6533b833fe1ef96bd129ca48

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Neuropeptides in Primary Afferent Neurons

subject

description

Traditionally, the primary sensory neurons, having their perikarya in the spinal or cranial sensory ganglia with processes directed towards the periphery and the central nervous system, have been regarded to function as receptive and afferent systems which reflexly activate central effector systems.1 This, however, does not apply to the small diameter primary afferents as suggested by the observation made about a century ago that antidromic stimulation of transected dorsal roots or sensory nerves caused vasodilatation and inflammatory signs in the skin.2,3 The novel concept which has been confirmed by many investigators ascribes to small diameter (particularly unmyelinated C) primary sensory neurons dual central afferent as well as peripheral local effector and axon-reflex functions.3,4