Our research activities are concerned primarily with analysis of the neuroanatomical organization of the spinal cord, with emphasis on elucidating neurocircuitries underlying pain pathways and mechanisms. In our analysis of pain mechanisms, we are investigating the neuroplasticity that occurs following nerve injury.
Schematic representation of all of the GABA immunostained terminals (black profiles) in contact with a spinothalamic tract cell observed in one plane of the section.
B.S., Mary Washington College, 1977 Ph.D., Medical College of Virginia, 1982 Member, Marine Biomedical Institute Professor, Anatomy & Neurosciences Cell Biology Graduate Program Neurosciences Graduate ProgramWe are particularly interested in the neurocircuitry of primary afferents, elucidating how input relayed through these terminals is modified both pre- and postsynaptically and how this circuitry changes in a chronic pain state. We are also concentrating on elucidating the neurocircuitry of spinothalamic tract (STT) cells. These cells are at the origin of one of the main pathways transmitting painful input to higher brain centers. Identification of neurochemical systems that have direct input to STT cells will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms modulating pain input.
Drawing summarizing the synaptic intersections of a GABAergic cell (G) and its associated dendrites. Three morphological types of primary afferent terminals, the RSV, LDCV and the DSA, are in synaptic contact with GABA dendrites.
In experimental models of peripheral neuropathy, we are currently investigating anatomical changes in the injured nerve, dorsal root ganglia and dorsal horn. Using pharmacological methods we are also evaluating the efficacy of NMDA antagonists in relieving neuropathic pain. It is anticipated that elucidation of neuroplasticity occurring in this painful condition will lead to a better understanding of clinical treatment of this syndrome.
Steel, J.H., et al. Increased nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in rat dorsal root ganglia in a neuropathic pain model. Neurosci. Lett., 169:81-84, 1994.
Lekan H.A. and Carlton, S.M., 1995 Glutamatergic and GABAergic In put to Rat spintothalamic tract cells in the superficial dorsal horn. J Comp Neurology. 361:417-428 (1995)
Carlton, SM, Hargett GL, and Coggeshall, RE Localization and activation of glutamate receptors in unmyelinated axons of rat glabrous skin. Neurosci Lett 197: 25-28 (1995) .
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