Increased expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2D in the skin of patients with fibromyalgia

Objective. We studied the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) in skin of patients with fibroinyalgia (FM) to investigate their role. Methods. The presence of NMDAR subtype 2B (NR2B) and subtype 2D (NR2D) was examined in skin tissues by immunohistochemistry and immunoblot. Skin tissues from 11 female patients with FM were examined and compared to those of 8 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Results. NR2D expression was increased in the skin of patients with FM versus controls. There was no difference in the expression of NR2B between FM patients and controls. Conclusion. The increased expression of NMDAR found in FM skin could be indicative of a more generalized increase in other peripheral nerves. This suggests that NR2D-selective antagonists may have implications in the treatment of allodynia in patients with FM.