Abstract

This research protect is concerned with the physiology and pharmacology of the neural systems that transmit and modulate pain. The long term goals are to understand the conductance mechanism and the regulation of chemosensitivities of identified dorsal horn projection neurons. The specific projects involve 1) the studies of gating behavior of single calcium channels. 2) the modulation of Ca channels by guanine nucleocides, and 3) the characterization of actions of amino acids, peptides and biogenic amines on these cells. The ionic currents and single channel activities of isolated dorsal horn projection neurons will be measured under voltage clamp conditions. Whole-cell and single channel recording techniques will be used. The knowledge obtained from these experience will greatly increase our understanding of the functional properties of projection neurons and facilitate the designing of better pain therapy.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS023061-07
Application #
3406097
Study Section
Neurological Sciences Subcommittee 1 (NLS)
Project Start
1986-02-01
Project End
1994-03-31
Budget Start
1992-04-01
Budget End
1993-03-31
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
1992
Total Cost
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
University of Texas Medical Br Galveston
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
041367053
City
Galveston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77555

  Publications

Xu, G Y; Huang, L Y; Zhao, Z Q (2000) Activation of silent mechanoreceptive cat C and Adelta sensory neurons and their substance P expression following peripheral inflammation. J Physiol 528 Pt 2:339-48
Yajiri, Y; Huang, L Y (2000) Actions of endomorphins on synaptic transmission of Adelta-fibers in spinal cord dorsal horn neurons. J Biomed Sci 7:226-31
Chiou, L C; Huang, L Y (1999) Mechanism underlying increased neuronal activity in the rat ventrolateral periaqueductal grey by a mu-opioid. J Physiol 518 ( Pt 2):551-9
Lai, S L; Gu, Y; Huang, L Y (1998) Dynorphin uses a non-opioid mechanism to potentiate N-methyl-D-aspartate currents in single rat periaqueductal gray neurons. Neurosci Lett 247:115-8
Chen, L; Gu, Y; Huang, L Y (1995) The opioid peptide dynorphin directly blocks NMDA receptor channels in the rat. J Physiol 482 ( Pt 3):575-81
Chen, L; Gu, Y; Huang, L Y (1995) The mechanism of action for the block of NMDA receptor channels by the opioid peptide dynorphin. J Neurosci 15:4602-11
Gu, Y; Huang, L Y (1994) Modulation of glycine affinity for NMDA receptors by extracellular Ca2+ in trigeminal neurons. J Neurosci 14:4561-70
Huang, L M (1992) The excitatory effects of opioids. Neurochem Int 20:463-8
Chen, L; Huang, L Y (1991) Sustained potentiation of NMDA receptor-mediated glutamate responses through activation of protein kinase C by a mu opioid. Neuron 7:319-26
Gu, Y P; Huang, L Y (1991) Block of kainate receptor channels by Ca2+ in isolated spinal trigeminal neurons of rat. Neuron 6:777-84

Showing the most recent 10 out of 15 publications