- In vivo nocieptive synaptic transmission and its plastic change
The spinal dorsal horn, especially superficial dorsal horn, has an important role in the transmission and modulation of nociceptive information. Superficial dorsal horn neurons make excitatory synaptic contacts with noxious primary afferent fibers. In addition, dorsal horn neurons receive inhibitory synaptic inputs from spinal interneurons and descending inhibitory neurons in the brain stem. We investigate the spinal modulatory mechanism of nociceptive transmission by using in vivo patch-clamp recording techniques (Figure). We also study the underlying mechanism for the development of chronic pain. Behavioral and immunohistochemical analyses are also used.
Figure. In vivo patch-clamp recording from spinal dorsal horn neuron.
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Primary Sensory Afferents for Cold Sensation. Journal of Neuroscience 24:3466-3476,
2007
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1999
