Glutamate receptors (GluRs) are localized in the periphery on nociceptive primary afferent
terminals. Studies in animal models of pain demonstrate that peripheral glutamate is
involved in nociceptive transmission in the normal and the inflamed state and that
modulation of peripheral GluRs reduces pain behaviors and nociceptor activity. These data
provide strong motivation to develop new pharmacological agents that will target peripheral
GluRs, offering novel approaches to treatment of pain of peripheral origin.