Control of Neonatal Spinal Networks by Nociceptors: A Potential Role for TRP Channel Based Therapies

Authors

  • Sravan Mandadi Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Canada
  • Peter Hong Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Canada
  • Arjun Sunny Dhoopar Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Canada
  • Patrick Whelan Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18433/J3W02S

Abstract

Pediatric spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to increased nociceptive input resulting in aberrant motor output like tremor and spasticity. Acute plasticity within spinal pain and motor networks following pediatric SCI may result in long-term sensorimotor disabilities. Despite this, pediatric SCI remains poorly understood. Part of the problem lies in the paucity of detailed studies aimed at defining sensorimotor control by nociceptors during development. This review provides an overview of work that highlights afferent control of sensorimotor networks by defined nociceptors in the developing spinal cord. Here, we focus on the well established and widely used neonatal sensorimotor model called sacrocaudal afferent (SCA) pathway. Until recently, the identity of specific subclasses of nociceptive afferents in the SCA pathway controlling developing sensorimotor networks was unknown. We highlight here the use of members of the Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels and mouse genetics to identify specific subsets of nociceptive afferents in the SCA pathway. In addition, we highlight the use of mouse genetics to map sensorimotor networks during development and potential future applications. A neonatal spinal cord model of central neuropathic pain via a defined set of nociceptors is presented as a probe into potential therapeutic avenues in neonatal SCI. Finally, knowledge translation from neonatal basic research to the pediatric population in the clinic is described. In conclusion, studies in neonatal models may lead to therapeutic strategies and pharmaceuticals for chronic pain and motor dysfunction after SCI during development. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.

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Author Biographies

Sravan Mandadi, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Canada

Department of Physiology and Pharamcology Research Assistant Professor

Peter Hong, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Canada

Hotchkiss Brain Institute

Arjun Sunny Dhoopar, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Canada

Hotchkiss Brain Institute

Patrick Whelan, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology; Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Canada

Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine

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Published

2013-07-16

How to Cite

Mandadi, S., Hong, P., Dhoopar, A. S., & Whelan, P. (2013). Control of Neonatal Spinal Networks by Nociceptors: A Potential Role for TRP Channel Based Therapies. Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16(2), 313–320. https://doi.org/10.18433/J3W02S

Issue

Section

CLOSED. Special Issue - Chief Guest Editor: Basil D Roufogalis; Co-Guest Editors: Emanuel Strehler & Srinivas Nammi