The role of spinal dorsal horn astrocytes in sensory information processing

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K18885
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Pharmacology in pharmacy
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Kohro Yuta 九州大学, 薬学研究院, 助教 (30723861)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 脊髄後角 / アストロサイト / 感覚情報伝達 / 亜集団

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Astrocytes in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) have an important role in the maintenance of neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury. However, under normal condition, little is known about how much SDH astrocytes actively influence sensory information processing in vivo. In this study, we established the selective activation of SDH astrocytes in vivo and clarified their role of modulating innocuous mechanical information processing. Furthermore, we found that SDH astrocytes sensitized light mechanical information after peripheral noxious stimuli.

Free Research Field

神経薬理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究成果により、これまで未解明であった脊髄後角アストロサイトの感覚情報伝達における役割の解明に成功した。さらに成体脊髄後角アストロサイトの亜集団を世界で初めて同定し、同集団が感覚情報伝達の変調に中心的役割を果たすことを見出した。今後、慢性疼痛を含む病態時における役割について検討を行うことで、同集団をターゲットとした治療薬の開発へと繋がる可能性がある。