New Research on ligands

[dejerine]

erroneous duplicate

[This message was edited by dejerine on 05-03-04 at 09:59 AM.]

[dejerine]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dejerine:

Many of you recall that ion channels (allow charged particles to flow through neuron membrane, leading to action potential or firing) can be opened by:
1) voltage eg. Nav1.3, the bad boy of CP
2) ligand or G protein (carry activators to ion channels) gated channels. Their role in CP is unknown.
3) kinetic energy of heat (eg. some Ca2+ channels)

Researchers at Harvard have in the past discovered that touch is a molecule. This molecule is made in the cell body up in the dorsal root gangion by the cord. Deformation of the molecule generates a current which becomes the generator potential which sets off action potentials. It filters down like snow from the dorsal root ganglion neuron cell bodies to reside at the peripherae near the skin.

Along the same lines, it has recently been discovered that ligands (tie two chemical together), in particular gamma2 MGH, which is linked to G proteins (carriers which move molecules to channels to open them), ie. sensory neuron specific G protein receptors, or SNSR-1, are also found in the cell bodies in the dorsal root ganglion and in the peripherae near the skin as well.

The receptors react oddly. If the C terminal of gamma2MSH, which acts on SNRS-1, is present in the peripherae, increased pain from mechanical stimulation (touch) is created, but if the gamma2MSH is placed in the dorsal root ganglion, thermal pain is created. This is most odd.

Once again, blockers of the connection between gamma2MSH and SNRS-1 should be developed and tested. Thank goodness we have animal models for pain studies. Research marches along on a shoestring. Urge your elected reps to vote for HR 1863, the Pain Initiative.

[calico]

Thanks for reminding us about this very important bill that needs congressional support. Please write your congresspeople! Everything you need can be found at this link:


Pain Legislation - Get Involved! (http://www.painfoundation.org/page.asp?menu=1&item=7&file=PCPA2003_Intro.htm)

Calico