Selective Postsynaptic Inhibition of Tonic-firing Neurons in Substantia Gelatinosa by μ-Opioid Agonist

Abstract

It is suggested that tonic-firing neurons, presumably functioning as excitatory interneurons, are primary postsynaptic targets for administered and endogenous opioid agonists in spinal SG. Functional transition of cells in this group from tonic to adapting firing mode may represent an important mechanism facilitating opioidergic analgesia.