c-Fos expression in NMDA receptor-contained neurons in spinal cord in a rat model of inflammation: a double immunocytochemical study.

Abstract Double-labeling techniques were used to demonstrate the nociceptive activation of NMDA receptor-contained neurons in spinal dorsal horn by using c-Fos immunoreactivity as an indicator of this activation in a rat model of inflammation. About 25% and 55% of the c-Fos-immunoreactive neurons that were found in laminae I–II and lamina V showed NMDA receptor immunoreactivity, while about 4% and 11% of NMDA-receptor immunoreactive neurons in these two regions showed c-Fos immunoreactivity, respectively. The implication of the results was discussed.