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l-glutamate activates peripheral nociceptors

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Abstract

The chemosensitivity of nociceptive afferents has been investigated using the isolated spinal-cord-tail preparation of the neonatal rat.l-glutamate applied to exposed rat tail skin stimulated nociceptive reflexes (ED50=136 μM). The action ofl-glutamate was selective, since other constitutivel-amino acids ord-glutamate were inactive at a concentration of 10 mM. The known algogens bradykinin, acetylcholine, serotonin and potassium ions also stimulated nociceptive reflexes. Histamine (1 mM) and substance P (0.1 mM) had no observable effect.l-glutamate, which is released from macrophages, could therefore contribute to inflammation-related nociception by stimulation of cutaneous nociceptive nerve endings.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurosciences, Sterling Winthrop Pharmaceuticals Research Division, 12144, Rensselaer, NY, USA

    B. Ault & L. M. Hildebrand

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  1. B. Ault
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  2. L. M. Hildebrand
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Ault, B., Hildebrand, L.M. l-glutamate activates peripheral nociceptors. Agents and Actions 39 (Suppl 1), C142–C144 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01972747

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01972747

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