Altered nociception, analgesia and aggression in mice lacking the receptor for substance P
Article Abstract:
Research into the effect of disrupting the gene encoding the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor in mice indicates that the mutant mice do not have the characteristic amplification and intensity coding of nociceptive reflexes. The peptide neurotransmitter substance P, which controls sensitivity to pain by activating the NK-1 receptor, is vital for the full development of stress-induced analgesia and for an aggressive response to territorial challenge. Substance P may play a role in emotional behaviour, as the NK-1 receptor is found throughout the brain, particularly in the limbic system and hypothalamus.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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Substance P equals pain substance?
Article Abstract:
Mice show reduced responses to painful stimuli when the function of the undecapeptide substance P (SP) is genetically disrupted. The mice showed ordinary thresholds for reactions to various painful stimuli, but the mice in which the preprotachykinin A gene was disrupted showed blunted responses when the intensity of the painful stimulus was increased. It is clear that SP is only one of the many complex mechanisms involved in pain perception.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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Nocistatin, a peptide that blocks nociceptin action in pain transmission
Article Abstract:
Research has identified the presence of a neuropeptide called nocistatin that is biologically active and linked to the pain transmission biochemical reaction. Evidence from bovine brain experiments suggests that nocistatin may act as an antagonist to the neuropeptide nociceptin in the pain pathway. Nocistatin prevents nociceptin from causing allodynia and hyperalgesia.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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