Immature spinal cord neurons are dynamic regulators of adult nociceptive sensitivity.

ABSTRACT: Chronic pain is a debilitating condition with unknown mechanism. Nociceptive sensitivity may be regulated by genetic factors, some of which have been separately linked to neuronal progenitor cells and neuronal differentiation. This suggests that genetic factors that interfere with neuronal differentiation may contribute to a chronic increase in nociceptive sensitivity, by extending the immature, hyperexcitable stage of spinal cord neurons. Although adult rodent spinal cord neurogenesis was previously demonstrated, the fate of these progenitor cells is unknown. Here, we show that peripheral nerve injury in adult rats induces extensive spinal cord neurogenesis and a long-term increase in the number of spinal cord laminae I-II neurons ipsilateral to injury. The production and maturation of th

SUBMITTER: Rusanescu G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4594677 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature