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Related Experiment Videos

Synaptic mediation from cutaneous mechanical nociceptors

S P Schneider1, E R Perl

  • 1Department of Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-7545.

Journal of Neurophysiology
|August 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

This study shows that glutamate acting on non-NMDA receptors causes fast excitation in dorsal horn neurons from mechanical pain signals. Other neurotransmitters may mediate responses to gentle touch.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pain research
  • Spinal cord physiology

Background:

  • Dorsal horn neurons process sensory information, including mechanical stimuli.
  • Understanding synaptic transmission in the dorsal horn is crucial for pain research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors in synaptic transmission to dorsal horn neurons.
  • To differentiate the roles of specific EAA receptor subtypes in responses to mechanical stimulation.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro preparation of hamster spinal cord with intact skin innervation.
  • Extracellular and intracellular recordings from dorsal horn neurons.
  • Pharmacological manipulation using EAA receptor antagonists (kynurenic acid and CNQX).

Main Results:

  • Kynurenic acid blocked excitation in most high-threshold mechanoreceptive units and suppressed responses in neurons to innocuous stimuli.
  • CNQX significantly suppressed excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and action potentials evoked by mechanical stimulation.
  • IPSPs were less affected by EAA antagonists compared to EPSPs.

Conclusions:

  • L-glutamate acting on non-NMDA receptors mediates fast synaptic excitation of dorsal horn neurons from myelinated mechanical nociceptors.
  • Synaptic mediators for other afferent units, including those activated by innocuous stimuli, may differ from L-glutamate or involve other receptors.

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