Susan M. Carlton, Ph.D.Professor Affiliations: Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology Phone: (409) 772-2124 EducationPh.D. in Anatomy, 1982, Medical College of Virginia Research InterestsOur research activities are concerned with analysis of neuroplasticity
at the level of the spinal cord and peripheral nerve terminal, with emphasis
on elucidating mechanisms underlying chronic pain states. One focus in
the laboratory has been glutamate-mediated events in peripheral neuropathy.
We are investigating the neuroplasticity that occurs following nerve injury
in several animal models of painful peripheral neuropathy. Anatomical,
behavioral and electrophysiological techniques are used to understand
the role of glutamate receptors in the development and maintenance of
sensory abnormalities that arise following various nerve injuries. A second
focus is defining the receptors involved in the processing of nociceptive
input in the periphery. In these studies, anatomical, behavioral, electrophysiological
and pharmacological techniques are used to understand how sensory input
is integrated at the level of the peripheral terminal. It is becoming
clear that a variety of receptors are present on peripheral axons which,
when activated, influence sensory transduction. A current focus is the
interaction of somatostatin and TRPV1 receptors on peripheral nociceptors.
Investigating neuronal receptor populations in normal skin and changes
in these populations in chronic pain states may elucidate new avenues
for relief of pain of peripheral origin. Selected PublicationsCarlton, S.M., Zhou S., Du J., Hargett G.L., Ji G., and Coggeshall, R.E.,
Somatostatin modulates the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)
ion channel. Pain, 110(3): 616-27, 2004. |