• Spine · Jul 2014

    Channelrhodopsin-2-expressed dorsal root ganglion neurons activates calcium channel currents and increases action potential in spinal cord.

    • Yi Zhang, Jing Yue, Midan Ai, Zhigang Ji, Zhiguo Liu, Xuehong Cao, and Li Li.
    • From the Departments of *Anesthesiology and †Reproductive Medical Center, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China ‡Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The U... more niversity of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX §Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX ¶Institution of Nutrition, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Changqing Garden, Wuhan, People's Republic of China ‖Institution of Nutrition, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Changqing Garden, Wuha, People's Republic of China; and Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX. less
    • Spine. 2014 Jul 1;39(15):E865-9.

    Study DesignWe used optogenetic techniques in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuron studies.ObjectiveThis study investigated changes in channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) expression in the spinal cord and DRG neurons using optogenetic techniques. The results show the possibility of using optogenetics to treat neuropathic pain.Summary Of Background DataPrevious studies have shown that activated ChR2 induces an increase in DRG neuron action potential.MethodsWestern blot analysis was used to measure ChR2 protein levels in the spinal cord and DRG neurons or rats intrathecally injected with ChR2 lentivirus. Electrophysiology recording was used to detect differences in action potential levels in the spinal cord and calcium channel currents in the DRG neurons.ResultsOur studies showed that ChR2 expression increased the action potential in the spinal cord and increased calcium channel currents in DRG neurons.ConclusionWe successfully expressed the ChR2 protein in the spinal cord and DRG neurons. We also found that ChR2 increased the action potential in the spinal cord and activated the calcium channel in DRG neurons. These findings support the research possibilities of using optogenetic studies to improve treatment for neuropathic pain.Level Of EvidenceN/A.

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