Nociceptive transmission-associated neurotransmitter

Nociceptive transmission-associated neurotransmitters refer to a group of chemical messengers, primarily excitatory neuropeptides and amino acids, that facilitate the transmission of pain signals from peripheral nociceptors to the central nervous system. Key members include glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter, and neuropeptides such as Substance P, Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP), and Cholecystokinin (CCK). These molecules are released from the central terminals of primary afferent fibers, such as A-delta and C fibers, into the dorsal horn of the spinal cord or the trigeminal nucleus caudalis. In chronic pain conditions or migraine, the pathological upregulation of these neurotransmitters leads to increased neuronal excitability and central sensitization. Therapeutic interventions targeting this category involve inhibiting their release (e.g., via opioids or triptans) or antagonizing their respective receptors (e.g., CGRP or NK1 receptors) to alleviate pain and restore normal sensory processing.

Other names

Nociceptive neurotransmittersPain-transmitting neurotransmittersPro-nociceptive chemical messengersExcitatory neurotransmitters of the dorsal horn

Inhibition of neurotransmitter release from presynaptic terminals (e.g., via 5-HT1B/1D or opioid receptor activation) and antagonism of postsynaptic receptors (e.g., NK1, CGRP, or NMDA receptors) to block the propagation of noxious stimuli.