Neurogastroenterology and motility : the official journal of the European Gastrointestinal Motility Society
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Neurogastroenterol. Motil. · May 2010
ReviewRole of spinal cord glia in the central processing of peripheral pain perception.
The discovery that glial activation plays a critical role in the modulation of neuronal functions and affects the spinal processing of nociceptive signalling has brought new understanding on the mechanisms underlying central sensitization involved in chronic pain facilitation. Spinal glial activation is now considered an important component in the development and maintenance of allodynia and hyperalgesia in various models of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain and pain associated with peripheral inflammation. In addition, spinal glial activation is also involved in some forms of visceral hyperalgesia. ⋯ We discuss the signalling pathways engaged in central glial activation, including stress pathways, and the neuron-glia bidirectional relationships involved in the modulation of synaptic activity and pain facilitation. In this expanding field of research, the characterization of the mechanisms by which glia affect spinal neuro-transmission will increase our understanding of central pain facilitation, and has the potential for the development of new therapeutic agents for common chronic pain conditions.
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Neurogastroenterol. Motil. · May 2010
5-HT(2B) receptors modulate visceral hypersensitivity in a stress-sensitive animal model of brain-gut axis dysfunction.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with an enhanced perception to visceral stimuli and exaggerated stress response. The serotonergic neurotransmitter system has been strongly implicated as a key player in the manifestation of IBS symptomatology including visceral hypersensitivity. However the role of 5-HT(2B) receptors in visceral pain, although speculated, is currently unclear. Thus we assessed the impact of a selective 5-HT(2B) receptor antagonist, RS-127445, on visceral hypersensitivity in a model of brain gut axis dysfunction the Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat. ⋯ Taken together, blockade of 5-HT(2B) receptors offers an exciting novel therapeutic target for pain relief in stress-related gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS.