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Dr. Voitenko N. group: SYNAPTIC TRANSMISSION UNDER PAIN CONDITIONS
Our research interests involve the study of changes in synaptic transmission between primary and secondary nociceptive neurons under pain conditions. Chronic pain that may result from inflammation afflicts approximately 10% of the population in developed countries. The success of current treatment for chronic pain is limited by our incomplete understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the induction and maintenance of chronic pain. Activation of Ca2+-permeable AMPARs contributes to spinal central sensitization, a mechanism by which chronic pain develops and is maintained. However, the molecular mechanisms of AMPAR action and regulation during chronic pain are unclear. Spinal dorsal horn (DH) neurons express both Ca2+-permeable and Ca2+-impermeable AMPARs. The increase in the number of Ca2+-permeable AMPARs could initiate a variety of Ca2+-dependent intracellular cascades that have been demonstrated to be critical for induction and maintenance of chronic pain. We concentrate our efforts to support a novel hypothesis that peripheral inflammation induces a dynamic regulation of DH synaptic AMPA receptor function. |
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