Topic: dorsal horn

Execution and adaptation of motor behaviors require the interaction of networks of neurons in the spinal cord, sensory ganglia, and the brain. Sensory input from the skin and muscles is relayed to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Neurons in the dorsal and intermediate spinal cord integrate and convey the processed sensory feedback to the ventral premotor network to initiate or correct motor actions or to specialized brain areas for perception and long-term adaptation. Although the identity and post-synaptic targets of spinal ascending projection neurons have started to be characterized, we

Morphine is one of the most effective analgesics used in the clinical management of pain. However, prolonged exposure to morphine results in a broad spectrum of adverse effects, including tolerance and addiction. Our prior findings indicate that the activation of the dopamine D4 receptor (D4R) prevents morphine addiction by modulating dopamine signalling in striatal regions involved in drug-habit formation and consolidation, without altering morphine-induced analgesia. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that D4R in the terminals of primary nociceptors contributes to the anti-nociceptive eff

The spinal cord is integral to various functions within the central nervous system, including sensory, motor, visceral, and reflex mechanisms. While previous research has identified several neurochemical markers in the spinal cords of rodents, cats, mice, and humans, there is limited information regarding the distribution of the cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide in the human spinal cord. Additionally, the precise functions of CART in relation to sensory, motor, and limbic system processes remain incompletely understood. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the lo

Chronic pain affects 20% of the adult population, particularly the elderly, and worsens cognitive impairment. Chronic pain includes conditions such as arthritis, neuropathic pain, or certain sexual dysfunctions. Based on this clinical relationship with vulvodynia, we conducted a study on CGRPergic innervation in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and the female external genitalia in different age groups.Immunohistochemistry was performed against calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the lumbosacral enlargement and vulva of adult (60, 70 years) and elderly (84, 85 years) human cadaveric don