Central sensitization in medullary dorsal horn involves gap junctions and hemichannels.
Central sensitization is a fundamental mechanism contributing to acute and chronic pain conditions. Our previous studies have documented a glutamatergic, purinergic and glial-dependent central sensitization that can be induced in rat medullary dorsal horn nociceptive neurons by mustard oil application to the tooth pulp. This study showed that carbenoxolone, a potent gap junction and hemichannel blocker, completely blocked all parameters of mustard oil-induced central sensitization tested in functionally identified medullary dorsal horn nociceptive neurons. These results represent the first evidence suggesting that gap junctions and hemichannels may have a critical role in mediating central sensitization in dorsal horn nociceptive neurons and may account for the spread as well as development of central sensitization.
Chiang
Chen Yu
CY
Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1G6, Canada.
Li
Zhaohui
Z
Dostrovsky
Jonathan O
JO
Sessle
Barry J
BJ
D000818:Animals; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002229:Carbenoxolone / Q000494:pharmacology; D004594:Electrophysiology; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008839:Microelectrodes; D009149:Mustard Plant; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D010146:Pain / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000494:pharmacology; D020671:Posterior Horn Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats
D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D010938:Plant Oils; D002229:Carbenoxolone; C027793:mustard oil