A spinal analog of memory reconsolidation enables reversal of hyperalgesia.

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Source:

Nat Neurosci, Volume 17, Issue 8, p.1043-5 (2014)

Keywords:

Animals, Anisomycin, Capsaicin, Central Nervous System Sensitization, Disease Models, Animal, Hyperalgesia, Male, Memory, Mice, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Pain, Posterior Horn Cells, Protein Synthesis Inhibitors, Sensory System Agents, Spinal Cord

Abstract:

<p>Hyperalgesia arising from sensitization of pain relays in the spinal dorsal horn shares many mechanistic and phenotypic parallels with memory formation. We discovered that mechanical hyperalgesia could be rendered labile and reversible in mice after reactivation of spinal pain pathways in a process analogous to memory reconsolidation. These findings reveal a previously unknown regulatory mechanism underlying hyperalgesia and demonstrate the existence of reconsolidation-like processes in a sensory system. </p>

Research theme: