Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 10, 2025

The Sciatic Nerve Cuffing Model of Neuropathic Pain in Mice
Published on: July 16, 2014
NWD1 facilitates synaptic transmission and contributes to neuropathic pain
Yanqiong Wu1, Qiaochu Fu2, Xiaoxia Huang1
1Institute of Anesthesiology & Pain (IAP), Department of Anesthesiology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China.
Abstract:
Neuropathic pain is the most common symptom for which patients seek medical attention. Existing treatments to control pain are largely ineffective because of poor understanding the underlying mechanisms. Synaptic plasticity is fundamental to the spinal sensitivity of neuropathic pain. In the present study, we showed that SNL induced significant allodynia and hyperalgesia as well as upregulation of Nwd1 and GluN2B, which were reversed by knockdown of NWD1. Electrophysiological experiments demonstrated that SNL enhanced synaptic transmission, which was prevented by knockdown of NWD1. In vitro experiments showed that knockdown of NWD1 inhibited dendritic growth and synaptogenesis. Taken together, our results suggest that NWD1 enhances synaptic transmission and contributes to the development of neuropathic pain by enhancing GluN2B synaptic expression and anchor and promoting excitatory synaptogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Nociception
Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Excitatory and Inhibitory Effects of Neurotransmitters
Analgesia and Pain Management
Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers

