Pharmacologically induced selective degeneration of chemosensitive primary sensory neurones

• DOI: 10.1038/270741a0
• Publication Date: 2005-08-02T19:08:07Z
• Authors: G. JANCSÓ; ELISABETH KIRALY; AURELIA JANCSÓ-GÁBOR
• Keywords: Inflammation; Spinal Cord; Ganglia, Spinal; Nerve Degeneration; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Animals; Ganglia; Capsaicin; Chemoreceptor Cells; Rats; 3. Good health

PHARMACOLOGICALLY evoked selective degeneration of neurones with a specific function or functioning with known transmitter substances, has been reported only in the monoaminergic neurone systems1,2. We report here that selective degeneration of neurones with a highly specific function can be produced by chemical agents in the somatosensory system as well. Capsaicin given to newborn rats induces selective degeneration of a distinct population of primary sensory neurones involved in mediation of chemogenic pain.