Sensory afferent processing in multi-responsive DRG neurons.
The recent advance in molecular and neurobiological techniques disclosed the multi-responsive nature of DRG neurons. The survival, phenotype expression and electrical properties of these neurons are under the control of a variety of substances through their specific receptors. In pathological conditions, such as tissue inflammation or nerve injury, DRG neurons change their responsiveness through the dynamic reconstruction of their receptor system. This reconstruction is initiated by environmental stimuli. Thus the properties of polymodal nociceptors can be altered according to the environmental conditions. The whole story of this mechanism is not disclosed yet. In order to understand this mechanism, it is basically important to identify various receptor mRNAs in DRG neurons, precise localization of receptor proteins, site of synthesis and route of supply of ligands for these receptors.
Senba
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E
Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Wakayama Medical College, Japan. esenba@wakayama-med.ac.jp
Kashiba
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H
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology*; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology*; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D016207:Cytokines; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009479:Neuropeptides