Iontophoretic application of calcitonin gene-related peptide produces a slow and prolonged excitation of neurons in the cat lumbar dorsal horn.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was applied by iontophoresis onto physiologically characterized neurons. CGRP (20-100 nA) activated both wide-dynamic-range (5/8) and low-threshold mechanoreceptive units (3/12), but had no effect on nociceptive-specific neurons (0/4). The excitation was of slow onset (30 s to 3 min) and prolonged duration (up to 10 min). In none of the tested units did CGRP cause inhibition. The slow and prolonged action suggests a neuromodulatory role for CGRP in spinal cord sensory processes.
Miletic
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V
Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706.
Tan
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H
D000818:Animals; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; D002415:Cats; D007478:Iontophoresis; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000502:physiology; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors
D009479:Neuropeptides; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide