Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3 Autoantibodies Induce Hyperexcitability in Sensory Neurons and Pain Behaviors

Small fiber neuropathies (SFN) result from primary degeneration of the sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), more specifically, the A δ (mechanoreceptors) and unmyelinated C-fibers (nociceptors). The clinical presentation is often symmetric and can present as a painful length-dependent sensory predominant polyneuropathy. Here, we utilize autoantibodies against fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) as a biological marker of a population of patients with SNN and SFN. We have found that FGFR3 autoantibodies bind neuronal soma within rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG), confirming FGFR3 expression in the primary afferents.
Source: The Journal of Pain - Category: Materials Science Authors: Source Type: research