[Spontaneous discharge modulation by acetylcholine in chronically compressed rat dorsal root ganglion neurons].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of acetylcholine (ACh) on spontaneous discharges of compressed rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons.

METHODS: In chronically compressed DRG model, the spontaneous discharge of a single fiber from the DRG neuron in response to ACh treatment was recorded.

RESULTS: Active spontaneous discharges were recorded in the injured DRG, and 77.9% of the injured DRG neurons responded to Ach treatment in the manner of simple excitation, or excitation followed by inhibition. The responses were enhanced with the increase of Ach concentration.

CONCLUSION: Injured DRG remains active in spontaneous discharges, which can be significantly influenced by ACh treatment.