Sensory-spinal neuron co-culture platform enables analysis of sensory-driven spinal activation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pain plays a crucial role in selecting behaviors essential for survival. Nociceptive stimuli are converted into neuronal signals by dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and transmitted via the spinal cord to the brain, where pain is perceived. Chronic pain, characterized by prolonged nociceptive signaling, significantly reduces the quality of life. Specifically, nociplastic pain arises due to heightened spinal neuronal activity. However, the mechanisms underlying this persistent increase remain unclear, impeding the development of effective treatments. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop an experimental platform to investigate how sensory neuron signals increase spinal neuronal activity.

Methods

We developed a specialized microstructure enabling a separate

SUBMITTER: Miyahara Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12277374 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature