrophysiological properties, including action potential characteristics and responses to chemical stimuli, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Nearly all small-diameter hDRG neurons (<50 μm) exhibited action potential properties similar to rodent nociceptive neurons.
- A significant proportion of hDRG neurons responded to algogens (AITC, ATP) and pruritogens (histamine, chloroquine).
- A subset of hDRG neurons showed activation and sensitization (lower rheobase) in response to bradykinin and prostaglandin E2, with distinct firing kinetics compared to electrical stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Most small/medium hDRG neurons function as nociceptors, directly responding to compounds that elicit pain and itch sensations.
- Human sensory neurons can be activated and sensitized by inflammatory mediators, providing a direct link to pain signaling.
- These findings support the utility of hDRG neurons for preclinical validation of therapeutic targets in chronic pain research.
Related Concept Videos
01:44Nociception
28.4K
Nociception—the ability to feel pain—is essential for an organism’s survival and overall well-being. Noxious stimuli such as piercing pain from a sharp object, heat from an open flame, or contact with corrosive chemicals are first detected by sensory receptors, called nociceptors, located on nerve endings. Nociceptors express ion channels that convert noxious stimuli into electrical signals. When these signals reach the brain via sensory neurons, they are perceived as pain.
28.4K
01:28Inflammatory Response
12.4K
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
12.4K
01:38Inflammation
46.3K
Overview
46.3K
01:26Introduction to Special Senses
6.6K
Sensory receptors play an integral part in comprehending our external and internal environments. They receive diverse stimuli, converting them into the nervous system's electrochemical signals. This conversion occurs as the stimulus alters the sensory neuron's cell membrane potential, instigating the generation of an action potential. This action potential is subsequently transmitted to the central nervous system (CNS), which integrates with other sensory data or higher cognitive...
6.6K
01:26Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response
82
Acute inflammation is a rapid, short-lived physiological response to tissue injury or infection, designed to eliminate harmful agents and initiate repair. This tightly regulated process typically lasts from minutes to several days and is triggered by factors such as microbial invasion, physical trauma, or chemical injury.Recognition and Mediator ReleaseThe inflammatory response begins when resident immune cells—such as mast cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells—detect...
82
01:25Acute Inflammation II: Local and Systemic Effects
48
Acute inflammation produces a coordinated set of local and systemic changes that limit injury, eliminate pathogens, and initiate repair. These responses arise within minutes of infection, trauma, or chemical insult and are driven by vascular alterations and leukocyte-derived mediators. When the stimulus resolves, the reaction typically abates within days.Local EffectsAt the site of injury, arteriolar vasodilation increases blood flow, resulting in redness and warmth. Simultaneously, increased...
48