Leukotriene Enhances NMDA-Induced Inward Currents in Dorsal Horn Neurons of the Rat Spinal Cord after Peripheral Nerve Injury

Abstract

Our findings showed that LTB4, which may originate from microglia, can activate BLT1 receptors which are expressed on the membrane of spinal dorsal horn neurons during neuropathic pain. This glia-neuron interaction induces the enhancement of NMDA currents through intracellular G-proteins. The enhancement of NMDA receptor sensitivity of dorsal horn neurons may lead to central sensitization, leading to mechanical pain hypersensitivity.