Evidence for galanin receptors in primary sensory neurones and effect of axotomy and inflammation

Abstract

Using in situ hybridization, mRNA coding for the galanin R1 receptor (GAL-R1) was demonstrated in > 20% of all lumbar 4 and 5 dorsal root ganglion neurone profiles, mainly constituting small and medium sized neurones. Almost all of these neurones expressed CGRP mRNA as revealed by analysis of adjacent sections and of the same section using a double-labelling technique. GAL-R1 mRNA levels were down-regulated transiently by inflammation, and more strongly by peripheral nerve injury. These results suggest that DRG neurones are sensitive to galanin and that GAL-R1 receptors are involved in sensory processing.