Suppression of the p75 neurotrophin receptor in uninjured sensory neurons reduces neuropathic pain after nerve injury

Nerve growth factor mediates mechanical allodynia in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes

C57BLKS db/db (db/db) mice develop a neuropathy with features of human type 2 diabetic neuropathy. Here, we demonstrate that these mice develop transient mechanical allodynia at the early stage of diabetes. We hypothesized that nerve growth factor (NGF), which enhances the expression of key mediators of nociception (i.e. substance P [SP] and calcitonin gene-related peptide), contributes to the development of mechanical allodynia in these mice. We found that NGF, SP, and calcitonin gene-related peptide gene expression is upregulated in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of db/db mice before or during the period that they develop mechanical allodynia. There were more small- to medium-sized NGF-immunopositive DRG neurons in db/db mice than in control db+ mice; these neurons also expressed SP, consistent with its role in nociception. Nerve growth factor expression in the hind paw skin was also increased in a variety of dermal cell types and nerve fibers, suggesting the contribution of a peripheral source of NGF to mechanical allodynia. The upregulation of NGF coincided with enhanced tropomyosin-related kinase A receptor phosphorylation in the DRG. Finally, an antibody against NGF inhibited mechanical allodynia and decreased the numbers of SP-positive DRG neurons in db/db mice. These results suggest that inhibition of NGF action is a potential strategy for treating painful diabetic neuropathy.

p75 neurotrophin receptor is implicated in the ability of neurotrophin-3 to negatively modulate activated ERK1/2 signaling in TrkA-expressing adult sensory neurons

Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) can negatively modulate trkA and associated phenotype in intact sensory neurons, while positively regulating trkC and associated phenotype. How NT-3 effects this response is not clear. Whether NT-3 exerts a differential influence on levels of activated ERK1/2 signaling in trkA- versus trkC-mRNA-positive subpopulations of neurons and the role that the common neurotrophin receptor, p75NTR, plays in this response was assessed by examining alterations in the levels of phospho-ERK1/2 immunofluorescence signal over nuclei of sensory neurons expressing trkA alone, trkC alone, or both trkA and trkC mRNA. NT-3 intrathecal infusion differentially modulated nuclear phospho-ERK1/2 levels detected over neurons expressing trkA alone or trkC alone. Levels were significantly decreased over nuclei of neurons expressing trkA alone and significantly increased over the nuclei of neurons expressing trkC alone. Neurons expressing both trkA and trkC or neurons expressing neither trkA nor trkC had no significant alteration in phospho-ERK1/2. Antisense oligonucleotides directed against p75NTR were infused intrathecally with or without NT-3 infusion to examine the impact of suppressing p75NTR expression on the ability of NT-3 to diminish phospho-ERK1/2 signaling in neurons expressing only trkA. NT-3 did not significantly attenuate levels of phospho-ERK1/2 when p75NTR expression was suppressed by antisense infusion, despite being able to do so when NT-3 was infused alone. In conclusion, NT-3's ability to negatively modulate ERK1/2 signaling in a p75-dependent manner in sensory neurons that express trkA to the exclusion of trkC provides a feasible mechanism by which it negatively modulates other aspects of nociceptive phenotype in these neurons.

Chapter 3: Histology of the peripheral nerve and changes occurring during nerve regeneration

Peripheral nerves are complex organs that can be found throughout the body reaching almost all tissues and organs to provide motor and/or sensory innervation. A parenchyma (the noble component made by the nerve fibers, i.e., axons and Schwann cells) and a stroma (the scaffold made of various connective elements) can be recognized. Although morphological analysis is the most common approach for studying peripheral nerve regeneration, researchers are not always aware of several histological peculiarities of these organs. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe, at a structural and ultrastructural level, the main features of the parenchyma and the stroma of the normal undamaged nerve as well as the most important morphological changes that occur after nerve damage and during posttraumatic nerve regeneration. The paper is aimed at providing the reader with the basic framework information on nerve morphology. This would enable the correct interpretation of morphological data obtained by many experimental studies on peripheral nerve repair and regeneration such as those outlined in several other papers included in this special issue of the International Review of Neurobiology.

Role of p75NTR in female rat urinary bladder with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis

Previous studies demonstrated changes in urinary bladder neurotrophin content and upregulation of neurotrophin receptors, TrkA and the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)), in micturition reflex pathways after cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced cystitis. p75(NTR) can bind nerve growth factor (NGF) and modulate NGF-TrkA binding and signaling. We examined p75(NTR) expression and the role of p75(NTR) in the micturition reflex in control and CYP-treated rats. p75(NTR) Immunoreactivity was present throughout the urinary bladder. CYP-induced cystitis (4 h, 48 h, chronic) increased (P < or = 0.05) p75(NTR) expression in whole urinary bladder as shown by Western blotting. The role of p75(NTR) in bladder function in control and CYP-treated rats was determined using conscious cystometry and immunoneutralization or PD90780, a compound known to specifically block NGF binding to p75(NTR). An anti-p75(NTR) monoclonal antibody or PD90780 was infused intravesically and cystometric parameters were evaluated. Both methods of p75(NTR) blockade significantly (P < or = 0.05) decreased the intercontraction interval and void volume in control and CYP-treated rats. Intravesical infusion of PD90780 also significantly (P < or = 0.001) increased intravesical pressure and increased the number of nonvoiding contractions during the filling phase. Control intravesical infusions of isotype-matched IgG and vehicle were without effect. Intravesical instillation of PD90780 significantly (P < or = 0.01) reduced the volume threshold to elicit a micturition contraction in control rats (no inflammation) and CYP-treated in a closed urinary bladder system. These studies demonstrate 1) ubiquitous p75(NTR) expression in urinary bladder and increased expression with CYP-induced cystitis and 2) p75(NTR) blockade at the level of the urinary bladder produces bladder hyperreflexia in control and CYP-treated rats. The overall activity of the urinary bladder reflects the balance of NGF-p75(NTR) and NGF-TrkA signaling.

Existence of nerve growth factor receptors, tyrosine kinase a and p75 neurotrophin receptors in intervertebral discs and on dorsal root ganglion neurons innervating intervertebral discs in rats

STUDY DESIGN

We evaluated 2 types of nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells and nerve fibers innervating rat lumbar intervertebral discs.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the NGF receptors, tyrosine kinase A (TrkA) and p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) on DRG cells and nerve fibers innervating rat lumbar intervertebral discs using immunohistochemistry and a retrograde neurotracing method.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Nerve innervation of intervertebral discs is thought to be a pathology of discogenic low back pain. NGF is also important for mediating inflammatory pain from intervertebral discs via the high affinity receptor, TrkA. Recent research has also revealed that the low affinity NGF receptor, p75NTR plays an important role in inflammatory pain. However, the presence of TrkA and p75NTR-immunoreactive (NTR-IR) DRG neurons innervating the rat L5/6 intervertebral disc, and p75NTR-IR nerve fibers in rat intervertebral discs, has not been explored.

METHODS

The Fluoro-gold neurotracer was applied to rat L5/6 intervertebral discs to determine the DRG neurons innervating the discs (n = 20). Fourteen days after surgery, bilateral DRG from the L1-L6 levels were harvested, sectioned, and immunostained for TrkA and p75NTR. The percentages of TrkA and p75NTR-IR DRG neurons were counted, and p75NTR-IR nerve fibers in L5/6 discs evaluated.

RESULTS

p75NTR-IR nerve fibers were found in superficial layers in the annulus fibrosus in L5/6 intervertebral discs. Fluoro-gold-labeled neurons innervating the L5/6 discs were distributed throughout DRG from the L1-L6 levels. The percentage of TrkA-immunoreactive (TrkA-IR) neurons was 75.1% +/- 3.9% (mean +/- SE) and that of p75NTR-IR neurons was 75.8% +/- 5.1%. These percentages were similar for each level.

CONCLUSION

Rat L5/6 intervertebral discs were innervated by multisegmental levels of DRG. Most DRG neurons innervating the discs were positive for 2 types of NGF receptors.

Transforming growth factor-activated kinase 1 induced in spinal astrocytes contributes to mechanical hypersensitivity after nerve injury

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) plays an important role in the induction and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Transforming growth factor-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), a member of the MAPK kinase kinase family, is indispensable for the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK. We now show that TAK1 induced in spinal cord astrocytes is crucial for mechanical hypersensitivity after peripheral nerve injury. Nerve injury induced a striking increase in the expression of TAK1 in the ipsilateral dorsal horn, and TAK1 was increased in hyperactive astrocytes, but not in neurons or microglia. Intrathecal administration of TAK1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS-ODN) prevented and reversed nerve injury-induced mechanical, but not heat hypersensitivity. Furthermore, TAK1 AS-ODN suppressed the activation of JNK1, but not p38 MAPK, in spinal astrocytes. In contrast, there was no change in TAK1 expression in primary sensory neurons, and TAK1 AS-ODN did not attenuate the induction of transient receptor potential ion channel TRPV1 in sensory neurons. Taken together, these results demonstrate that TAK1 upregulation in spinal astrocytes has a substantial role in the development and maintenance of mechanical hypersensitivity through the JNK1 pathway. Thus, preventing the TAK1/JNK1 signaling cascade in astrocytes might provide a fruitful strategy for treating intractable neuropathic pain.

p75NTR expression in rat urinary bladder sensory neurons and spinal cord with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis

A role for nerve growth factor (NGF) in contributing to increased voiding frequency and altered sensation from the urinary bladder has been suggested. Previous studies have examined the expression and regulation of tyrosine kinase receptors (Trks) in micturition reflexes with urinary bladder inflammation. The present studies examine the expression and regulation of another receptor known to bind NGF, p75(NTR), after various durations of bladder inflammation induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP). CYP-induced cystitis increased (P < or = 0.001) p75(NTR) expression in the superficial lateral and medial dorsal horn in L1-L2 and L6-S1 spinal segments. The number of p75(NTR)-immunoreactive (-IR) cells in the lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia (DRG) also increased (P < or = 0.05) with CYP-induced cystitis (acute, intermediate, and chronic). Quantitative, real-time polymerase chain reaction also demonstrated significant increases (P < or = 0.01) in p75(NTR) mRNA in DRG with intermediate and chronic CYP-induced cystitis. Retrograde dye-tracing techniques with Fastblue were used to identify presumptive bladder afferent cells in the lumbosacral DRG. In bladder afferent cells in DRG, p75(NTR)-IR was also increased (P < or = 0.01) with cystitis. In addition to increases in p75(NTR)-IR in DRG cell bodies, increases (P < or = 0.001) in pericellular (encircling DRG cells) p75(NTR)-IR in DRG also increased. Confocal analyses demonstrated that pericellular p75(NTR)-IR was not colocalized with the glial marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). These studies demonstrate that p75(NTR) expression in micturition reflexes is present constitutively and modified by bladder inflammation. The functional significance of p75(NTR) expression in micturition reflexes remains to be determined.

Plexiform and dermal neurofibromas and pigmentation are caused by Nf1 loss in desert hedgehog-expressing cells

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (Nf1) mutation predisposes to benign peripheral nerve (glial) tumors called neurofibromas. The point(s) in development when Nf1 loss promotes neurofibroma formation are unknown. We show that inactivation of Nf1 in the glial lineage in vitro at embryonic day 12.5 + 1, but not earlier (neural crest) or later (mature Schwann cell), results in colony-forming cells capable of multilineage differentiation. In vivo, inactivation of Nf1 using a DhhCre driver beginning at E12.5 elicits plexiform neurofibromas, dermal neurofibromas, and pigmentation. Tumor Schwann cells uniquely show biallelic Nf1 inactivation. Peripheral nerve and tumors contain transiently proliferating Schwann cells that lose axonal contact, providing insight into early neurofibroma formation. We suggest that timing of Nf1 mutation is critical for neurofibroma formation.

Delayed functional expression of neuronal chemokine receptors following focal nerve demyelination in the rat: a mechanism for the development of chronic sensitization of peripheral nociceptors

BACKGROUND

Animal and clinical studies have revealed that focal peripheral nerve axon demyelination is accompanied by nociceptive pain behavior. C-C and C-X-C chemokines and their receptors have been strongly implicated in demyelinating polyneuropathies and persistent pain syndromes. Herein, we studied the degree to which chronic nociceptive pain behavior is correlated with the neuronal expression of chemokines and their receptors following unilateral lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-induced focal demyelination of the sciatic nerve in rats.

RESULTS

Focal nerve demyelination increased behavioral reflex responsiveness to mechanical stimuli between postoperative day (POD) 3 and POD28 in both the hindpaw ipsilateral and contralateral to the nerve injury. This behavior was accompanied by a bilateral increase in the numbers of primary sensory neurons expressing the chemokine receptors CCR2, CCR5, and CXCR4 by POD14, with no change in the pattern of CXCR3 expression. Significant increases in the numbers of neurons expressing the chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2), Regulated on Activation, Normal T Expressed and Secreted (RANTES/CCL5) and interferon gamma-inducing protein-10 (IP-10/CXCL10) were also evident following nerve injury, although neuronal expression pattern of stromal cell derived factor-1alpha (SDF1/CXCL12) did not change. Functional studies demonstrated that acutely dissociated sensory neurons derived from LPC-injured animals responded with increased [Ca2+]i following exposure to MCP-1, IP-10, SDF1 and RANTES on POD 14 and 28, but these responses were largely absent by POD35. On days 14 and 28, rats received either saline or a CCR2 receptor antagonist isomer (CCR2 RA-[R]) or its inactive enantiomer (CCR2 RA-[S]) by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection. CCR2 RA-[R] treatment of nerve-injured rats produced stereospecific bilateral reversal of tactile hyperalgesia.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the presence of chemokine signaling by both injured and adjacent, uninjured sensory neurons is correlated with the maintenance phase of a persistent pain state, suggesting that chemokine receptor antagonists may be an important therapeutic intervention for chronic pain.

Neuroimmune crosstalk in asthma: dual role of the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR

BACKGROUND

Neurotrophins have been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma because of their ability to induce airway inflammation and to promote hyperreactivity of sensory neurons, which reflects an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of airway hyperreactivity. Neurotrophins use a dual-receptor system consisting of Trk-receptor tyrosine kinases and the structurally unrelated p75NTR. Previous studies revealed an important role of p75NTR in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate the precise mechanisms of neurotrophins in neuroimmune interaction, which can lead to both airway inflammation and sensory nerve hyperreactivity in vivo.

METHODS

Mice selectively expressing p75NTR in immune cells or nerves, respectively, were generated. After sensitization and allergen provocation, hyperreactivity of sensory nerves was tested in response to capsaicin. Airway inflammation was analyzed on the basis of differential cell counts and cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids.

RESULTS

Allergic mice selectively expressing p75NTR in immune cells showed normal inflammation but no sensory nerve hyperreactivity, whereas mice selectively expressing p75NTR in nerve cells had a diminished inflammation and a distinct sensory nerve hyperreactivity.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that p75NTR plays a dual role by promoting hyperreactivity of sensory nerves and airway inflammation. Additionally, our study provides experimental evidence that development of sensory nerve hyperreactivity depends on an established airway inflammation in asthma. In contrast, development of airway inflammation seems to be independent from sensory nerve hyperreactivity.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Because of its dual function, antagonization of p75NTR-mediated signals might be a novel approach in asthma therapy.