Janus molecule I: dichotomous effects of COMT in neuropathic vs nociceptive pain modalities.

ABSTRACT: The enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) has been shown to play a critical role in pain perception by regulating levels of epinephrine (Epi) and norepinephrine (NE). Although the key contribution of catecholamines to the perception of pain has been recognized for a long time, there is a clear dichotomy of observations. More than a century of research has demonstrated that increasing adrenergic transmission in the spinal cord decreases pain sensitivity in animals. Equally abundant evidence demonstrates the opposite effect of adrenergic signaling in the peripheral nervous system, where adrenergic signaling increases pain sensitivity. Viewing pain processing within spinal and peripheral compartments and determining the directionality of adrenergic signaling helps clarify the seemingly c

SUBMITTER: Segall SK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3698056 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature