Evaluation of functional GABAB receptors in dental pulp

Cathy Wurm, Jennelle Durnett Richardson, Walter Bowles, Kenneth M. Hargreaves

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that is elevated in inflamed human dental pulp. Because GABA agonists are antihyperalgesic in other tissue, it is possible that GABA agonists have similar effects in dental pulp assuming that this tissue contains GABA receptors. We tested the hypothesis that dental pulp contains functional GABAB receptors using a GTPγ35S binding assay. This is a functional assay because GTPγ35S will be bound to cell membranes only when activation of metabotropic receptors has lead to binding and activation of their associated Gα-proteins via release of GDP and binding of the GTPγ35S. Baclofen, a GABAB agonist, evoked GTPγ35S binding in both human and bovine dental pulp. This was mediated by the GABAB receptor because it was blocked by the selective antagonist phaclofen in both tissues. The presence of GABA and its receptor, GABAB, suggests that this system may be relevant in the production or management of endodontic pain.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)620-623
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of endodontics
Volume27
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2001

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dentistry(all)

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