Objective Low back pain is one of the most inextricable problems encountered in clinics. Animal models that imitate symptoms in humans are valuable tools for investigating low back pain mechanisms and the possible the...Objective Low back pain is one of the most inextricable problems encountered in clinics. Animal models that imitate symptoms in humans are valuable tools for investigating low back pain mechanisms and the possible therapeutic applications. With the development of genetic technology in pain field, the possibility of mutating specific genes in mice has provided a potent tool for investigating the specific mechanisms of pain. The aim of the present study was to develop a mouse model of chronic compression of dorsal root ganglion (CCD), in which gene mutation can be applied to facilitate the studies of chronic pain. Methods Chronic compression of L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia was conducted in mice by inserting fine stainless steel rods into the intervertebral foramina, one at L4 and the other at L5. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were examined with von Frey filaments and radiating heat stimulator, respectively. Results The CCD mice displayed dramatic mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia as well as tactile allodynia in the hindpaw ipsilateral to CCD. In addition, this mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia as well as tactile allodynia was also found to spread to the contralateral hindpaw. Conclusion This model, combined with the possible genetic modification, will strengthen our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of low back pain. It also favors the development of new treatment strategies for pain and hyperalgesia after spinal injury and other disorders which affect the dorsal root ganglion in humans.展开更多
Sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) are associated with the transmission of peripheral pain.We investigated whether the increase of NKCC1 and KCC2 is associa...Sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) are associated with the transmission of peripheral pain.We investigated whether the increase of NKCC1 and KCC2 is associated with peripheral pain transmission in dorsal root ganglion neurons.To this aim,rats with persistent hyperalgesia were randomly divided into four groups.Rats in the control group received no treatment,and the rat sciatic nerve was only exposed in the sham group.Rats in the chronic constriction injury group were established into chronic constriction injury models by ligating sciatic nerve and rats were given bumetanide,an inhibitor of NKCC1,based on chronic constriction injury modeling in the chronic constriction injury + bumetanide group.In the experiment measuring thermal withdrawal latency,bumetanide (15 mg/kg) was intravenously administered.In the patch clamp experiment,bumetanide (10 μg/μL) and acutely isolated dorsal root ganglion neurons (on day 14) were incubated for 1 hour,or bumetanide (5 μg/μL) was intrathecally injected.The Hargreaves test was conducted to detect changes in thermal hyperalgesia in rats.We found that the thermal withdrawal latency of rats was significantly decreased on days 7,14,and 21 after model establishment.After intravenous injection of bumetanide,the reduction in thermal retraction latency caused by model establishment was significantly inhibited.Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay results revealed that the immune response and protein expression of NKCC1 in dorsal root ganglion neurons of the chronic constriction injury group increased significantly on days 7,14,and 21 after model establishment.No immune response or protein expression of KCC2 was observed in dorsal root ganglion neurons before and after model establishment.The Cl^– (chloride ion) fluorescent probe technique was used to evaluate the change of Cl^– concentration in dorsal root ganglion neurons of chronic constriction injury model rats.We found that the relative optical density of N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-6-methoxyquinolinium bromide (a Cl^– fluorescent probe whose fluorescence Cenintensity decreases as Cl– concentration increases) in the dorsal root ganglion neurons of the chronic constriction injury group was significantly decreased on days 7 and 14 after model establishment.The whole-cell patch clamp technique revealed that the resting potential and action potential frequency of dorsal root ganglion neurons increased,and the threshold and rheobase of action potentials decreased in the chronic constriction injury group on day 14 after model establishment.After bumetanide administration,the above indicators were significantly suppressed.These results confirm that CCI can induce abnormal overexpression of NKCC1,thereby increasing the Cl^– concentration in dorsal root ganglion neurons;this then enhances the excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons and ultimately promotes hyperalgesia and allodynia.In addition,bumetanide can achieve analgesic effects.All experiments were approved by the Institutional Ethics Review Board at the First Affiliated Hospital,College of Medicine,Shihezi University,China on February 22,2017 (approval No.A2017-169-01).展开更多
Summary: mRNAs of alpha-adrenoceptor (α-AR) subtypes are found in neurons in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and change after peripheral nerve injury. In this study, the distribution of α-AR subtype proteins was stu...Summary: mRNAs of alpha-adrenoceptor (α-AR) subtypes are found in neurons in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and change after peripheral nerve injury. In this study, the distribution of α-AR subtype proteins was studied in L5 DRG of normal rats and rats with chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve (CCI). Using immunofluorescence technique, it was found that α1A-, α1B-, and α2A-AR proteins were expressed in large, medium, and small size neurons in normal DRG, and significantly increased in all size neurons 14 days after CCI. α1D- and α2C-AR was also expressed in all size neurons in normal DRG. However, α1D-AR was significantly increased and α2C-AR was decreased in small size neurons 14 days post CCI. α2B-AR neurons were not detectable in normal and CCI DRG. Co-expression of α1A- and α2A-AR in the same neuron was observed in normal DRG and increased post CCI. Collectively, these results indicated that there is distinct distribution of α-AR subtypes in DRG neurons, and the distribution and levels of expression of α-AR subtypes change differently after CCI. The up-regulation of α-AR subtypes in DRG neurons may play an important role in the process of generating and transmitting neuropathic pain.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Astrocytes are considered to provide nutritional support in the central nervous system. However, recent studies have confirmed that astrocytes also play an important role in chronic pain. OBJECTIVE: To i...BACKGROUND: Astrocytes are considered to provide nutritional support in the central nervous system. However, recent studies have confirmed that astrocytes also play an important role in chronic pain. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of intrathecal injection of fluorocitrate, minocycline or both on astrocyte activation and proliferation in the spinal dorsal horn of compressed dorsal root ganglion in rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The neurology randomized controlled animal study was performed at the Jiangsu Institute of Anesthesia Medicine, from September 2006 to April 2007. MATERIALS: A total of 96 male Sprague Dawley rats, aged 6-8 weeks, were selected for this study. Following intrathecal catheterization, 80 rats underwent steel bar insertion into the L4-5 intervertebral foramina to make a stable compression on the L4-5 posterior root ganglion. Thus rat models of ganglion compression were established. Minocycline and fluorocitrate were purchased from Sigma, USA. METHODS: A total of 96 rats were randomly and equally divided into six groups. Rat L4, L5 transverse process and intervertebral foramina were exposed in the sham operation group, but without steel bar insertion. The model group did not receive any manipulations. Rats in the phosphate buffered saline (PBS) group were intrathecally injected with 0.01 mmol/L PBS (20 μL). Rats in the fluorocitrate group were subjected to 1 μmol/L fluorocitrate (20 μL). Rats in the minocycline group were intrathecally injected with 5 g/L minocycline (20 μL). Rats in the minocycline and fluorocitrate group received a mixture (20 μL) of 5 g/L minocycline and 1 μmol/L fluorocitrate. Following model establishment, drugs were administered once a day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At 7 and 14 days following model induction, glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in the spinal dorsal horn was measured by immunofluorescence microscopy. Six sections with significant glial fibrillary acidic protein -positive expression were obtained to count astrocytes under an inverted microscope. RESULTS: No significant differences in astrocyte count were detected between the fluorocitrate and model groups. Cell bodies were small with a few processes in the fluorocitrate group, compared with the model group. The astrocyte count decreased significantly in the minocycline group and the minocycline and fluorocitrate group compared with the sham operation, model, PBS and fluorocitrate groups (P 〈 0.01). The decrease in astrocyte count was mainly found in layers Ⅲ–Ⅳ of the spinal dorsal horn. Cell body volume was smaller and process numbers were fewer in the minocycline group and the minocycline and fluorocitrate group, compared with the model and PBS groups. CONCLUSION: Fluorocitrate can inhibit astrocyte activation, but does not affect astrocyte proliferation. However, minocycline can inhibit the activation and proliferation of astrocytes.展开更多
Estrogen affects the generation and transmission of neuropathic pain,but the specific regulatory mechanism is still unclear.Activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate acid receptor 1(NMDAR1) plays an important role in t...Estrogen affects the generation and transmission of neuropathic pain,but the specific regulatory mechanism is still unclear.Activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate acid receptor 1(NMDAR1) plays an important role in the production and maintenance of hyperalgesia and allodynia.The present study was conducted to determine whether a relationship exists between estrogen and NMDAR1 in peripheral nerve pain.A chronic sciatic nerve constriction injury model of chronic neuropathic pain was established in rats.These rats were then subcutaneously injected with 17β-estradiol,the NMDAR1 antagonist D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid(AP-5),or both once daily for 15 days.Compared with injured drug na?ve rats,rats with chronic sciatic nerve injury that were administered estradiol showed a lower paw withdrawal mechanical threshold and a shorter paw withdrawal thermal latency,indicating increased sensitivity to mechanical and thermal pain.Estrogen administration was also associated with increased expression of NMDAR1 immunoreactivity(as assessed by immunohistochemistry) and protein(as determined by western blot assay) in spinal dorsal root ganglia.This 17β-estradiol-induced increase in NMDAR1 expression was blocked by co-administration with AP-5,whereas AP-5 alone did not affect NMDAR1 expression.These results suggest that 17β-estradiol administration significantly reduced mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in rats with chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve,and that the mechanism for this increased sensitivity may be related to the upregulation of NMDAR1 expression in dorsal root ganglia.展开更多
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from newborn Wistar rats cultured in vitro were pressurized with 20, 40, 80 or 120 mm Hg compressive Ioadings (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) for 12, 24, 48 or 72 hours, respectively. The ...Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from newborn Wistar rats cultured in vitro were pressurized with 20, 40, 80 or 120 mm Hg compressive Ioadings (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) for 12, 24, 48 or 72 hours, respectively. The 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide test showed that pressures less than 80 mm Hg had no obvious impact on the activity of DRG neurons. The protein expression levels of transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 (TRPV4), transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1, transient receptor potential channel of melastatin type 8, and transient receptor potential subtype ankyrin 1 were assessed by western blot analysis. The mRNA expression of TRPV4 was assessed by real-time PCR. The results showed that sustained mechanical compression up-regulated TRPV4 mRNA and protein expression in the rat DRG neurons, in a time-dependent fashion. Similar changes were not found in the protein expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1, transient receptor potential channel of melastatin type 8, and transient receptor potential subtype ankyrin 1. Images of cells using a laser scanning confocal microscope showed that the sustained mechanical pressure increased the number of responsive DRG neurons and was synergistic on the enhanced Ca^2+ responses to the TRPV4 phorbol ester agonist 4a-phorbo112, 13-didecanoate and hypotonic solutions. These findings demonstrate that sustained mechanical compressive loading in vitro increases the expression of TRPV4 mRNA and protein in DRG neurons and sensitizes TRPV4 Ca^2+ signals. Mechanical compression does not impact other ion channels in the transient receptor potential family.展开更多
Schwann cell transplantation is a promising method to promote neural repair, and can be used for peripheral nerve protection and myelination. Microcapsule technology largely mitigates immune rejection of transplanted ...Schwann cell transplantation is a promising method to promote neural repair, and can be used for peripheral nerve protection and myelination. Microcapsule technology largely mitigates immune rejection of transplanted cells. We previously showed that microencapsulated olfactory ensheathing cells can reduce neuropathic pain and we hypothesized that microencapsulated Schwann cells can also inhibit neuropathic pain. Rat Schwann cells were cultured by subculture and then microencapsulated and were tested using a rat chronic constriction injury(CCI) neuropathic pain model. CCI rats were treated with Schwann cells or microencapsulated Schwann cells and were compared with sham and CCI groups. Mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 14 days postoperatively. The expression of P2X3 receptors in L4-5 dorsal root ganglia of the different groups was detected by double-label immunofluorescence on day 14 after surgery. Compared with the chronic constriction injury group, mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency were higher, but the expression of P2X3 receptors was remarkably decreased in rats treated with Schwann cells and microencapsulated Schwann cells, especially in the rats transplanted with microencapsulated Schwann cells. The above data show that microencapsulated Schwann cell transplantation inhibits P2X3 receptor expression in L4-5 dorsal root ganglia and neuropathic pain.展开更多
Nitric oxide(NO)/cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate(cGMP) signaling has been shown to act as a mediator involved in pain transmission and processing. In this review, we summarize and discuss the mechanisms of the ...Nitric oxide(NO)/cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate(cGMP) signaling has been shown to act as a mediator involved in pain transmission and processing. In this review, we summarize and discuss the mechanisms of the NO/cGMP signaling pathway involved in chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, bone cancer pain, inflammatory pain, and morphine tolerance. The main process in the NO/cGMP signaling pathway in cells involves NO activating soluble guanylate cyclase, which leads to subsequent production of cGMP. cGMP then activates cGMP-dependent protein kinase(PKG), resulting in the activation of multiple targets such as the opening of ATP-sensitive K+ channels. The activation of NO/cGMP signaling in the spinal cord evidently induces upregulation of downstream molecules, as well as reactive astrogliosis and microglial polarization which participate in the process of chronic pain. In dorsal root ganglion neurons, natriuretic peptide binds to particulate guanylyl cyclase, generating and further activating the cGMP/PKG pathway, and it also contributes to the development of chronic pain. Upregulation of multiple receptors is involved in activation of the NO/cGMP signaling pathway in various pain models. Notably the NO/cGMP signaling pathway induces expression of downstream effectors, exerting both algesic and analgesic effects in neuropathic pain and inflammatory pain. These findings suggest that activation of NO/cGMP signaling plays a constituent role in the development of chronic pain, and this signaling pathway with dual effects is an interesting and promising target for chronic pain therapy.展开更多
Olfactory bulb tissue transplantation inhibits P2X2/3 receptor-mediated neuropathic pain. However, the olfactory bulb has a complex cellular composition, and the mechanism underlying the action of purified transplante...Olfactory bulb tissue transplantation inhibits P2X2/3 receptor-mediated neuropathic pain. However, the olfactory bulb has a complex cellular composition, and the mechanism underlying the action of purified transplanted olfactory ensheathing cells(OECs) remains unclear. In the present study, we microencapsulated OECs in alginic acid, and transplanted free and microencapsulated OECs into the region surrounding the injured sciatic nerve in rat models of chronic constriction injury. We assessed mechanical nociception in the rat models 7 and 14 days after surgery by measuring paw withdrawal threshold, and examined P2X2/3 receptor expression in L4–5 dorsal root ganglia using immunohistochemistry. Rats that received free and microencapsulated OEC transplants showed greater withdrawal thresholds than untreated model rats, and weaker P2X2/3 receptor immunoreactivity in dorsal root ganglia. At 14 days, paw withdrawal threshold was much higher in the microencapsulated OEC-treated animals. Our results confirm that microencapsulated OEC transplantation suppresses P2X2/3 receptor expression in L4–5 dorsal root ganglia in rat models of neuropathic pain and reduces allodynia, and also suggest that transplantation of microencapsulated OECs is more effective than transplantation of free OECs for the treatment of neuropathic pain.展开更多
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by chronic visceral hypersensitivity that companied by altered bowel movement. However, the treatment options are very limited. The aim of this study was to investigate ...Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by chronic visceral hypersensitivity that companied by altered bowel movement. However, the treatment options are very limited. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on visceral hypersensitivity in a rat model of IBS and to explore the underlying mechanisms of EA effects. Visceral hypersensitivity was established by neonatal maternal deprivation (NMD) in male rats on postnatal days 2 - 15. Behavioral experiments were conducted at the age of 7 weeks. Treatment with EA at Zusanli (stomach-36, ST-36) significantly reduced abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores in NMD rats but not in age-matched healthy control rats. In addition, EA treatment hyperpolarized resting membrane potentials, increased the rheobase and reduced the numbers of action potentials evoked by 2 and 3 times rheobase current stimulation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons innervating the colon. NMD markedly enhanced expression of TRPV1 in colon related DRGs while EA treatment drastically suppressed the expression of TRPV1 in DRGs of NMD rats. These data suggest that EA treatment produced an analgesic effect, which might be mediated at least in a part by suppression of TRPV1 expression and by inhibition of neuronal excitability of primary sensory neurons in rats with chronic visceral pain.展开更多
目的探讨外周神经元蛋白酶激活受体2-蛋白激酶A/蛋白激酶Cε(PAR2-PKA/PKCε)通路在痛转化中的作用,寻找同时干预急性痛和慢性痛的可能方案。方法 SD大鼠随机分为空白组、假诱发组、诱发组、抑制剂1组和抑制剂2组。除空白组和假诱发组,...目的探讨外周神经元蛋白酶激活受体2-蛋白激酶A/蛋白激酶Cε(PAR2-PKA/PKCε)通路在痛转化中的作用,寻找同时干预急性痛和慢性痛的可能方案。方法 SD大鼠随机分为空白组、假诱发组、诱发组、抑制剂1组和抑制剂2组。除空白组和假诱发组,所有大鼠均通过先后足部注射角叉菜胶和前列腺素E2(PGE2)建立痛觉敏化诱发模型。PGE2于角叉菜胶注射后7 d进行足部注射。抑制剂1组和抑制剂2组大鼠于PGE2注射前/后,分别给予PAR2抑制剂。观察角叉菜胶/生理盐水,注射前、注射后5 h、3 d、6 d、7 d 0.5 h、7 d 4 h和7 d 24 h大鼠机械痛阈(PWTs)的变化,检测角叉菜胶注射后7 d 24 h造模侧背根神经节(DRG)中PAR2、蛋白激酶A(PKA)和蛋白激酶(PKCε)表达。结果痛觉敏化诱发模型建立成功。角叉菜胶注射后7 d给予PGE2,显著延长了PGE2诱发疼痛的存在时间,角叉菜胶注射后7 d 24 h假诱发组大鼠PWTs与同期空白组相比差异无显著性(P>0.05),而诱发组大鼠PWTs明显低于同期空白组和假诱发组大鼠(P<0.01)。诱发组大鼠造模侧DRG中PAR2和PKCε表达在角叉菜胶注射后7 d 24 h明显提升,高于同期假诱发组和空白组(P<0.05)。给予PAR2抑制,不论时间均能显著翻转角叉菜胶注射后7 d 24 h,诱发组大鼠由PGE2诱发的疼痛(P<0.05),并抑制DRG中PKCε表达。但,给予PAR2抑制剂不能影响PGE2诱发的急性疼痛和调制DRG中PKA含量。结论抑制PAR2表达能阻断急性痛向慢性痛转化,这可能与其抑制DRG中PAR2-PKCε通路激活有关。但抑制PAR2并不能干预急性痛,这可能是因为DRG中PAR2相关通路未参与急性痛的产生。展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30970971)Fourth Military Medical University Grant(No.00002215)
文摘Objective Low back pain is one of the most inextricable problems encountered in clinics. Animal models that imitate symptoms in humans are valuable tools for investigating low back pain mechanisms and the possible therapeutic applications. With the development of genetic technology in pain field, the possibility of mutating specific genes in mice has provided a potent tool for investigating the specific mechanisms of pain. The aim of the present study was to develop a mouse model of chronic compression of dorsal root ganglion (CCD), in which gene mutation can be applied to facilitate the studies of chronic pain. Methods Chronic compression of L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia was conducted in mice by inserting fine stainless steel rods into the intervertebral foramina, one at L4 and the other at L5. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were examined with von Frey filaments and radiating heat stimulator, respectively. Results The CCD mice displayed dramatic mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia as well as tactile allodynia in the hindpaw ipsilateral to CCD. In addition, this mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia as well as tactile allodynia was also found to spread to the contralateral hindpaw. Conclusion This model, combined with the possible genetic modification, will strengthen our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of low back pain. It also favors the development of new treatment strategies for pain and hyperalgesia after spinal injury and other disorders which affect the dorsal root ganglion in humans.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30160026(to JQS)the High Level Talent Research Project of Shihezi University of China,No.RCSX201705(to YW)
文摘Sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) are associated with the transmission of peripheral pain.We investigated whether the increase of NKCC1 and KCC2 is associated with peripheral pain transmission in dorsal root ganglion neurons.To this aim,rats with persistent hyperalgesia were randomly divided into four groups.Rats in the control group received no treatment,and the rat sciatic nerve was only exposed in the sham group.Rats in the chronic constriction injury group were established into chronic constriction injury models by ligating sciatic nerve and rats were given bumetanide,an inhibitor of NKCC1,based on chronic constriction injury modeling in the chronic constriction injury + bumetanide group.In the experiment measuring thermal withdrawal latency,bumetanide (15 mg/kg) was intravenously administered.In the patch clamp experiment,bumetanide (10 μg/μL) and acutely isolated dorsal root ganglion neurons (on day 14) were incubated for 1 hour,or bumetanide (5 μg/μL) was intrathecally injected.The Hargreaves test was conducted to detect changes in thermal hyperalgesia in rats.We found that the thermal withdrawal latency of rats was significantly decreased on days 7,14,and 21 after model establishment.After intravenous injection of bumetanide,the reduction in thermal retraction latency caused by model establishment was significantly inhibited.Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay results revealed that the immune response and protein expression of NKCC1 in dorsal root ganglion neurons of the chronic constriction injury group increased significantly on days 7,14,and 21 after model establishment.No immune response or protein expression of KCC2 was observed in dorsal root ganglion neurons before and after model establishment.The Cl^– (chloride ion) fluorescent probe technique was used to evaluate the change of Cl^– concentration in dorsal root ganglion neurons of chronic constriction injury model rats.We found that the relative optical density of N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-6-methoxyquinolinium bromide (a Cl^– fluorescent probe whose fluorescence Cenintensity decreases as Cl– concentration increases) in the dorsal root ganglion neurons of the chronic constriction injury group was significantly decreased on days 7 and 14 after model establishment.The whole-cell patch clamp technique revealed that the resting potential and action potential frequency of dorsal root ganglion neurons increased,and the threshold and rheobase of action potentials decreased in the chronic constriction injury group on day 14 after model establishment.After bumetanide administration,the above indicators were significantly suppressed.These results confirm that CCI can induce abnormal overexpression of NKCC1,thereby increasing the Cl^– concentration in dorsal root ganglion neurons;this then enhances the excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons and ultimately promotes hyperalgesia and allodynia.In addition,bumetanide can achieve analgesic effects.All experiments were approved by the Institutional Ethics Review Board at the First Affiliated Hospital,College of Medicine,Shihezi University,China on February 22,2017 (approval No.A2017-169-01).
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30160026)the Youth Science and Technology Innovation Special Foundation of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps,China(No.2010JC33)
文摘Summary: mRNAs of alpha-adrenoceptor (α-AR) subtypes are found in neurons in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and change after peripheral nerve injury. In this study, the distribution of α-AR subtype proteins was studied in L5 DRG of normal rats and rats with chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve (CCI). Using immunofluorescence technique, it was found that α1A-, α1B-, and α2A-AR proteins were expressed in large, medium, and small size neurons in normal DRG, and significantly increased in all size neurons 14 days after CCI. α1D- and α2C-AR was also expressed in all size neurons in normal DRG. However, α1D-AR was significantly increased and α2C-AR was decreased in small size neurons 14 days post CCI. α2B-AR neurons were not detectable in normal and CCI DRG. Co-expression of α1A- and α2A-AR in the same neuron was observed in normal DRG and increased post CCI. Collectively, these results indicated that there is distinct distribution of α-AR subtypes in DRG neurons, and the distribution and levels of expression of α-AR subtypes change differently after CCI. The up-regulation of α-AR subtypes in DRG neurons may play an important role in the process of generating and transmitting neuropathic pain.
基金the Social Development Science and Technology Plan Program of Jiangsu Province, No. B2004515
文摘BACKGROUND: Astrocytes are considered to provide nutritional support in the central nervous system. However, recent studies have confirmed that astrocytes also play an important role in chronic pain. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of intrathecal injection of fluorocitrate, minocycline or both on astrocyte activation and proliferation in the spinal dorsal horn of compressed dorsal root ganglion in rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The neurology randomized controlled animal study was performed at the Jiangsu Institute of Anesthesia Medicine, from September 2006 to April 2007. MATERIALS: A total of 96 male Sprague Dawley rats, aged 6-8 weeks, were selected for this study. Following intrathecal catheterization, 80 rats underwent steel bar insertion into the L4-5 intervertebral foramina to make a stable compression on the L4-5 posterior root ganglion. Thus rat models of ganglion compression were established. Minocycline and fluorocitrate were purchased from Sigma, USA. METHODS: A total of 96 rats were randomly and equally divided into six groups. Rat L4, L5 transverse process and intervertebral foramina were exposed in the sham operation group, but without steel bar insertion. The model group did not receive any manipulations. Rats in the phosphate buffered saline (PBS) group were intrathecally injected with 0.01 mmol/L PBS (20 μL). Rats in the fluorocitrate group were subjected to 1 μmol/L fluorocitrate (20 μL). Rats in the minocycline group were intrathecally injected with 5 g/L minocycline (20 μL). Rats in the minocycline and fluorocitrate group received a mixture (20 μL) of 5 g/L minocycline and 1 μmol/L fluorocitrate. Following model establishment, drugs were administered once a day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: At 7 and 14 days following model induction, glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in the spinal dorsal horn was measured by immunofluorescence microscopy. Six sections with significant glial fibrillary acidic protein -positive expression were obtained to count astrocytes under an inverted microscope. RESULTS: No significant differences in astrocyte count were detected between the fluorocitrate and model groups. Cell bodies were small with a few processes in the fluorocitrate group, compared with the model group. The astrocyte count decreased significantly in the minocycline group and the minocycline and fluorocitrate group compared with the sham operation, model, PBS and fluorocitrate groups (P 〈 0.01). The decrease in astrocyte count was mainly found in layers Ⅲ–Ⅳ of the spinal dorsal horn. Cell body volume was smaller and process numbers were fewer in the minocycline group and the minocycline and fluorocitrate group, compared with the model and PBS groups. CONCLUSION: Fluorocitrate can inhibit astrocyte activation, but does not affect astrocyte proliferation. However, minocycline can inhibit the activation and proliferation of astrocytes.
基金supported by the Youth Shihezi University Applied Basic Research Project of China,No.2015ZRKYQ-LH19
文摘Estrogen affects the generation and transmission of neuropathic pain,but the specific regulatory mechanism is still unclear.Activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate acid receptor 1(NMDAR1) plays an important role in the production and maintenance of hyperalgesia and allodynia.The present study was conducted to determine whether a relationship exists between estrogen and NMDAR1 in peripheral nerve pain.A chronic sciatic nerve constriction injury model of chronic neuropathic pain was established in rats.These rats were then subcutaneously injected with 17β-estradiol,the NMDAR1 antagonist D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid(AP-5),or both once daily for 15 days.Compared with injured drug na?ve rats,rats with chronic sciatic nerve injury that were administered estradiol showed a lower paw withdrawal mechanical threshold and a shorter paw withdrawal thermal latency,indicating increased sensitivity to mechanical and thermal pain.Estrogen administration was also associated with increased expression of NMDAR1 immunoreactivity(as assessed by immunohistochemistry) and protein(as determined by western blot assay) in spinal dorsal root ganglia.This 17β-estradiol-induced increase in NMDAR1 expression was blocked by co-administration with AP-5,whereas AP-5 alone did not affect NMDAR1 expression.These results suggest that 17β-estradiol administration significantly reduced mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in rats with chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve,and that the mechanism for this increased sensitivity may be related to the upregulation of NMDAR1 expression in dorsal root ganglia.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (General Program),No. 30872732the National Natural Science Foundation of China for Youths,No.81101453
文摘Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from newborn Wistar rats cultured in vitro were pressurized with 20, 40, 80 or 120 mm Hg compressive Ioadings (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) for 12, 24, 48 or 72 hours, respectively. The 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide test showed that pressures less than 80 mm Hg had no obvious impact on the activity of DRG neurons. The protein expression levels of transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 4 (TRPV4), transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1, transient receptor potential channel of melastatin type 8, and transient receptor potential subtype ankyrin 1 were assessed by western blot analysis. The mRNA expression of TRPV4 was assessed by real-time PCR. The results showed that sustained mechanical compression up-regulated TRPV4 mRNA and protein expression in the rat DRG neurons, in a time-dependent fashion. Similar changes were not found in the protein expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 1, transient receptor potential channel of melastatin type 8, and transient receptor potential subtype ankyrin 1. Images of cells using a laser scanning confocal microscope showed that the sustained mechanical pressure increased the number of responsive DRG neurons and was synergistic on the enhanced Ca^2+ responses to the TRPV4 phorbol ester agonist 4a-phorbo112, 13-didecanoate and hypotonic solutions. These findings demonstrate that sustained mechanical compressive loading in vitro increases the expression of TRPV4 mRNA and protein in DRG neurons and sensitizes TRPV4 Ca^2+ signals. Mechanical compression does not impact other ion channels in the transient receptor potential family.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81760418 and 81260190the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province,No.20132BAB205023,20151BAB205022+1 种基金a grant from Science and Technology Research Project of Jiangxi Education Department,No.GJJ13159a grant from the Science and Technology Program of Department of Health of Jiangxi Province,No.20173010
文摘Schwann cell transplantation is a promising method to promote neural repair, and can be used for peripheral nerve protection and myelination. Microcapsule technology largely mitigates immune rejection of transplanted cells. We previously showed that microencapsulated olfactory ensheathing cells can reduce neuropathic pain and we hypothesized that microencapsulated Schwann cells can also inhibit neuropathic pain. Rat Schwann cells were cultured by subculture and then microencapsulated and were tested using a rat chronic constriction injury(CCI) neuropathic pain model. CCI rats were treated with Schwann cells or microencapsulated Schwann cells and were compared with sham and CCI groups. Mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 14 days postoperatively. The expression of P2X3 receptors in L4-5 dorsal root ganglia of the different groups was detected by double-label immunofluorescence on day 14 after surgery. Compared with the chronic constriction injury group, mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency were higher, but the expression of P2X3 receptors was remarkably decreased in rats treated with Schwann cells and microencapsulated Schwann cells, especially in the rats transplanted with microencapsulated Schwann cells. The above data show that microencapsulated Schwann cell transplantation inhibits P2X3 receptor expression in L4-5 dorsal root ganglia and neuropathic pain.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos. 82071556 (to WM), 81873793 (to WM), 82001198 (to YQZ), 82101310 (to DQL)the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No. 2020YFC2005300 (to WM)。
文摘Nitric oxide(NO)/cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate(cGMP) signaling has been shown to act as a mediator involved in pain transmission and processing. In this review, we summarize and discuss the mechanisms of the NO/cGMP signaling pathway involved in chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, bone cancer pain, inflammatory pain, and morphine tolerance. The main process in the NO/cGMP signaling pathway in cells involves NO activating soluble guanylate cyclase, which leads to subsequent production of cGMP. cGMP then activates cGMP-dependent protein kinase(PKG), resulting in the activation of multiple targets such as the opening of ATP-sensitive K+ channels. The activation of NO/cGMP signaling in the spinal cord evidently induces upregulation of downstream molecules, as well as reactive astrogliosis and microglial polarization which participate in the process of chronic pain. In dorsal root ganglion neurons, natriuretic peptide binds to particulate guanylyl cyclase, generating and further activating the cGMP/PKG pathway, and it also contributes to the development of chronic pain. Upregulation of multiple receptors is involved in activation of the NO/cGMP signaling pathway in various pain models. Notably the NO/cGMP signaling pathway induces expression of downstream effectors, exerting both algesic and analgesic effects in neuropathic pain and inflammatory pain. These findings suggest that activation of NO/cGMP signaling plays a constituent role in the development of chronic pain, and this signaling pathway with dual effects is an interesting and promising target for chronic pain therapy.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81260190the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province of China,No.20132BAB205023+1 种基金a grant from the Science and Technology Research Program of Department of Education of Jiangxi Province in China,No.GJJ13159a grant from the Science and Technology Program of Department of Health of Jiangxi Province,No.20132019
文摘Olfactory bulb tissue transplantation inhibits P2X2/3 receptor-mediated neuropathic pain. However, the olfactory bulb has a complex cellular composition, and the mechanism underlying the action of purified transplanted olfactory ensheathing cells(OECs) remains unclear. In the present study, we microencapsulated OECs in alginic acid, and transplanted free and microencapsulated OECs into the region surrounding the injured sciatic nerve in rat models of chronic constriction injury. We assessed mechanical nociception in the rat models 7 and 14 days after surgery by measuring paw withdrawal threshold, and examined P2X2/3 receptor expression in L4–5 dorsal root ganglia using immunohistochemistry. Rats that received free and microencapsulated OEC transplants showed greater withdrawal thresholds than untreated model rats, and weaker P2X2/3 receptor immunoreactivity in dorsal root ganglia. At 14 days, paw withdrawal threshold was much higher in the microencapsulated OEC-treated animals. Our results confirm that microencapsulated OEC transplantation suppresses P2X2/3 receptor expression in L4–5 dorsal root ganglia in rat models of neuropathic pain and reduces allodynia, and also suggest that transplantation of microencapsulated OECs is more effective than transplantation of free OECs for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
文摘Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized by chronic visceral hypersensitivity that companied by altered bowel movement. However, the treatment options are very limited. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on visceral hypersensitivity in a rat model of IBS and to explore the underlying mechanisms of EA effects. Visceral hypersensitivity was established by neonatal maternal deprivation (NMD) in male rats on postnatal days 2 - 15. Behavioral experiments were conducted at the age of 7 weeks. Treatment with EA at Zusanli (stomach-36, ST-36) significantly reduced abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores in NMD rats but not in age-matched healthy control rats. In addition, EA treatment hyperpolarized resting membrane potentials, increased the rheobase and reduced the numbers of action potentials evoked by 2 and 3 times rheobase current stimulation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons innervating the colon. NMD markedly enhanced expression of TRPV1 in colon related DRGs while EA treatment drastically suppressed the expression of TRPV1 in DRGs of NMD rats. These data suggest that EA treatment produced an analgesic effect, which might be mediated at least in a part by suppression of TRPV1 expression and by inhibition of neuronal excitability of primary sensory neurons in rats with chronic visceral pain.
文摘目的探讨外周神经元蛋白酶激活受体2-蛋白激酶A/蛋白激酶Cε(PAR2-PKA/PKCε)通路在痛转化中的作用,寻找同时干预急性痛和慢性痛的可能方案。方法 SD大鼠随机分为空白组、假诱发组、诱发组、抑制剂1组和抑制剂2组。除空白组和假诱发组,所有大鼠均通过先后足部注射角叉菜胶和前列腺素E2(PGE2)建立痛觉敏化诱发模型。PGE2于角叉菜胶注射后7 d进行足部注射。抑制剂1组和抑制剂2组大鼠于PGE2注射前/后,分别给予PAR2抑制剂。观察角叉菜胶/生理盐水,注射前、注射后5 h、3 d、6 d、7 d 0.5 h、7 d 4 h和7 d 24 h大鼠机械痛阈(PWTs)的变化,检测角叉菜胶注射后7 d 24 h造模侧背根神经节(DRG)中PAR2、蛋白激酶A(PKA)和蛋白激酶(PKCε)表达。结果痛觉敏化诱发模型建立成功。角叉菜胶注射后7 d给予PGE2,显著延长了PGE2诱发疼痛的存在时间,角叉菜胶注射后7 d 24 h假诱发组大鼠PWTs与同期空白组相比差异无显著性(P>0.05),而诱发组大鼠PWTs明显低于同期空白组和假诱发组大鼠(P<0.01)。诱发组大鼠造模侧DRG中PAR2和PKCε表达在角叉菜胶注射后7 d 24 h明显提升,高于同期假诱发组和空白组(P<0.05)。给予PAR2抑制,不论时间均能显著翻转角叉菜胶注射后7 d 24 h,诱发组大鼠由PGE2诱发的疼痛(P<0.05),并抑制DRG中PKCε表达。但,给予PAR2抑制剂不能影响PGE2诱发的急性疼痛和调制DRG中PKA含量。结论抑制PAR2表达能阻断急性痛向慢性痛转化,这可能与其抑制DRG中PAR2-PKCε通路激活有关。但抑制PAR2并不能干预急性痛,这可能是因为DRG中PAR2相关通路未参与急性痛的产生。