Intrathecal galanin at low doses increases spinal reflex excitability in rats more to thermal than mechanical stimuli.
The neuropeptide galanin (GAL) was injected intrathecally (i.t.) in decerebrate, spinalized, unanesthetized rats and its effect on the nocifensive flexor reflex was examined. The reflex, which was evoked by intense mechanical or thermal stimulation of the foot, was recorded from the ipsilateral hamstring muscles. I.t. GAL increased reflex excitability significantly more to thermal than to mechanical stimuli. It is suggested that GAL, which is present in sensory fibers that innervate the skin, is released by the central terminals of cutaneous afferents that are much more sensitive to thermal than to mechanical stimuli.
Wiesenfeld-Hallin
Z
Z
Department of Clinical Neurophysiology and Physiology, Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden.
Villar
M J
MJ
Hökfelt
T
T
D000818:Animals; D003655:Decerebrate State; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D019004:Galanin; D006358:Hot Temperature; D007278:Injections, Spinal; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D010455:Peptides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012018:Reflex / Q000187:drug effects*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D013823:Thermoreceptors / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
D010455:Peptides; D019004:Galanin