Synthesis of molecular probes for exploring the novel receptor involved in the allodynia induction

为了探索一种参与诱导异位性疼痛（神经性疼痛的典型症状）的新受体，我们合成了分子探针，使我们能够在体内可视化药物分子的作用部位。利用其中一种探针对大鼠进行成像分析，揭示了该分子在大脑皮层、海马和脊髓区域的特异性积累。本研究也证实了盐酸盐型受体可能参与异位性痛症，提示一种可以调节受体功能的药物成为异位性痛症治疗药物的潜在候选药物。

In order to explore a novel receptor involved in the induction of allodynia (a typical symptom of neuropathic pain), we synthesized molecular probes that enable us to visualize the site of action of drug molecules in vivo. Imaging analysis using one of the probes in rats revealed the specific accumulation of the molecule to the regions of cerebral cortex, hippocampus and spinal cord. This study also demonstrated the possible involvement of kainate-type receptor in allodynia, suggesting a drug that can modulate the function of the receptor becomes a potential candidate for the therapeutic agent for allodynia.