C-Fiber Depletion Alters Response Properties of Neurons in Trigeminal Nucleus Principalis

1999 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 435-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. L. Kwan ◽  
J. A. Demaro ◽  
J. W. Hu ◽  
M. F. Jacquin ◽  
B. J. Sessle
Keyword(s):  
Functional Properties ◽  
Response Magnitude ◽  
Blue Dye ◽  
Plasma Extravasation ◽  
Trigeminal Nucleus ◽  
Response Properties ◽  
C Fibers ◽  
C Fiber ◽  
Nucleus Principalis ◽  
Stimulation Of

Kwan, C. L., J. A. Demaro, J. W. Hu, M. F. Jacquin, and B. J. Sessle. C-fiber depletion alters response properties of neurons in trigeminal nucleus principalis. J. Neurophysiol. 81: 435–446, 1999. The effects of C-fiber depletion induced by neonatal capsaicin treatment on the functional properties of vibrissa-sensitive low-threshold mechanoreceptive (LTM) neurons in the rat trigeminal nucleus principalis were examined in adult rats. Neonatal rats were injected either with capsaicin or its vehicle within 48 h of birth. The depletion of unmyelinated afferents was confirmed by the significant decrease in plasma extravasation of Evan's blue dye induced in the hindlimb skin of capsaicin-treated rats by cutaneous application of mustard oil and by the significant decrease of unmyelinated fibers in both the sciatic and infraorbital nerves. The mechanoreceptive field (RF) and response properties of 31 vibrissa-sensitive neurons in capsaicin-treated rats were compared with those of 32 vibrissa-sensitive neurons in control (untreated or vehicle-treated) rats. The use of electronically controlled mechanical stimuli allowed quantitative analysis of response properties of vibrissa-sensitive neurons; these included the number of center- and surround-RF vibrissae within the RF (i.e., those vibrissae which when stimulated elicited ≥1 and <1 action potential per stimulus, respectively), the response magnitude and latency, and the selectivity of responses to stimulation of vibrissae in different directions with emphasis on combining both the response magnitude and direction of vibrissal deflection in a vector analysis. Neonatal capsaicin treatment was associated with significant increases in the total number of vibrissae, in the number of center-RF vibrissae per neuronal RF, and in the percentage of vibrissa-sensitive neurons that also responded to stimulation of other types of orofacial tissues. Compared with control rats, capsaicin-treated rats showed significant increases in the response magnitude to stimulation of surround-RF vibrissae as well as in response latency variability to stimulation of both center- and surround-RF vibrissae. C-fiber depletion also significantly altered the directional selectivity of responses to stimulation of vibrissae. For neurons with multiple center-RF vibrissae, the proportion of center-RF vibrissae with net vector responses oriented toward the same quadrant was significantly less in capsaicin-treated compared with control rats. These changes in the functional properties of principalis vibrissa-sensitive neurons associated with marked depletion of C-fiber afferents are consistent with similarly induced alterations in LTM neurons studied at other levels of the rodent somatosensory system, and indeed may contribute to alterations previously described in the somatosensory cortex of adult rodents. Furthermore, these results provide additional support to the view that C fibers may have an important role in shaping the functional properties of LTM neurons in central somatosensory pathways.

Neuroplastic effects of neonatal capsaicin on neurons in adult rat trigeminal nucleus principalis and subnucleus oralis

1996 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 298-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. L. Kwan ◽  
J. W. Hu ◽  
B. J. Sessle
Keyword(s):  
Functional Properties ◽  
Mustard Oil ◽  
Blue Dye ◽  
Plasma Extravasation ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Response Properties ◽  
Adult Rat ◽  
C Fibers ◽  
C Fiber ◽  
Nucleus Principalis

1. The effects of C-fiber depletion induced by neonatal capsaicin treatment on the functional properties of low-threshold mechanoreceptive (LTM) neurons in the rat trigeminal (V) subnucleus oralis and nucleus principalis were examined. Neonatal rats were injected with capsaicin within 48 h of birth. The mechanoreceptive field (RF) and response properties of 184 oralis LTM neurons and 185 principalis LTM neurons were studied in adult capsaicin-treated rats. These properties were compared with those of 200 oralis LTM neurons and 253 principalis LTM neurons from untreated or vehicle-treated (control) adult rats. 2. The effectiveness of neonatal capsaicin in depleting C fibers was tested by determining the plasma extravasation of Evans blue dye that was induced in the hindlimb skin by the cutaneous application of the C-fiber excitant and inflammatory irritant mustard oil. The amount of extravasation in capsaicin-treated rats was significantly less than that of control rats. 3. Neonatal capsaicin treatment was associated with significant increases in neuronal RF size and in the percentage of neurons with convergent inputs from more than one type of peripheral tissue (e.g., nonsinus hair, vibrissae, glabrous skin/mucosa, subcutaneous structures such as joint or muscle, periodontal ligament) in both subnucleus oralis and nucleus principalis. In subnucleus oralis, neonatal capsaicin treatment produced a significant increase in the percentage of neurons with a RF involving both V1 and V2 divisions, and a significant decrease in the percentage of neurons with a RF restricted to the V1 division. Analogous changes were not observed in nucleus principalis, although for principalis vibrissa-sensitive neurons, neonatal capsaicin treatment was associated with significant increases in the total number of vibrissae per neuronal RF and in the maximal length of the vibrissal row (i.e., the number of vibrissae in the longest row of vibrissae, stimulation of which was effective in activating a given neuron). 4. Neonatal capsaicin treatment did not significantly affect other oralis or principalis neuronal properties, including the percentage of neurons exhibiting spontaneous activity or abnormal response properties (such as habituating tap sensitivity, discontinuous RF, or mixed adaptation properties within the RF). 5. The changes in the functional properties of oralis and principalis LTM neurons induced by neonatal capsaicin treatment are consistent with those previously reported at other levels of the rodent CNS. They provide additional support to the view that C fibers may have an important role in shaping the functional properties of central LTM somatosensory neurons.

Neurogenically Mediated Plasma Extravasation in Dura Mater: Effect of Ergot Alkaloids: A Possible Mechanism of Action in Vascular Headache

Cephalalgia ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Markowitz ◽  
Kiyoshi Saito ◽  
Michael A Moskowitz
Keyword(s):  
Dura Mater ◽  
Sensory Nerve ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
Neurokinin A ◽  
Acute Administration ◽  
Plasma Extravasation ◽  
C Fibers ◽  
C Fiber ◽  
Stimulation Of

C-fiber- dependent neurogenic plasma extravasation developed in the dura mater but not the brain after electric stimulation of the rat trigeminal ganglion or after chemical stimulation of perivascular axons with intravenous capsaicin, a drug that depolarizes sensory nerve fibers. C-fiber- independent extravasation also developed in this tissue after intravenous injections of substance P or neurokinin A (two constituents of unmyelinated C fibers) and after serotonin, bradykinin, or allergic challenge in presensitized animals. Intravenous dihydroergotamine or ergotamine tartrate, in doses similar to those used to treat migraine and cluster headache, prevented the stimulation-induced leakage of plasma proteins within the dura mater. Not unexpectedly, the acute administration of methysergide, a drug effective in the prophylactic treatment of headache, was inactive in this acute model. Neither acute nor chronic administration of propranolol affected stimulation-induced leakage of plasma protein. These results demonstrate that neurogenic inflammation develops within the dura mater in the rat and that ergot alkaloids prevent the process by a C-fiber-dependent mechanism.

Endogenous BK stimulates ischemically sensitive abdominal visceral C fiber afferents through kinin B2 receptors

1994 ◽  
Vol 267 (6) ◽  
pp. H2398-H2406 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. L. Pan ◽  
G. L. Stahl ◽  
S. V. Rendig ◽  
O. A. Carretero ◽  
J. C. Longhurst
Keyword(s):  
Receptor Antagonist ◽  
Impulse Activity ◽  
Discharge Rate ◽  
Visceral Afferents ◽  
C Fibers ◽  
C Fiber ◽  
Hoe 140 ◽  
B2 Receptors ◽  
The Right ◽  
Stimulation Of

Abdominal ischemia and reperfusion reflexly activate the cardiovascular system. In the present study, we evaluated the role of endogenously produced bradykinin (BK) in the stimulation of ischemically sensitive visceral afferents. Single-unit activity of abdominal visceral C fiber afferents was recorded from the right thoracic sympathetic chain of anesthetized cats during 5 min of abdominal ischemia. Abdominal ischemia increased the portal venous plasma BK level from 49 +/- 10 to 188 +/- 66 pg/ml (P < 0.05). Injection of BK (1 microgram/kg ia) into the descending aorta significantly increased impulse activity (0.88 +/- 0.16 impulses/s) of 10 C fibers, whereas a kinin B1-receptor agonist, des-Arg9-BK (1 microgram/kg), did not alter the discharge rate. Inhibition of kininase II activity with captopril (4 mg/kg i.v.) potentiated impulse activity of 14 ischemically sensitive C fibers (0.44 +/- 0.09 vs. precaptopril, 0.33 +/- 0.08 impulses/s; P < 0.05). In addition, a kinin B2-receptor antagonist (NPC-17731; 40 micrograms/kg i.v.) attenuated activity of afferents during ischemia (0.39 +/- 0.08 vs. pre-NPC-17731, 0.72 +/- 0.13 impulses/s; P < 0.05) and eliminated the response of 10 C fibers to BK. Another kinin B2-receptor antagonist, Hoe-140 (30 micrograms/kg iv), had similar inhibitory effects on six other ischemically sensitive C fibers. In 15 separate cats treated with aspirin (50 mg/kg i.v.), Hoe-140 (30 micrograms/kg i.v.) attenuated impulse activity of only 3 of 16 ischemically sensitive C fibers. These data suggest that BK produced during abdominal ischemia contributes to the stimulation of ischemically sensitive visceral C fiber afferents through kinin B2 receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pulmonary C-fibers reflexly increase secretion by tracheal submucosal glands in dogs

1985 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 907-910 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. D. Schultz ◽  
A. M. Roberts ◽  
C. Bratcher ◽  
H. M. Coleridge ◽  
J. C. Coleridge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gland Secretion ◽  
Right Atrial ◽  
Vagus Nerves ◽  
C Fibers ◽  
Airway Secretion ◽  
Submucosal Glands ◽  
C Fiber ◽  
Anesthetized Dogs ◽  
The Right ◽  
Stimulation Of

Stimulation of bronchial C-fibers evokes a reflex increase in secretion by tracheal submucosal glands, but the influence of pulmonary C-fibers on tracheal gland secretion is uncertain. In anesthetized dogs with open chests, we sprayed powdered tantalum on the exposed mucosa of a segment of the upper trachea to measure the rate of secretion by submucosal glands. Secretions from the gland ducts caused elevations (hillocks) in the tantalum layer. We counted hillocks at 10-s intervals for 60 s before and 60 s after we injected capsaicin (10–20 micrograms/kg) into the right atrium to stimulate pulmonary C-fiber endings. Right atrial injection of capsaicin increased the rate of hillock formation fourfold, but left atrial injection had no significant effect. The response was abolished by cutting the vagus nerves or cooling them to 0 degree C. We conclude that the reflex increase in tracheal submucosal gland secretion evoked by right atrial injection of capsaicin was initiated as capsaicin passed through the pulmonary vascular bed, and hence that pulmonary C-fibers, like bronchial C-fibers, reflexly increase airway secretion.

scholarly journals Stimulation of vagal pulmonary C fibers by inhaled wood smoke in rats

1998 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Lai ◽  
Y. R. Kou
Keyword(s):  
Hydroxyl Radical ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Wood Smoke ◽  
Radical Scavenger ◽  
C Fibers ◽  
Hydroxyl Radical Scavenger ◽  
C Fiber ◽  
Delayed Phase ◽  
Stimulation Of ◽  
Sustained Increase

Lai, C. J., and Y. R. Kou. Stimulation of vagal pulmonary C fibers by inhaled wood smoke in rats. J. Appl. Physiol. 84(1): 30–36, 1998.—This study investigated the stimulation of vagal pulmonary C fibers (PCs) by wood smoke. We recorded impulses from PCs in 58 anesthetized, open-chest, and artificially ventilated rats and delivered 6 ml of wood smoke into the lungs. Within 1 or 2 s after the smoke delivery, an intense and nonphasic burst of discharge [Δ = +7.4 ± 0.7 (SE) impulses/s, n = 68] was evoked in 60 of the 68 PCs studied and lasted for 4–8 s. This immediate stimulation was usually followed by a delayed and more sustained increase in C-fiber activity (Δ = +2.0 ± 0.4 impulses/s). The overall stimulation was not influenced by removal of smoke particulates ( n = 15) or by pretreatment with vehicle ( n = 8) for dimethylthiourea (DMTU; a hydroxyl radical scavenger) or indomethacin (Indo; a cyclooxygenase inhibitor). The immediate-phase stimulation was not affected by pretreatment with Indo ( n= 8) but was largely attenuated by pretreatment with DMTU ( n = 12) or by a combined treatment with DMTU and Indo (DMTU+Indo; n = 8). Conversely, the delayed-phase stimulation was partially suppressed either by DMTU or by Indo but was totally abolished by DMTU+Indo. These results suggest that 1) the stimulation of PCs is linked to the gas phase of wood smoke and 2) hydroxyl radical, but not cyclooxygenase products, is involved in the immediate-phase stimulation, whereas both metabolites are responsible for evoking the delayed-phase stimulation.

Diaphragmatic responses to graded stimulation of pulmonary C-fibers with capsaicin

1985 ◽  
Vol 59 (5) ◽  
pp. 1487-1494 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Coast ◽  
S. S. Cassidy
Keyword(s):  
Dose Response ◽  
Strain Gauge ◽  
Contraction Rate ◽  
C Fibers ◽  
C Fiber ◽  
Shallow Breathing ◽  
Fiber Stimulation ◽  
Rapid Shallow Breathing ◽  
Stimulation Of

It has been suggested that pulmonary C-fiber stimulation is responsible for the rapid shallow breathing that accompanies pulmonary edema. However, pulmonary C-fiber stimulation also causes apnea. To determine whether it was possible for both responses to occur from one stimulus, we infused varying concentrations of capsaicin (a compound that selectively stimulates C-fiber receptors in the dog) into an in situ vascularly isolated dog lung and measured rates and strengths of diaphragmatic contractions with a strain gauge sutured to the diaphragm and electromyogram electrodes implanted in the diaphragm. There was a dose response to capsaicin in that increased doses were related directly with the duration of cessation of diaphragmatic contractions (2–100 s) and inversely with the latency from the start of stimulation to the beginning of the cessation of diaphragmatic contractions (100–5 s). There was no evidence, however, of rapid shallow breathing in this set of experiments. Either a gradual return to normal rate from prolonged contraction intervals or no change in contraction rate was seen, depending on capsaicin concentration. We conclude that the primary diaphragmatic response to pulmonary C-fiber stimulation is a cessation of diaphragmatic contractions rather than rapid shallow contractions.

scholarly journals Reflex cardiorespiratory events from esophageal origin are heightened by preterm birth

2017 ◽  
Vol 123 (2) ◽  
pp. 489-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphanie Nault ◽  
Nathalie Samson ◽  
Charlène Nadeau ◽  
Djamal Djeddi ◽  
Jean-Paul Praud
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Arterial Pressure ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Neonatal Infection ◽  
Full Term ◽  
Simultaneous Stimulation ◽  
C Fibers ◽  
C Fiber ◽  
Cardiorespiratory Reflexes ◽  
Stimulation Of

The involvement of gastroesophageal refluxes in cardiorespiratory events of preterm infants remains controversial. While a few studies in full-term newborn animals have shown that stimulation of esophageal receptors leads to cardiorespiratory reflexes, the latter remain largely unknown, especially after premature birth. The present study aimed to 1) characterize the cardiorespiratory reflexes originating from esophageal receptors in newborn lambs and 2) test the hypotheses that preterm birth enhances reflex cardiorespiratory inhibition and that C-fibers are involved in these reflexes. Eight full-term lambs and 10 lambs born 14 days prematurely were studied. Following surgical instrumentation, a 6-h polysomnography was performed without sedation to record electrocardiogram, respiratory movements, arterial pressure, laryngeal constrictor muscle activity, state of alertness, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation. Five esophageal stimulations of the upper and/or lower esophagus, including rapid balloon inflation and/or HCl injection, were performed in random order. A second recording was performed in full-term lambs 24 h later, after C-fiber blockade by capsaicin. Results confirmed that esophageal stimulations induced inhibitory cardiorespiratory reflexes combined with protective mechanisms, including laryngeal closure, swallowing, coughing, increased arterial pressure, and arousal. Preterm birth heightened cardiorespiratory inhibition. The strongest cardiorespiratory inhibition was observed following simultaneous stimulation of the lower and upper esophagus. Finally, cardiorespiratory inhibition was decreased after C-fiber blockade. In conclusion, esophageal stimulation induces inhibitory cardiorespiratory reflexes, which are partly mediated by C-fibers and more pronounced in preterm lambs. Clinical relevance of these findings requires further studies, especially in conditions associated with increased cardiorespiratory events, e.g., neonatal infection. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Preterm birth heightens the cardiorespiratory events triggered by esophageal stimulation. The most extensive cardiorespiratory events are induced by simultaneous stimulation of the proximal and distal esophagus.

Enhanced lung C-fiber responsiveness in sensitized adult guinea pigs exposed to chronic tobacco smoke

2001 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
pp. 1645-1654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale R. Bergren
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Smoke ◽  
Guinea Pigs ◽  
Airway Responsiveness ◽  
Compressed Air ◽  
Sensory Receptor ◽  
Plasma Extravasation ◽  
C Fibers ◽  
C Fiber

Tobacco smoke (TS) exposure induces bronchoconstriction and increases airway secretions and plasma extravasation in certain sensitive individuals, particularly those with asthma. C-fiber activation also induces these effects. Although the mechanism by which chronic TS exposure induces airway dysfunction is not well understood, TS exposure may enhance C-fiber responsiveness. To investigate the effect of chronic TS exposure on C-fiber responsiveness to capsaicin and bradykinin, especially in atopic individuals, we exposed ovalbumin (OA)-sensitized guinea pigs to TS (5 mg/l air, 30 min/day for 7 days/wk) or to compressed air. Nonsensitized guinea pigs were also exposed to either compressed air or TS. Beginning after 120 days of exposure, C fibers and rapidly adapting receptors (RARs) were challenged with capsaicin and bradykinin. TS exposure enhanced sensory receptor and airway responsiveness to both intravenous capsaicin and bradykinin challenge. C-fiber, RAR, and airway responsiveness to capsaicin challenge was greatest in OA-sensitized guinea pigs exposed to TS. OA alone induced capsaicin hyperresponsiveness at 5 μg. Airway responsiveness to bradykinin was also greatest in OA-sensitized guinea pigs exposed to TS. OA alone enhanced C-fiber responsiveness to bradykinin at 5 and 10 μg. C-fiber activation by either agonist appeared direct, whereas RAR activation appeared indirect. Therefore, a mechanism of airway hyperirritability induced by the combination of OA sensitization and chronic TS exposure may include hyperirritability of lung C fibers.

scholarly journals Mechanisms of the adenosine A2Areceptor-induced sensitization of esophageal C fibers

2016 ◽  
Vol 310 (3) ◽  
pp. G215-G223 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Brozmanova ◽  
L. Mazurova ◽  
F. Ru ◽  
M. Tatar ◽  
Y. Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transient Receptor Potential ◽  
Mechanical Response ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Receptor Potential ◽  
P2x Receptor ◽  
C Fibers ◽  
C Fiber ◽  
Transient Receptor ◽  
Stimulation Of

Clinical studies indicate that adenosine contributes to esophageal mechanical hypersensitivity in some patients with pain originating in the esophagus. We have previously reported that the esophageal vagal nodose C fibers express the adenosine A2Areceptor. Here we addressed the hypothesis that stimulation of the adenosine A2Areceptor induces mechanical sensitization of esophageal C fibers by a mechanism involving transient receptor potential A1 (TRPA1). Extracellular single fiber recordings of activity originating in C-fiber terminals were made in the ex vivo vagally innervated guinea pig esophagus. The adenosine A2Areceptor-selective agonist CGS21680 induced robust, reversible sensitization of the response to esophageal distention (10–60 mmHg) in a concentration-dependent fashion (1–100 nM). At the half-maximally effective concentration (EC50: ≈3 nM), CGS21680 induced an approximately twofold increase in the mechanical response without causing an overt activation. This sensitization was abolished by the selective A2Aantagonist SCH58261. The adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin mimicked while the nonselective protein kinase inhibitor H89 inhibited mechanical sensitization by CGS21680. CGS21680 did not enhance the response to the purinergic P2X receptor agonist α,β-methylene-ATP, indicating that CGS21680 does not nonspecifically sensitize to all stimuli. Mechanical sensitization by CGS21680 was abolished by pretreatment with two structurally different TRPA1 antagonists AP18 and HC030031 . Single cell RT-PCR and whole cell patch-clamp studies in isolated esophagus-specific nodose neurons revealed the expression of TRPA1 in A2A-positive C-fiber neurons and demonstrated that CGS21682 potentiated TRPA1 currents evoked by allylisothiocyanate. We conclude that stimulation of the adenosine A2Areceptor induces mechanical sensitization of nodose C fibers by a mechanism sensitive to TRPA1 antagonists indicating the involvement of TRPA1.

Effects of GABA Receptor Antagonist on Trigeminal Caudalis Nociceptive Neurons in Normal and Neonatally Capsaicin-Treated Rats

1999 ◽  
Vol 82 (5) ◽  
pp. 2154-2162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Yu Chiang ◽  
Chun L. Kwan ◽  
James W. Hu ◽  
Barry J. Sessle
Keyword(s):  
Receptor Antagonist ◽  
Spontaneous Activity ◽  
Dynamic Range ◽  
Blue Dye ◽  
Plasma Extravasation ◽  
Receptor Blockade ◽  
Skin Area ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Nociceptive Neurons ◽  
C Fiber

We have recently demonstrated that significant increases in cutaneous mechanoreceptive field (RF) size and spontaneous activity occur in nociceptive neurons of trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc, the medullary dorsal horn) of adult rats depleted of C-fiber afferents by neonatal treatment with capsaicin. These neuronal changes in capsaicin-treated (CAP) rats are suggestive of central neuroplasticity and involve N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor mechanisms. The present study examined whether the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (BIC) or the GABAB receptor antagonist 2-hydroxysaclofen (SAC) can influence the RF properties and activity of Vc nociceptive neurons classified as either nociceptive-specific or wide-dynamic range in CAP adult rats or in neonatally vehicle-treated (CON) rats. C-fiber depletion was confirmed in the CAP rats by a significant decrease in plasma extravasation of Evans blue dye in a skin area receiving topical application of mustard oil, a small-fiber excitant and inflammatory irritant. As previously reported, marked increases in cutaneous RF size and spontaneous activity occurred in Vc nociceptive neurons of adult CAP rats, compared with CON rats. GABAA receptor blockade by BIC (i.t.) in CON rats produced a significant increase in spontaneous activity and in pinch RF size and tactile RF size (or appearance of a tactile area in the RF of nociceptive-specific neurons), as well as a significant lowering of the mechanical threshold and a significant enhancement of responses to pinch stimuli applied to the RF. In CAP rats, GABAA receptor blockade also produced significant changes similar to those documented in CON rats, except for a paradoxical and significant decrease in pinch RF size and no noticeable changes in responses to pinch stimuli. GABABreceptor blockade by SAC (i.t.) did not produce any significant changes in Vc nociceptive neurons in either CON or CAP rats. These results suggest that GABAA receptor–mediated inhibition may be involved in maintaining the functional expression of Vc nociceptive neuronal properties in normal conditions, and that in animals depleted of their C-fiber afferents, some features of this GABAAreceptor–mediated modulation may be disrupted such that a GABAA receptor–mediated excitation is manifested.

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