Authors: Fromy, B.; Sigaudo-Roussel, D.; Saumet, J. L.

Source: Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Formerly Current Medicinal Chemistry - Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents), Volume 6, Number 4, October 2008 , pp. 337-342(6)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

The sense of touch is one of the most vital; still, it is incompletely understood. We review the afferent function that allows for the relay of sensory information from the periphery (the skin) to the central nervous system. Within this afferent function, we examine the different integrating levels including several candidates for cutaneous transducers, the conduction of the information via the afferent nervous fibres and the transmission of the sensory stimuli to higher brain structures, resulting in the perception of the different senses. We then examine the efferent system that stimulates the skin by secreting neurotransmitters. Finally, we discuss the tools available to study the cutaneous neurovascular interaction and conclude on a novel test that assesses this interaction triggered by the application of a local non noxious pressure (tactile stimulation).

Keywords: Skin; sensory fibres; microcirculation; touch; receptors; ion channels; mechanosensitivity

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152508785909438

Publication date: 2008-10-01

More about this publication?

• Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry aims to cover all the latest and outstanding developments in medicinal chemistry and rational drug design for the discovery of new Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents. Each issue contains a series of timely in-depth reviews written by leaders in the field covering a range of current topics in Cardiovascular & Hematological medicinal chemistry.
  
  Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry is an essential journal for every medicinal chemist who wishes to be kept informed and up-to-date with the latest and most important developments in cardiovascular & hematological drug discovery.

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