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Neurosteroids Modulate Pain Transmission in the Spinal Cord

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Scientists in Seoul, South Korea, have made significant discoveries about the role of neurosteroids in modulating pain transmission in the spinal cord. The researchers investigated the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and its non-sulphated form, DHEA, on nociceptive signalling at the spinal cord level. Their findings suggest that intrathecally injected DHEAS dose-dependently decreased the nociceptive threshold to mechanical stimulation, producing mechanical allodynia. This effect was mediated by sigma-1 and GABA(A) receptors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Intrathecal injection of DHEAS dose-dependently decreased the nociceptive threshold to mechanical stimulation, producing mechanical allodynia.
  • The development of DHEAS-induced mechanical allodynia was mediated by sigma-1 and GABA(A) receptors.
  • Intrathecal DHEA had no effect on mechanical sensitivity, but when combined with the GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline, it dose-dependently produced mechanical allodynia.
  • The sigma-1 receptor antagonist, BD-1047, and the GABA(A) receptor agonist, muscimol, blocked DHEAS-induced mechanical allodynia.
  • The researchers concluded that their findings raise several interesting questions for further investigations into the mechanisms underlying neurosteroid modulation of spinal pain transmission.

Statistics:

  • The study examined the effects of intrathecal injection of DHEAS and DHEA on nociceptive signalling at the spinal cord level.
  • The researchers found that DHEAS-induced mechanical allodynia was significantly reduced by administration of the sigma-1 receptor antagonist, BD-1047, or the GABA(A) receptor agonist, muscimol.
  • DHEA had no effect on mechanical sensitivity, but when combined with the GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline, it produced mechanical allodynia similar to that of DHEAS.

Sources:

  • Yoon, S.Y., et al. (2009). Intrathecal injection of the neurosteroid, DHEAS, produces mechanical allodynia in mice: involvement of spinal sigma-1 and GABA(A) receptors. British Journal of Pharmacology, 157(4), 666-673. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00197.x
  • British Journal of Pharmacology. (2009). Intrathecal injection of the neurosteroid, DHEAS, produces mechanical allodynia in mice: involvement of spinal sigma-1 and GABA(A) receptors. 157(4), 666-673.

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