Calcium–Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Contributes to Spinal Cord Central Sensitization

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.22-10-04196.2002
• Publication Date: 2018-04-04T23:40:38Z
• Authors: Li Fang; Jing Wu; Qing Lin; William D. Willis
• Keywords: CAMK; Calcium in biology; Capsaicin

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II) is found throughout the CNS. It regulates calcium signaling in synaptic transmission by phosphorylating various proteins, including neuronal membrane receptors and intracellular transcription factors. Inflammation or injuries to peripheral tissues cause long-lasting increases responses of central nociceptive neurons innocuous noxious stimuli. This change can occur independently alterations responsiveness primary afferent has been termed sensitization. Central sensitization a form activity-dependent plasticity results from interactions set pathways, which modulate transmission. Here we demonstrate an increased expression phosphorylation CaMK rat spinal dorsal horn after stimulation intradermal injection capsaicin. Local administration inhibitor cord significantly inhibits enhancement changes exploratory behavior evoked capsaicin injection. In addition, activity enhances AMPA receptor GluR1 subunits during produced study reveals that contributes manner similar its role processes underlying long-term potentiation.