Wide dynamic range neuron

WDR neurons respond to all types of somatosensory stimuli, make up the majority of the neurons found in the posterior grey column, and have the ability to produce long range responses including those responsible for pain and itch.

[7] Most other neurons fire repeated action potentials of the same magnitude as a reaction to an increase in stimulus intensity.

However, WDR neurons exhibit increased action potential intensity with more presentations of a stimulus.

[9] The dorsal cord has faulty plasticity, which encourages the development of neuropathic pain after an injury to a nerve.

Nociceptive pain serves as a warning or signal for tissue damage and works to preserve the body’s equilibrium and functionality.

This indicates that one of the many complex mechanisms contributing to this neuropathic chronic pain is the overstimulation of the WDR neurons by sympathetic stimulation.

This channel is known to have influenced chronic pain injuries and diseases such as inflammation, diabetes, fibromyalgia, bronchitis, and emphysema.

[13] WDR neurons are a huge part of the somatosensory system, helping to send and receive signals based on sensory changes in the body.

[15] Though these pathways display many similarities, there are other mechanisms by which itch sensations can be controlled, such as those through nerve growth factor and substance-P.[16] Brain imaging indicates similar activity in many areas of the brain such as prefrontal, supplementary motor areas, premotor cortex, anterior insular cortex, and many others when itch and pain regions are activated.