Estradiol, Substance P, and the PI3K-Akt-mTOR Pathway in the Dorsal Horn of the Spinal Cord During Inflammatory Pain

Author

Zane Ferguson, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

2-2017

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Program

Psychology

Advisor

Vanya Quinones-Jenab

Committee Members

Shirzad Jenab

Jesus Angulo

Subject Categories

Biological Psychology

Keywords

pain, central sensitization, estrogen, PI3K-Akt-mTOR, substance P, rat

Abstract

Pain is a critical survival mechanism that signals potential or actual damage, but it can become pathological when it persists beyond the injury. Chronic pain is a major health issue that affects 10-20% of the adult population and is found disproportionately in women. There are numerous, interacting mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. This study used female rats to investigate the impact of estrogens on sensory signaling by substance P, a neuropeptide that contributes to the development of chronic pain, and the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway, an intracellular mechanism of nervous system plasticity.

Recommended Citation

Ferguson, Zane, "Estradiol, Substance P, and the PI3K-Akt-mTOR Pathway in the Dorsal Horn of the Spinal Cord During Inflammatory Pain" (2017). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/1884