Medycyna Wet. 64 (7), 866-871, 2008
| Kania B.F., Kwapisiewicz M. |
| Metabotropic glutamate receptors in the acute pain |
| The paper reviews the molecular structure, distribution and the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) as excitatory aminoacid receptors. These receptors comprise a family which consists of at least eight members (mGluR1-8) and coupled to various intracellular second messenger systems through G-proteins. These receptors mediate the neuromodulatory action of glutamate, and have been traditionally divided into three main groups (mGluR I, II and III) based on sequence similarity. Recent progress in the development of specific antagonists (LY 367 385, MPEP for mGluR1) and/or agonist LY 354740, ADPC for mGluR2/3 and L-AP4 for mGluR4) for these receptors can significantly facilitate the prophilaxis and therapy of different types of pain. |
| Key words: metabotropic glutamate receptors, molecular structure, classification, distribution in pain axis, role, acute pain |