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Related Concept Videos

Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism01:30

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Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
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Pain01:20

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Pain serves as a critical warning signal that alerts the body to potential or actual harm. When mechanical pressure on the skin is intense, such as from a sharp pinch, the sensation transitions from touch to pain. Similarly, extreme temperatures, like a hot pot handle, convert the sensation of heat into pain. Pain can also result from overstimulation of other senses, such as blinding light, loud noise, or the intense heat from habañero peppers. This ability to sense pain is essential for...
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Ligand-gated Ion Channels01:19

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Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins with a channel for ions to pass through and a binding site for a ligand. The channel opens only when a ligand attaches to the binding site.
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that...
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G-Protein Gated Ion Channels01:21

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GPCRs are primarily responsible for our sense of smell, taste, and vision.  The binding of a sensory stimulus activates GPCR to stimulate effector proteins, many of which are ion channels in the sensory organs. GPCRs modulate the opening and closing of the target ion channels either directly by binding them, or by releasing second messengers that activate these channels. As ions move across the membrane, the membrane potential is altered, which induces an appropriate response.
Sensory...
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Graded Potential01:19

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Graded potentials are localized fluctuations in the cell membrane's electrical charge, commonly found in the dendrites of neurons. The magnitude of these potential changes depends on the strength of the initiating stimulus. In a membrane at its resting potential, a graded potential signifies a voltage shift either above -70 mV or below -70 mV.
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Mechanically-gated Ion Channels01:12

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Mechanically-gated ion channels are proteins found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell membranes that open in response to mechanical stress. Tension, compression, swelling, and shear stress can alter the conformation of the protein, opening a transmembrane channel that allows the passage of ions for signal transmission. In eukaryotes, mechanically-gated channels are distributed in several regions like the neurons, lungs, skin, bladder, and heart, where they play critical roles in numerous...
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Updated: Mar 7, 2026

P50 Sensory Gating in Infants
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Gate Control Theory Springs a Leak.

Paula J S Pereira1, Ethan A Lerner1

  • 1Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA.

Neuron
|February 24, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Individual Grp+ spinal interneurons can differentiate between itch and pain stimuli. This itch-pain signaling is modulated by enkephalin-expressing interneurons, which are synaptically linked to Grp+ neurons.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Spinal Cord Research
  • Pain and Itch Signaling

Background:

  • The cellular mechanisms distinguishing itch from pain are not fully understood.
  • Spinal interneurons play a crucial role in processing somatosensory information.
  • Gastrin-releasing peptide (Grp) expressing neurons are implicated in sensory processing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Grp+ spinal interneurons in differentiating itch and pain.
  • To identify neuronal circuits that modulate these sensory responses.

Main Methods:

  • Electrophysiological recordings from individual spinal interneurons in vivo or in vitro.
  • Stimulation techniques to evoke itch and pain sensations.
  • Genetic or pharmacological manipulation of specific neuronal populations (e.g., Grp+ neurons, enkephalin-expressing interneurons).

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Main Results:

  • Individual Grp+ spinal interneurons exhibit distinct response patterns to itch versus pain stimuli.
  • Enkephalin-expressing interneurons form synaptic connections with Grp+ neurons.
  • These enkephalin-expressing interneurons can inhibit or modulate the nociceptive response of Grp+ neurons.

Conclusions:

  • Grp+ spinal interneurons are key players in discriminating between itch and pain signals.
  • Enkephalin-expressing interneurons provide a inhibitory mechanism that regulates nociceptive processing within the spinal cord.
  • Understanding these circuits may offer new therapeutic targets for managing chronic itch and pain conditions.