Spinal 5-HT₃ Receptors Mediate Descending Facilitation and Contribute to Behavioral Hypersensitivity via a Reciprocal Neuron-Glial Signaling Cascade

Abstract

These findings offer new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms at the spinal level responsible for descending 5-HT-mediated pain facilitation during the development of persistent pain after tissue and nerve injury. New pain therapies should focus on prime targets of descending facilitation-induced glial involvement, and in particular the blocking of intercellular signaling transduction between neurons and glia.