During development, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) supports the survival of
certain neuronal population in central and peripheral nervous system. In adulthood, BDNF
has been suggested to act as an important modulator of synaptic plasticity. This article
reviews and discusses its potential role as neuromodulator in the spinal dorsal horn. BDNF
is synthesized in the cell body of primary sensory neurons (pre-synaptic neurons) and its
expression is regulated in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The high affinity …