Expression and localization of endothelin receptors: implications for the involvement of peripheral glia in nociception.

摘要: The endothelins (ETs) are peptides that have a diverse array of functions mediated by two receptor subtypes, the endothelin A (ETAR) and B (ETBR). Pharmacological studies suggested in peripheral tissues, ETAR expression may play role signaling acute or neuropathic pain, whereas ETBR be involved transmission chronic inflammatory pain. To begin to define mechanisms which ET can drive nociceptive signaling, autoradiography immunohistochemistry were used examine distribution dorsal root ganglia (DRG) nerve rat, rabbit, monkey. In DRG nerve, ETAR-immunoreactivity was present subset small-sized peptidergic nonpeptidergic sensory neurons their axons lesser extent medium-sized neurons. However, ETBR-immunoreactivity not seen but rather satellite cells nonmyelinating ensheathing Schwann cells. Thus, when ETs released they could act directly on ETAR-expressing ETBR-expressing These data indicate direct, effects nervous system glia events tissues.