Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience Group Researchgroup

Neural microcircuits of the superficial spinal dorsal horn represent the first relay station of the nociceptive sensory system. After local information processing, the nociceptive impulses are conveyed to cells of origin of ascending sensory pathways that transmit the impulses to higher brain centres, where these signals generate complex motivational-affective behaviours including acute pain. Peripheral tissue or nerve injuries and inflammations evoke long-lasting changes in spinal nociceptive-processing microcircuits and integrative properties of supraspinally projecting neurons. This activity-evoked plasticity results in the development of central sensitization that is thought to critically contribute to conditions of chronic pain and hyperalgesia. Our work is focused on two major aims: 1) Firstly, we would like to acquire an exhaustive understanding of fundamental aspects of the organization of neural microcircuits representing the first relay station in nociceptive sensory processing. We intend to study the structural, functional and molecular properties and synaptic relations of neurons in the superficial spinal dorsal horn by using a combination of high-resolution neuroanatomical, physiological-pharmacological and molecular biological techniques. 2) Secondly, in addition to studying the nociceptive mechanisms under normal conditions, we also intend to elucidate how information processing in nociceptive neural networks of the superficial spinal dorsal horn may change in inflammatory and neuropathic pain states. Experimental models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain will be used to study the induced changes in synaptic strength, neuronal excitability and functional morphology at molecular, cellular and network levels.