Serotonin2C receptor mRNA editing in neuropathic pain model

We investigated the effects on 5HT(serotonin) 2C receptor RNA editing efficiency of contusive SCI (spinal cord injury). Using cloning followed by sequence analysis on spinal cord samples taken, we compared mRNA editing. Our results might be evidence of a functional adaptation mechanism in which increased expression of 5HT2C mRNA isoforms that encode receptors more sensitive to serotonin works to activate brainstem–spinal descending 5HT systems to, in effect, suppress transmission of nociceptive signals from primary afferent neurons to the spinal dorsal horn.