Mechanism of dorsal root ganglion stimulation for pain relief in painful diabetic polyneuropathy is not dependent on GABA release in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.

Dorsal root ganglion stimulation does not induce GABA release from the spinal dorsal horn cells, suggesting that the mechanisms underlying DRGS in pain relief are different from those of conventional SCS. The modulation of a GABA-mediated "Gate Control" in the DRG itself, functioning as a prime Gate of nociception, is suggested and discussed.