Fc Gamma Receptor Signaling: A New Pathway for Sustained Neuropathic Pain
Abstract
The lack of effective treatments reflects the fact that the mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain are incompletely understood. Therefore, gaining further insight into the mechanisms that maintain neuropathic pain is expected to reveal new therapeutic targets for disease-modifying treatment. Studies have shown that astrocytes, immune-like cells in the spinal cord and brain, contribute to the maintenance of neuropathic pain by releasing signals that activate neurons in pain pathways. However, it is not known how astrocytes remain activated during neuropathic pain. We have new evidence to suggest that antibodies are generated against cell components that are released by damaged neurons after peripheral nerve injury. In turn, the antibodies signal at receptors expressed by astrocytes. Using a rat model of neuropathic pain that mimics nerve injury to limbs (e.g., due to blasts or high velocity projectiles), this proposal aims to characterize the antibodies that are generated after peripheral nerve injury. It also aims to identify the signaling pathways that are engaged in astrocytes upon recognition of the antibodies, and to learn how they maintain pain signaling at neurons in pain pathways.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1115928
Entities
People
- Peter M. Grace
Organizations
- University of California
- University of Texas at Austin