Galanin receptor-expressing dorsal horn neurons: Role in nociception

Galanin, along with enkephalins and neuropeptide Y, has been hypothesized to negatively modulate nociception in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord. In the present study, we sought to determine the role of presumably excitatory dorsal horn galanin receptor-expressing neurons in nociception by selectively destroying GalR1-expressing superficial dorsal horn interneurons using lumbar intrathecal injections of the targeted cytotoxin, galanin–saporin (Gal–sap). Lumbar intrathecal injection of Gal–sap (500 ng) reduced immunoperoxidase staining for GalR1 in the superficial dorsal horn without affecting primary afferent neurons in lumbar dorsal root ganglia. Lumbar intrathecal Gal–sap also: 1 – reduced nocifensive reflex responding on the thermal plate at 0.3 °C, 44 °C, and 47 °C; 2 – increased hot side occupancy in a thermal preference task (15 °C vs 45 °C); and, 3 – decreased escape from 44 °C and 47 °C, but not 20 °C. Thus, similar to lesions of mu opiate receptor-expressing dorsal horn interneurons, selective destruction of GalR1-expressing superficial dorsal horn neurons produces heat hypo-algesia, likely due to loss of GalR1-expressing excitatory interneurons leading to reduced activation of nociceptive projection neurons in response to aversive heat. These results are different than those seen with intrathecal neuropeptide Y–saporin and suggest the potential value of selectively targeting GalR1-expressing dorsal horn neurons to control pain.