Brain research
-
Neuropathic pain is a common clinical problem with complex aetiology, mechanisms and symptoms. Alterations in spinal gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors may contribute to persistent pain states. The aim of the present study is to investigate potential changes of spinal GABA(A)-receptor function following peripheral nerve injury. ⋯ Following either sham surgery, or spinal nerve ligation, spinal muscimol inhibited Abeta-, Adelta- and C-fibre evoked responses of spinal neurones to a similar extent, however significant inhibitory effects on the post-discharge response were not observed in nerve injured rats. Our data demonstrate that GABA(A)-receptor control of Abeta- and Adelta-fibre evoked responses are not altered in nerve injured or sham operated rats, compared to control. However, following nerve injury we report a reduction in GABA(A)-receptor control of C-fibre responses, in particular in relation to post-discharge responses.