Basal expression of bradykinin B1 receptor in peripheral sensory ganglia in the rat

The bradykinin B-1 receptor is thought to be induced by tissue injury and inflammation. In the present study, we have investigated whether there is a basal expression of B-1 receptor in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and trigeminal ganglion neurons in rats. A substantial number of neurons in both DRGs and trigeminal ganglia were found to be B-1-immunoreactive in rats. Both small and medium-sized DRG neurons were Bi-immunoreactive, suggesting that they are likely to be A delta- or C-fibre neurons which are involved in nociceptive transmission. These results support a possible role for B-1 receptors in the modulation of nociceptive sensory transmission. NeuroReport 11:4003-4005 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.