They found an impairment of pathways related to certain glutamate receptors, named the VGLUT2 but not VGLUT1 signaling cascade, which reduces neuropathy-induced hypersensitivity.

VGLUT2 and neuropathic pain

The reserachers of Janssen reflect on glutamate, which they see as the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system related to the nociceptive processing. The storage of the neurotransmittor glutamate into vesicles is controlled by so called 'vesicular glutamate transporters', or 'VGLUT'.

Based on their work with mutant mice for VGLUT1 and VGLUT2  at Johnson & Johnson, the researchers concluded:

"Together, these data suggest that VGLUT2, but not VGLUT1, plays a role in neuropathy-induced allodynia and hypersensitivity, and might be a therapeutic target to prevent and/or treat neuropathic pain."

Thus at Janssen they might work on a new target for neuropathic pain, the VGLUT2 receptor. ^[1]

This new target is relative young, as the the first publications are only few years old. ^[2]

Centre for the study and treatment of neuropathic pain and neuropathy in Soest, the Nertherlands

This site helps patients and treating physicians, neurologists, anesthesiologists and other pain specialists to find the best and most up to date research findings related to neuropathy and neuropathic pain and the treatment thereof.

In our centre we are specialised in treating patients suffering from neuropathic pain and neuropathy following an Integrated Medicine concept. Part of our activities are within the field of consultation. We assist pharmaceutical companies in R&D strategies related to finding new drugs to treat neuropathic pain and neuropathy.

February 2010, Jan M. Keppel Hesselink, MD, PhD 

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