Neuronal networks and nociceptive processing in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.
The dorsal horn (DH) of the spinal cord receives a variety of sensory information arising from the inner and outer environment, as well as modulatory inputs from supraspinal centers. This information is integrated by the DH before being forwarded to brain areas where it may lead to pain perception. Spinal integration of this information relies on the interplay between different DH neurons forming complex and plastic neuronal networks. Elements of these networks are therefore potential targets for new analgesics and pain-relieving strategies. The present review aims at providing an overview of the current knowledge on these networks, with a special emphasis on those involving interlaminar communication in both physiological and pathological conditions.
Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, UPR3212, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 67084 Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67084 Strasbourg, France. Electronic address: cordero@inci-cnrs.unistra.fr.
Matilde
M
Cordero-Erausquin
Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, UPR3212, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 67084 Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67084 Strasbourg, France. Electronic address: inquimbert@inci-cnrs.unistra.fr.
Perrine
P
Inquimbert
Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, UPR3212, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 67084 Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67084 Strasbourg, France. Electronic address: schlichter@inci-cnrs.unistra.fr.
Rémy
R
Schlichter
Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, UPR3212, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, 67084 Strasbourg, France; Université de Strasbourg, 67084 Strasbourg, France. Electronic address: hugels@inci-cnrs.unistra.fr.
Sylvain
S
Hugel
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000503:physiopathology; D059226:Nociceptive Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D066148:Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology
dorsal horn; neuronal networks; nociception; pain; sensory systems; spinal cord