Primary afferent-evoked release of immunoreactive galanin in the spinal cord of the neuropathic rat.
We have determined if peripheral nerve stimulation altered the increased spontaneous release of immunoreactive (ir)-galanin that is found in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord of neuropathic rats. Using the antibody microprobe technique to study the localized sites of ir-galanin release in vivo, we found that high intensity electrical stimulation of the injured nerve resulted in a further increase in ir-galanin release in the superficial dorsal horn, with no significant persistence of ir-galanin after release. Release of ir-galanin at stimulus strengths sufficient to activate C fibres, in an area of the spinal cord thought to be concerned with nociceptive transmission, indicates a possible role for this peptide in the spinal modulation of pain after peripheral nerve injury.
Colvin
L A
LA
Department of Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Summerhall.
Duggan
A W
AW
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D019004:Galanin / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000502:physiology; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000502:physiology; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000378:metabolism*
D019004:Galanin