Role of A-delta low threshold mechanoreceptors and tropomyosin receptor kinase B plasticity in at-level aversive pain after spinal cord injury.
📄 Abstract
The mechanisms of neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) are not fully understood, although spinal and peripheral processes are involved. Maladaptive tropomyosin receptor kinase-B (TrkB) signaling has been implicated in pain hypersensitivity after SCI. A-delta-low threshold mechanoreceptors (Aδ-LTMRs) innervate the hairy skin and normally signal directional touch and are identified by their preferential TrkB expression. This study investigated whether Aδ-LTMRs play a role in at-level pain after thoracic contusion SCI. Using a modified light-dark chamber conditioned place aversion (CPA) paradigm, we assessed chamber preferences and transitions between chambers in response to mechanical stimulation, and optogenetic stimulation of Aδ-LTMRs in the trunk skin of adult TrkB