Peripheral inflammation affects modulation of nociceptive synaptic transmission in the spinal cord induced by N-arachidonoylphosphatidylethanolamine

Abstract

Endocannabinoids play an important role in modulating spinal nociceptive signalling, crucial for the development of pain. The cannabinoid CB1 receptor and the TRPV1 cation channel are both activated by the endocannabinoid anandamide, a product of biosynthesis from the endogenous lipid precursor N-arachidonoylphosphatidylethanolamine (20:4-NAPE).

Here, we report CB1 receptor- and TRPV1-mediated effects of 20:4-NAPE on spinal synaptic transmission in control and inflammatory conditions.

Keywords

• TRPV1
• CB1 receptor
• spinal cord
• endocanabinoids
• nociception