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

为了探索一种新的受体参与诱导异常性疼痛（神经性疼痛的典型症状），我们合成的分子探针，使我们能够可视化的药物分子在体内的作用部位。在大鼠中使用其中一种探针进行的成像分析显示，该分子在大脑皮层、海马和脊髓区域的特异性积累。本研究还证实了红藻氨酸型受体可能参与异常性疼痛，表明可以调节受体功能的药物成为异常性疼痛治疗剂的潜在候选者。

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.