GLYCINE RECEPTOR REDUCTION WITHIN SEGMENTAL GRAY-MATTER IN A RAT MODEL OF NEUROPATHIC PAIN

Glycine is an amino acid neurotransmitter found in the spinal cord and is closely associated with intemeurons that modulate afferent activit y. We have previously shown that low segmental glycine concentrations or blockade of normal glycinergic activity lowers the threshold for pa in thresholds. In addition, intrathecal glycine infusion increases the pain threshold in animal models of neuropathic pain. However, the rol e of the glycine receptor in neuropathic pain is not clear and is the basis for the current study. Using a unilateral sciatic nerve constric tion injury model of neuropathic pain, the strychnine sensitive glycin e receptor population was studied using immunohistochemical techniques . Glycine receptors are reduced in number in the dorsal horn bilateral ly in injured animals. Glycine and related compounds are potentially v aluable agents for treating chronic pain conditions in humans. A bette r understanding of glycine-receptor interactions should prove valuable as these compounds are studied in greater depth.