Objective The locus coeruleus, the main source of noradrenaline in the central nervous system, is a crucial step in both the descending and ascending pain modulatory systems which are compromised in neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is a chronic pathological condition arising from damage in the nervous system and that does not respond successfully to conventional analgesics. In fact, the first-line treatment approaches for neuropathic pain belong to drugs that modulate the activity of the locus coeruleus. In spite of this, LC role in neuropathic pain remains unknown. Locus coeruleus neuronal activity is modulated, among others, by G-protein-coupled receptors, α2-adrenoceptors presynaptically located. Indeed, the activation of these autoreceptors by noradrenaline circulating in the milieu active G protein-activated inwardly rectifying K+ channels (GIRK), hyperpolarizing the cell and inhibiting the release of the own neurotransmitter at LC level and projecting areas such as the spinal cord. This is a physiological feedback mechanism that control noradrenaline extracellular levels and consequently pain threshold. Thus, α2-adrenoceptors and GIRK channels seems to be a significant player in the locus coeruleus action potential frequency and therefore in the noradrenaline synaptic concentration. Thus, we suggest that they will play an essential role in ascending and descending pain transmission involved in neuropathic pain and that the knowledge of physiological processes responsible for their contribution to pain threshold will help to the design of a new line of anti-neuropathic drugs. We will tackle the project by implementing a broad range of techniques, from single-cell electrophysiology to whole-animal behavioural studies, and by correlating the results obtained by different techniques throughout the project. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesneurobiologysocial sciencespsychologybehavioural psychology Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG - Marie Curie Action: "Reintegration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-ERG - European Re-integration Grants (ERG) Coordinator UNIVERSIDAD DE CADIZ EU contribution € 45 000,00 Address CENTRO CULTURAL REINA SOFIA PASEO CARLOS III N9 11003 Cadiz Spain See on map Region Sur Andalucía Cádiz Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Javier Izquierdo Antón (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data