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Related Concept Videos

Gap Junctions01:37

Gap Junctions

57.2K
Multicellular organisms employ a variety of ways for cells to communicate with each other. Gap junctions are specialized proteins that form pores between neighboring cells in animals, connecting the cytoplasm between the two, and allowing for the exchange of molecules and ions. They are found in a wide range of invertebrate and vertebrate species, mediate numerous functions including cell differentiation and development, and are associated with numerous human diseases, including cardiac and...
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Gap Junctions01:27

Gap Junctions

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The cytoplasm of adjacent animal cells can exchange small molecules, ions, and secondary messengers via the communication channels which form the gap junctions. These junctions comprise a few hundred to thousands of molecular channels, each made of two halves, called the connexon hemichannel. A connexon is a hexamer of six transmembrane connexin proteins, which assemble radially, thus forming a pore or channel in the center. One connexon hemichannel docks with a corresponding connexon on the...
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P-N junction01:11

P-N junction

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A p-n junction is formed when p-type and n-type semiconductor materials are joined together. At the interface of the p-n junction, holes from the p-side and electrons from the n-side begin to diffuse into the opposite sides due to the concentration gradient. This diffusion of carriers leads to a region around the junction where there are no free charge carriers, known as the depletion region. The charge density within the depletion region for the n-side and p-side can be described by the...
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Pain01:20

Pain

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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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The Neuromuscular Junction01:19

The Neuromuscular Junction

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The nervous system consists of complex motor neuron circuits, including upper motor neurons originating from the cerebral cortex and lower motor neurons starting in the spinal cord, coordinating both voluntary and involuntary movements. Among these, somatic motor neurons activate skeletal muscles and are classified into alpha, beta, and gamma types. Alpha neurons are vital for voluntary movement coordination, while gamma neurons adjust muscle spindle sensitivity, and the function of beta...
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Anchoring Junctions01:03

Anchoring Junctions

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Anchoring junctions are multiprotein complexes that help cells connect to other cells and the extracellular matrix. Anchoring junctions are present on the lateral and basal surfaces of cells, providing strong and flexible connections. Focal adhesions are often formed due to cell interactions with the ECM substrata, which initiate signal transduction via kinase cascades and other mechanisms. Together, they provide stability and tissue integrity. There are three types of anchoring junctions:...
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Recording Gap Junction Current from Xenopus Oocytes
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Gap junctions, pannexins and pain.

David C Spray1, Menachem Hanani2

  • 1Dominick Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States.

Neuroscience Letters
|June 26, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Gap junctions and pannexin channels enhance pain sensitization by facilitating signal spread in sensory neurons and glial cells. Blocking these channels can reduce pain hypersensitivity in animal models.

Keywords:
Cx43DRGGJ: Panx1GangliaSatellite glial cellSensory neuronSpinal cordTG

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pain Research
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • Gap junctions and pannexin (Panx) channels are implicated in pain sensitization.
  • Evidence suggests their involvement in both peripheral and central pain mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence for the role of gap junctions and Panx channels in animal pain studies.
  • To discuss the mechanisms by which these channels mediate pain processing.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on gap junctions and pannexin channels in pain models.
  • Analysis of studies involving modulation of connexin 43 (Cx43) and Panx1 expression.
  • Examination of intercellular calcium (Ca2+) waves in satellite glial cells.

Main Results:

  • Increased expression and function of gap junctions and Panx1 in sensory ganglia during pain.
  • Gap junction-mediated coupling enhances neuronal synchrony and cross-excitation.
  • Blocking gap junction/Panx1 channels reduces hypersensitivity in rodent pain models.
  • Modulation of Cx43 and Panx1 affects pain thresholds and hyperalgesia.

Conclusions:

  • Gap junctions and Panx channels play a significant role in pain sensitization.
  • Intercellular Ca2+ waves, propagated via these channels, are key mediators.
  • These mechanisms are relevant to conditions like migraine with aura.