Neuropharmacology of the dorsal root entry zone.
The finding of a number of peptides in the central nervous system and the discovery of the endogenous opiates represent major recent advances in the understanding of neural transmission. A number of these neuropeptides are found in the dorsal root entry zone and may play a role in pain. An analysis of changes in distribution of substance P, methionine-enkephalin, and somatostatin after simulated nerve root avulsion injury suggested a possible mechanism for deafferentation pain. A review of the localizations and actions of these peptides in the dorsal root entry zone is included.
D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine / Q000378:metabolism; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000293:injuries / Q000378:metabolism*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000378:metabolism; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000378:metabolism; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000293:injuries; D013373:Substance P / Q000378:metabolism; D009435:Synaptic Transmission
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D013373:Substance P; D013004:Somatostatin; D004744:Enkephalin, Methionine