Pain
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Sigma-1 receptor (sigma(1)R) is expressed in key CNS areas involved in nociceptive processing but only limited information is available about its functional role. In the present study we investigated the relevance of sigma(1)R in modulating nerve injury-evoked pain. For this purpose, wild-type mice and mice lacking the sigma(1)R gene were exposed to partial sciatic nerve ligation and neuropathic pain-related behaviors were investigated. ⋯ In addition, in contrast to wild-type mice, sigma(1)R knockout mice did not show increased phosphorylation of ERK in the spinal cord after sciatic nerve injury. Both wind-up and ERK activation have been related to mechanisms of spinal cord sensitization. Our findings identify sigma(1)R as a constituent of the mechanisms modulating activity-induced sensitization in pain pathways and point to sigma(1)R as a new potential target for drugs designed to alleviate neuropathic pain.