Abstracts » Zoology and wildlife conservation

Molecular mechanisms of nociception

Article Abstract:

Scientist must continue to seek an understanding of how the specific physiological features of nociceptors and the circuits with which they interact in the central nervous system influence pain perception and subsequent behaviour. It is important to know about the function of the various neurotransmitters, transducers and receptors that are expressed by nociceptors.

---

The capsaicin receptor: A heat-activated ion channel in the pain pathway

Article Abstract:

Capsaicin is the main pungent ingredient in chilli peppers and can cause a burning sensation through the selective activation of sensory neurons conveying information to the central nervous system. A functional cDNA encoding a capsaicin receptor has been isolated using an expression cloning method. The receptor was found to be non-selective and is related to the TRP ion channel family. Increased temperature was also found to activate the cloned capsaicin receptor.

Sensory receptors, Capsaicin

---

Primary afferent tachykinins are required to experience moderate to intense pain

Article Abstract:

Moderate to intense pain can only be produced through the release of tachykinins from primary afferent pain-sensing receptors, according to research into the behavioural response to painful stimuli of mice in which the preprotachykinin A gene, which encodes substance P and a related tachykinin, is disrupted. It was established that tachykinins are released by polymodal nociceptive afferents. They are vital neurotransmitters for the transmission and production of moderate to intense pain messages across modalities.

Some parts © 2013 Advameg, Inc.