>>Does someone knows what an ephapse is?
First, let me say I'm impressed with answer from "Mentifex". He has
quite an understanding of language.
However, maybe I can provide an explanation/example to help clarify his
illuminating description.
This term is occasionally used to explain how sympathetically maintained
pain (RSDS) may develop. It is presumed that when the regenerating
sprouts of sympathetic efferent and nociceptive primary afferents (both
are non-myelinated C-type fibers) come in close proximity they form an
"artificial synapse" called an Ephapse. The term isn't used commonly in
the literature. Below are two references which (although old) may
better clarify this topic. Hope this is helpful.
Richard-
Granit R, Skoglund DR: Facilitation, inhibition and depression at the
"artifical synapse" fromed by the cut end of a mammalian nerve. J
Physiology 103:435-448, 1945.
Doupe J, Cullen CH, Chance GQ: Post-traumatic pain and the causalgic
syndrome. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 7:33-48, 1944
