Me. Helgren et al., Changes in substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide binding in the dorsal horn of rat spinal cord following pronase-induced deafferentation, SOMAT MOT R, 16(1), 1999, pp. 31-38
Quantitative receptor autoradiography was used to evaluate potential altera
tions in substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) bindin
g in the L4 spinal segment of rats following unilateral poisoning of the sc
iatic nerve with pronase. Ten days after pronase-induced deafferentation th
ere was a significant increase in SP and CGRP binding in the superficial (I
-II) and deeper (II-IV) laminae of the dorsal horn ipsilaterally. Densitome
tric measurements revealed a 50% return towards normal values for SP bindin
g by 90 days postpronase injection in all laminae examined, while the densi
ty of CGRP binding showed a partial return towards normal values for lamina
e III-IV only. These differential responses may be indicative of the mechan
isms underlying pronase-induced peripheral neuropathy.