Activation of spinal dorsal horn astrocytes by noxious stimuli involves descending noradrenergic signaling

Kawanabe R, Yoshihara K, Hatada I, Tsuda M (2021) Activation of spinal dorsal horn astrocytes by noxious stimuli involves descending noradrenergic signaling. Mol Brain 14(1):79. doi: 10.1186/s13041-021-00788-5

Summary: Astrocytes are critical regulators of neuronal function in the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) increase intracellular Ca2+ levels following intraplantar injection of the noxious irritant, formalin, however the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The authors investigated these mechanisms by focusing on the role of descending noradrenergic (NAergic). Activation of α1A-adrenaline receptors via descending LC-NAergic signals may be a common mechanism underlying astrocytic Ca2+ responses in the SDH evoked by noxious stimuli, including chemical irritants

Usage: Intrathecal treatment with Anti-DBH-SAP, which kills SDH-projecting NAergic neurons, attenuates formalin pain (5.0 µg/20 µl; Martin et al., 1999)

See: Martin WJ et al. Differential effects of neurotoxic destruction of descending noradrenergic pathways on acute and persistent nociceptive processing. Pain 80:57-65, 1999.

Related Products: Anti-DBH-SAP (Cat. #IT-03)