Eicosanoid synthesis by spinal cord astrocytes is evoked by substance P; possible implications for nociception and pain.
Prostaglandin synthesis by astrocytes in culture has been shown to be stimulated by a range of mediators including ATP, interleukin-1 and the neuropeptide substance P. In this paper we present evidence that astrocytes from rat spinal cord, but not other CNS regions, release prostaglandins in response to treatment with sub-micromolar concentrations of the neuropeptide substance P, a neuromodulator that may be involved in regulating the input of nociceptive information into the spinal cord. This in vitro phenomenon, if representative of physiological responses, suggests that astrocytes may play a role in central processing of noxious input. The fact that astrocytes from rat cortex do not exhibit substance P-evoked prostanoid release provides further evidence for regional astrocyte heterogeneity.
Marriott
D
D
Biochemistry Department, Imperial College, London.
Wilkin
G P
GP
Coote
P R
PR
Wood
J N
JN
D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D015777:Eicosanoids / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000502:physiology; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013373:Substance P / Q000502:physiology*
D015777:Eicosanoids; D013373:Substance P