Prostatic acid phosphatase is an ectonucleotidase and suppresses pain by generating adenosine

Prostatic acid phosphatase is required for the antinociceptive effects of thiamine and benfotiamine

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is an essential vitamin that must be obtained from the diet for proper neurological function. At higher doses, thiamine and benfotiamine (S-benzoylthiamine O-monophosphate, BT)–a phosphorylated derivative of thiamine–have antinociceptive effects in animals and humans, although how these compounds inhibit pain is unknown. Here, we found that Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP, ACPP) can dephosphorylate BT in vitro, in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and in primary-afferent axon terminals in the dorsal spinal cord. The dephosphorylated product S-benzoylthiamine (S-BT) then decomposes to O-benzoylthiamine (O-BT) and to thiamine in a pH-dependent manner, independent of additional enzymes. This unique reaction mechanism reveals that BT only requires a phosphatase for conversion to thiamine. However, we found that the antinociceptive effects of BT, thiamine monophosphate (TMP) and thiamine–a compound that is not phosphorylated–were entirely dependent on PAP at the spinal level. Moreover, pharmacokinetic studies with wild-type and Pap^−/− mice revealed that PAP is not required for the conversion of BT to thiamine in vivo. Taken together, our study highlights an obligatory role for PAP in the antinociceptive effects of thiamine and phosphorylated thiamine analogs, and suggests a novel phosphatase-independent function for PAP.

Cellular function and molecular structure of ecto-nucleotidases

Ecto-nucleotidases play a pivotal role in purinergic signal transmission. They hydrolyze extracellular nucleotides and thus can control their availability at purinergic P2 receptors. They generate extracellular nucleosides for cellular reuptake and salvage via nucleoside transporters of the plasma membrane. The extracellular adenosine formed acts as an agonist of purinergic P1 receptors. They also can produce and hydrolyze extracellular inorganic pyrophosphate that is of major relevance in the control of bone mineralization. This review discusses and compares four major groups of ecto-nucleotidases: the ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases, ecto-5'-nucleotidase, ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterases, and alkaline phosphatases. Only recently and based on crystal structures, detailed information regarding the spatial structures and catalytic mechanisms has become available for members of these four ecto-nucleotidase families. This permits detailed predictions of their catalytic mechanisms and a comparison between the individual enzyme groups. The review focuses on the principal biochemical, cell biological, catalytic, and structural properties of the enzymes and provides brief reference to tissue distribution, and physiological and pathophysiological functions.

Orally active adenosine A(1) receptor agonists with antinociceptive effects in mice

Adenosine A(1) receptor (A(1)AR) agonists have antinociceptive effects in multiple preclinical models of acute and chronic pain. Although numerous A(1)AR agonists have been developed, clinical applications of these agents have been hampered by their cardiovascular side effects. Herein we report a series of novel A(1)AR agonists, some of which are structurally related to adenosine 5'-monophosphate (5'-AMP), a naturally occurring nucleotide that itself activates A(1)AR. These novel compounds potently activate A(1)AR in several orthogonal in vitro assays and are subtype selective for A(1)AR over A(2A)AR, A(2B)AR, and A(3)AR. Among them, UNC32A (3a) is orally active and has dose-dependent antinociceptive effects in wild-type mice. The antinociceptive effects of 3a were completely abolished in A(1)AR knockout mice, revealing a strict dependence on A(1)AR for activity. The apparent lack of cardiovascular side effects when administered orally and high affinity (K(i) of 36 nM for the human A(1)AR) make this compound potentially suitable as a therapeutic.

Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference 2012: recommendations for the management of pain by intrathecal (intraspinal) drug delivery: report of an interdisciplinary expert panel

INTRODUCTION

The use of intrathecal (IT) infusion of analgesic medications to treat patients with chronic refractory pain has increased since its inception in the 1980s, and the need for clinical research in IT therapy is ongoing. The Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC) panel of experts convened in 2000, 2003, and 2007 to make recommendations on the rational use of IT analgesics based on preclinical and clinical literature and clinical experiences.

METHODS

The PACC panel convened again in 2011 to update the standard of care for IT therapies to reflect current knowledge gleaned from literature and clinical experience. A thorough literature search was performed, and information from this search was provided to panel members. Analysis of published literature was coupled with the clinical experience of panel members to form recommendations regarding the use of IT analgesics to treat chronic pain.

RESULTS

After a review of literature published from 2007 to 2011 and discussions of clinical experience, the panel created updated algorithms for the rational use of IT medications for the treatment of neuropathic pain and nociceptive pain.

CONCLUSIONS

The advent of new algorithmic tracks for neuropathic and nociceptive pain is an important step in improving patient care. The panel encourages continued research and development, including the development of new drugs, devices, and safety recommendations to improve the care of patients with chronic pain.

Reactive oxygen species induced by p66Shc longevity protein mediate nongenomic androgen action via tyrosine phosphorylation signaling to enhance tumorigenicity of prostate cancer cells

Steroid hormones exhibit diverse biological activities. Despite intensive studies on steroid function at the genomic level, their nongenomic actions remain an enigma. In this study, we investigated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in androgen-stimulated prostate cancer (PCa) cell proliferation. In androgen-treated PCa cells, increased cell growth and ROS production correlated with elevated p66Shc protein, an authentic oxidase. This growth stimulation was blocked by antioxidants. Further, elevated expression of p66Shc protein by cDNA transfection encoding wild-type protein, but not a redox-deficient (W134F) mutant, was associated with increased PCa cell proliferation. Conversely, knockdown of p66Shc expression by shRNA resulted in diminished cell growth. Increased p66Shc expression in PCa cells enhanced their tumorigenicity in xenograft animals. Importantly, p66Shc protein level is higher in clinical prostate adenocarcinomas than in adjacent noncancerous cells. Expression of redox-deficient p66Shc mutant protein abolished androgen-stimulated cell growth. In androgen-treated, H(2)O(2)-treated, and p66Shc cDNA-transfected PCa cells, cellular prostatic acid phosphatase, an authentic tyrosine phosphatase, was inactivated by reversible oxidation; subsequently, ErbB-2 was activated by phosphorylation at tyrosine-1221/1222. These results together support the notion that androgens induce ROS production through the elevation of p66Shc protein, which inactivates tyrosine phosphatase activity for the activation of interacting tyrosine kinase, leading to increased cell proliferation and enhanced tumorigenicity. Our results thus suggest that p66Shc protein functions at the critical junction point between androgens and tyrosine phosphorylation signaling in human PCa cells.

CGRPα-expressing sensory neurons respond to stimuli that evoke sensations of pain and itch

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRPα, encoded by Calca) is a classic marker of nociceptive dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Despite years of research, it is unclear what stimuli these neurons detect in vitro or in vivo. To facilitate functional studies of these neurons, we genetically targeted an axonal tracer (farnesylated enhanced green fluorescent protein; GFP) and a LoxP-stopped cell ablation construct (human diphtheria toxin receptor; DTR) to the Calca locus. In culture, 10–50% (depending on ligand) of all CGRPα-GFP-positive (+) neurons responded to capsaicin, mustard oil, menthol, acidic pH, ATP, and pruritogens (histamine and chloroquine), suggesting a role for peptidergic neurons in detecting noxious stimuli and itch. In contrast, few (2.2±1.3%) CGRPα-GFP⁺ neurons responded to the TRPM8-selective cooling agent icilin. In adult mice, CGRPα-GFP⁺ cell bodies were located in the DRG, spinal cord (motor neurons and dorsal horn neurons), brain and thyroid—reproducibly marking all cell types known to express Calca. Half of all CGRPα-GFP⁺ DRG neurons expressed TRPV1, ∼25% expressed neurofilament-200, <10% contained nonpeptidergic markers (IB4 and Prostatic acid phosphatase) and almost none (<1%) expressed TRPM8. CGRPα-GFP⁺ neurons innervated the dorsal spinal cord and innervated cutaneous and visceral tissues. This included nerve endings in the epidermis and on guard hairs. Our study provides direct evidence that CGRPα⁺ DRG neurons respond to agonists that evoke pain and itch and constitute a sensory circuit that is largely distinct from nonpeptidergic circuits and TRPM8⁺/cool temperature circuits. In future studies, it should be possible to conditionally ablate CGRPα-expressing neurons to evaluate sensory and non-sensory functions for these neurons.

PAPupuncture has localized and long-lasting antinociceptive effects in mouse models of acute and chronic pain

Acupuncture has been used for millennia to treat pain, although its efficacy and duration of action is limited. Acupuncture also has brief (1–2 h) antinociceptive effects in mice and these effects are dependent on localized adenosine A₁ receptor (A₁R) activation. Intriguingly, adenosine 5’-monophosphate (AMP) is basally elevated near acupuncture points. This finding suggested that it might be possible to inhibit nociception for a longer period of time by injecting prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP, ACPP) into acupuncture points. PAP is an ectonucleotidase that dephosphorylates extracellular AMP to adenosine, has a long half-life in vivo and is endogenously found in muscle tissue surrounding acupuncture points. Here, we found that injection of PAP into the popliteal fossa—a space behind the knee that encompasses the Weizhong acupuncture point—had dose- and A₁R-dependent antinociceptive effects in mouse models of acute and chronic pain. These inhibitory effects lasted up to six days following a single injection, much longer than the hour-long inhibition provided by acupuncture. Antinociception could be transiently boosted with additional substrate (AMP) or transiently blocked with an A₁R antagonist or an inhibitor of phospholipase C. This novel therapeutic approach—which we term “PAPupuncture”—locally inhibits pain for an extended period of time (100x acupuncture), exploits a molecular mechanism that is common to acupuncture, yet does not require acupuncture needle stimulation.

Secretion and N-linked glycosylation are required for prostatic acid phosphatase catalytic and antinociceptive activity

Secretory human prostatic acid phosphatase (hPAP) is glycosylated at three asparagine residues (N62, N188, N301) and has potent antinociceptive effects when administered to mice. Currently, it is unknown if these N-linked residues are required for hPAP protein stability and activity in vitro or in animal models of chronic pain. Here, we expressed wild-type hPAP and a series of Asn to Gln point mutations in the yeast Pichia pastoris X33 then analyzed protein levels and enzyme activity in cell lysates and in conditioned media. Pichia secreted wild-type recombinant (r)-hPAP into the media (6-7 mg protein/L). This protein was as active as native hPAP in biochemical assays and in mouse models of inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain. In contrast, the N62Q and N188Q single mutants and the N62Q, N188Q double mutant were expressed at lower levels and were less active than wild-type r-hPAP. The purified N62Q, N188Q double mutant protein was also 1.9 fold less active in vivo. The N301Q mutant was not expressed, suggesting a critical role for this residue in protein stability. To explicitly test the importance of secretion, a construct lacking the signal peptide of hPAP was expressed in Pichia and assayed. This "cellular" construct was not expressed at levels detectable by western blotting. Taken together, these data indicate that secretion and post-translational carbohydrate modifications are required for PAP protein stability and catalytic activity. Moreover, our findings indicate that recombinant hPAP can be produced in Pichia--a yeast strain that is used to generate biologics for therapeutic purposes.

Adenosine enhances sweet taste through A2B receptors in the taste bud

Mammalian taste buds use ATP as a neurotransmitter. Taste Receptor (type II) cells secrete ATP via gap junction hemichannels into the narrow extracellular spaces within a taste bud. This ATP excites primary sensory afferent fibers and also stimulates neighboring taste bud cells. Here we show that extracellular ATP is enzymatically degraded to adenosine within mouse vallate taste buds and that this nucleoside acts as an autocrine neuromodulator to selectively enhance sweet taste. In Receptor cells in a lingual slice preparation, Ca(2+) mobilization evoked by focally applied artificial sweeteners was significantly enhanced by adenosine (50 μM). Adenosine had no effect on bitter or umami taste responses, and the nucleoside did not affect Presynaptic (type III) taste cells. We also used biosensor cells to measure transmitter release from isolated taste buds. Adenosine (5 μM) enhanced ATP release evoked by sweet but not bitter taste stimuli. Using single-cell reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR on isolated vallate taste cells, we show that many Receptor cells express the adenosine receptor, Adora2b, while Presynaptic (type III) and Glial-like (type I) cells seldom do. Furthermore, Adora2b receptors are significantly associated with expression of the sweet taste receptor subunit, Tas1r2. Adenosine is generated during taste stimulation mainly by the action of the ecto-5'-nucleotidase, NT5E, and to a lesser extent, prostatic acid phosphatase. Both these ecto-nucleotidases are expressed by Presynaptic cells, as shown by single-cell RT-PCR, enzyme histochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Our findings suggest that ATP released during taste reception is degraded to adenosine to exert positive modulation particularly on sweet taste.

Purines as potential morphogens during embryonic development

Components of purinergic signalling are expressed in the early embryo raising the possibility that ATP, ADP and adenosine may contribute to the mechanisms of embryonic development. We summarize the available data from four developmental models—mouse, chick, Xenopus and zebrafish. While there are some notable examples where purinergic signalling is indeed important during development, e.g. development of the eye in the frog, it is puzzling that deletion of single components of purinergic signalling often results in rather minor developmental phenotypes. We suggest that a key step in further analysis is to perform combinatorial alterations of expression of purinergic signalling components to uncover their roles in development. We introduce the concept that purinergic signalling could create novel morphogenetic fields to encode spatial location via the concentration of ATP, ADP and adenosine. We show that using minimal assumptions and the known properties of the ectonucleotidases, complex spatial patterns of ATP and adenosine can be set up. These patterns may provide a new way to assess the potential of purinergic signalling in developmental processes.

Adenosine enhances sweet taste through A2B receptors in the taste bud

Mammalian taste buds use ATP as a neurotransmitter. Taste Receptor (type II) cells secrete ATP via gap junction hemichannels into the narrow extracellular spaces within a taste bud. This ATP excites primary sensory afferent fibers and also stimulates neighboring taste bud cells. Here we show that extracellular ATP is enzymatically degraded to adenosine within mouse vallate taste buds and that this nucleoside acts as an autocrine neuromodulator to selectively enhance sweet taste. In Receptor cells in a lingual slice preparation, Ca(2+) mobilization evoked by focally applied artificial sweeteners was significantly enhanced by adenosine (50 μM). Adenosine had no effect on bitter or umami taste responses, and the nucleoside did not affect Presynaptic (type III) taste cells. We also used biosensor cells to measure transmitter release from isolated taste buds. Adenosine (5 μM) enhanced ATP release evoked by sweet but not bitter taste stimuli. Using single-cell reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR on isolated vallate taste cells, we show that many Receptor cells express the adenosine receptor, Adora2b, while Presynaptic (type III) and Glial-like (type I) cells seldom do. Furthermore, Adora2b receptors are significantly associated with expression of the sweet taste receptor subunit, Tas1r2. Adenosine is generated during taste stimulation mainly by the action of the ecto-5'-nucleotidase, NT5E, and to a lesser extent, prostatic acid phosphatase. Both these ecto-nucleotidases are expressed by Presynaptic cells, as shown by single-cell RT-PCR, enzyme histochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Our findings suggest that ATP released during taste reception is degraded to adenosine to exert positive modulation particularly on sweet taste.

AMP is an adenosine A1 receptor agonist

Numerous receptors for ATP, ADP, and adenosine exist; however, it is currently unknown whether a receptor for the related nucleotide adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) exists. Using a novel cell-based assay to visualize adenosine receptor activation in real time, we found that AMP and a non-hydrolyzable AMP analog (deoxyadenosine 5'-monophosphonate, ACP) directly activated the adenosine A(1) receptor (A(1)R). In contrast, AMP only activated the adenosine A(2B) receptor (A(2B)R) after hydrolysis to adenosine by ecto-5'-nucleotidase (NT5E, CD73) or prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP, ACPP). Adenosine and AMP were equipotent human A(1)R agonists in our real-time assay and in a cAMP accumulation assay. ACP also depressed cAMP levels in mouse cortical neurons through activation of endogenous A(1)R. Non-selective purinergic receptor antagonists (pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid and suramin) did not block adenosine- or AMP-evoked activation. Moreover, mutation of His-251 in the human A(1)R ligand binding pocket reduced AMP potency without affecting adenosine potency. In contrast, mutation of a different binding pocket residue (His-278) eliminated responses to AMP and to adenosine. Taken together, our study indicates that the physiologically relevant nucleotide AMP is a full agonist of A(1)R. In addition, our study suggests that some of the physiological effects of AMP may be direct, and not indirect through ectonucleotidases that hydrolyze this nucleotide to adenosine.

Histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid suppresses the growth and increases the androgen responsiveness of prostate cancer cells

We identified the molecular target by histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors for exploring their potential prostate cancer (PCa) therapy. Upon HDAC inhibitors-treatment, LNCaP cell growth was suppressed, correlating with increased cellular prostatic acid phosphatase (cPAcP) expression, an authentic protein tyrosine phosphatase. In those cells, ErbB-2 was dephosphorylated, histone H3/H4 acetylation and methylation increased and cyclin proteins decreased. In PAcP shRNA-transfected C-81 cells, valproic acid (VPA) efficacy of growth suppression was diminished. Further, VPA pre-treatment enhanced androgen responsiveness of C-81, C4-2 and MDA PCa2b-AI cells. Thus, cPAcP expression is involved in growth suppression by HDAC inhibitors in PCa cells, and VPA pre-treatments increase androgen responsiveness.

PAP and NT5E inhibit nociceptive neurotransmission by rapidly hydrolyzing nucleotides to adenosine

Background

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and ecto-5'-nucleotidase (NT5E, CD73) produce extracellular adenosine from the nucleotide AMP in spinal nociceptive (pain-sensing) circuits; however, it is currently unknown if these are the main ectonucleotidases that generate adenosine or how rapidly they generate adenosine.

Results

We found that AMP hydrolysis, when measured histochemically, was nearly abolished in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and lamina II of spinal cord from Pap/Nt5e double knockout (dKO) mice. Likewise, the antinociceptive effects of AMP, when combined with nucleoside transport inhibitors (dipyridamole or 5-iodotubericidin), were reduced by 80-100% in dKO mice. In addition, we used fast scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) to measure adenosine production at subsecond resolution within lamina II. Adenosine was maximally produced within seconds from AMP in wild-type (WT) mice but production was reduced >50% in dKO mice, indicating PAP and NT5E rapidly generate adenosine in lamina II. Unexpectedly, we also detected spontaneous low frequency adenosine transients in lamina II with FSCV. Adenosine transients were of short duration (<2 s) and were reduced (>60%) in frequency in Pap^-/-, Nt5e^-/- and dKO mice, suggesting these ectonucleotidases rapidly hydrolyze endogenously released nucleotides to adenosine. Field potential recordings in lamina II and behavioral studies indicate that adenosine made by these enzymes acts through the adenosine A₁ receptor to inhibit excitatory neurotransmission and nociception.

Conclusions

Collectively, our experiments indicate that PAP and NT5E are the main ectonucleotidases that generate adenosine in nociceptive circuits and indicate these enzymes transform pulsatile or sustained nucleotide release into an inhibitory adenosinergic signal.

Intracerebroventricular injection of human prostatic acid phosphatase has potent neuroprotective effects against transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats

Though the potential use of adenosine as a neuroprotective agent has long been realized, there are currently no adenosine-based therapies for the prevention or treatment of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), an enzyme that has long served as a diagnostic marker for prostate cancer, has been recently demonstrated to exhibit ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity, and dephosphorylate endogenous extracellular AMP to adenosine. We therefore tested the hypothesis that PAP has sustained and potent neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia in the rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion. We found that hPAP produced significant neuroprotection against focal cerebral ischemia, as evident from significant reduction in cerebral infarction and neurological deficits. The therapeutic time window for hPAP in rat focal cerebral ischemia model was limited from 6 h before ischemia to 1.5 h after reperfusion. The present study suggested that PAP is a potential candidate for the prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemic injury, especially during perioperative period.

Impact of ectoenzymes on p2 and p1 receptor signaling

P2 receptors that are activated by extracellular nucleotides (e.g., ATP, ADP, UTP, UDP, Ap(n)A) and P1 receptors activated by adenosine control a diversity of biological processes. The activation of these receptors is tightly regulated by ectoenzymes that metabolize their ligands. This review presents these enzymes as well as their roles in the regulation of P2 and P1 receptor activation. We focus specifically on the role of ectoenzymes in processes of our interest, that is, inflammation, vascular tone, and neurotransmission. An update on the development of ectonucleotidase inhibitors is also presented.

Distribution of ecto-nucleotidases in mouse sensory circuits suggests roles for nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-3 in nociception and mechanoreception

Nucleotide-activated P2X channels and P2Y metabotropic receptors participate in nociceptive signaling. Agonist availability is regulated by nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (NTPDase1), -2, -3, and -8, a family of enzymes that hydrolyze extracellular ATP to generate ADP (a P2Y agonist) and AMP. They provide a major source of extracellular AMP, the substrate for adenosine production by ecto-5'-nucleotidase (NT5E), and thereby regulate adenosine (P1) receptor signaling. NTPDases vary in their efficiency of tri- and diphosphate hydrolysis; therefore, which family members are expressed impacts nucleotide availability and half-life. This study employed enzyme activity histochemistry to examine the distribution of ATPase activity and immunohistochemistry for NTPDase1, 2, 3, and 8 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord. Nucleotidase activity was robust in spinal dorsal horn, confirming that nociceptive pathways are a major site of nucleotide transmission. In DRG, extensive staining revealed ATPase activity in a subset of neurons and in non-neuronal cells. mRNA for NTPDase1-3, but not NTPDase8, was detected in lumbar DRG and spinal cord. Immunoreactivity for NTPDase3 closely matched the distribution of ATPase activity, labeling DRG central projections in the dorsal root and superficial dorsal horn, as well as intrinsic spinal neurons concentrated in lamina II. In DRG, NTPDase3 co-localized with markers of nociceptors and with NT5E. In addition, labeling of a subset of larger-diameter neurons in DRG was consistent with intense staining of Meissner corpuscle afferents in glabrous skin. Merkel cells and terminal Schwann cells of hair follicle afferents were also labeled, but the axons themselves were negative. We propose that NTPDase3 is a key regulator of nociceptive signaling that also makes an unexpected contribution to innocuous tactile sensation.

Pain-relieving prospects for adenosine receptors and ectonucleotidases

Adenosine receptor agonists have potent antinociceptive effects in diverse preclinical models of chronic pain. By contrast, the efficacy of adenosine and adenosine receptor agonists in treating pain in humans is unclear. Two ectonucleotidases that generate adenosine in nociceptive neurons were recently identified. When injected spinally, these enzymes have long-lasting adenosine A(1) receptor-dependent antinociceptive effects in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. Furthermore, recent findings indicate that spinal adenosine A(2A) receptor activation can enduringly inhibit neuropathic pain symptoms. Collectively, these studies suggest the possibility of treating chronic pain in humans by targeting specific adenosine receptor subtypes in anatomically defined regions with agonists or with ectonucleotidases that generate adenosine.

Structural and functional analysis of human prostatic acid phosphatase

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is the most abundant phosphatase in human prostate tissue/secretions. It is a clinically important protein for its relevance as a biomarker of prostate carcinoma. Furthermore, it has a potential role in fertilization. We describe here most of the features of PAP including gene regulation, gene/protein structure, functions, its role in tumor progression and evolutionary features. PAP has phosphatase activity and is an extensively studied biomarker of prostate cancer. The major action of PAP is to dephosphorylate macromolecules with the help of catalytic residues (His(12) and Asp(258)) that are located in the cleft between two domains. This article will be of great interest to all those scientists who are working in the area of prostate pathophysiology.

Interactions between the immune and nervous systems in pain

Immune cells and glia interact with neurons to alter pain sensitivity and to mediate the transition from acute to chronic pain. In response to injury, resident immune cells are activated and blood-borne immune cells are recruited to the site of injury. Immune cells not only contribute to immune protection but also initiate the sensitization of peripheral nociceptors. Through the synthesis and release of inflammatory mediators and interactions with neurotransmitters and their receptors, the immune cells, glia and neurons form an integrated network that coordinates immune responses and modulates the excitability of pain pathways. The immune system also reduces sensitization by producing immune-derived analgesic and anti-inflammatory or proresolution agents. A greater understanding of the role of the immune system in pain processing and modulation reveals potential targets for analgesic drug development and new therapeutic opportunities for managing chronic pain.

Central mechanisms of pathological pain

Chronic pain is a major challenge to clinical practice and basic science. The peripheral and central neural networks that mediate nociception show extensive plasticity in pathological disease states. Disease-induced plasticity can occur at both structural and functional levels and is manifest as changes in individual molecules, synapses, cellular function and network activity. Recent work has yielded a better understanding of communication within the neural matrix of physiological pain and has also brought important advances in concepts of injury-induced hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia and how these might contribute to the complex, multidimensional state of chronic pain. This review focuses on the molecular determinants of network plasticity in the central nervous system (CNS) and discusses their relevance to the development of new therapeutic approaches.

Prostatic acid phosphatase reduces thermal sensitivity and chronic pain sensitization by depleting phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is expressed in nociceptive dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, functions as an ectonucleotidase, and generates adenosine extracellularly. Here, we found that PAP inhibits noxious thermal sensitivity and sensitization that is associated with chronic pain through sustained activation of the adenosine A(1) receptor (A(1)R) and phospholipase C-mediated depletion of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)). In mice, intrathecal injection of PAP reduced PIP(2) levels in DRGs, inhibited thermosensation through TRPV1, and enduringly reduced thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia caused by inflammation, nerve injury, and pronociceptive receptor activation. This included inhibitory effects on lysophosphatidic acid, purinergic (ATP), bradykinin, and protease-activated (thrombin) receptors. Conversely, PIP(2) levels were significantly elevated in DRGs from Pap(-/-) mice, and this correlated with enhanced thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in Pap(-/-) mice. To directly test the importance of PIP(2) in nociception, we intrathecally injected PIP(2) into mice. This transiently (2 h) elevated PIP(2) levels in lumbar DRGs and transiently (2 h) enhanced thermosensation. Additionally, thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were enduringly enhanced when PIP(2) levels were elevated coincident with injury/pronociceptive receptor stimulation. Nociceptive sensitization was not affected if PIP(2) levels were elevated in the absence of ongoing pronociceptive receptor stimulation. Together, our data suggest that PIP(2) levels in DRGs directly influence thermosensation and the magnitude of nociceptive sensitization. Moreover, our data suggest there is an underlying "phosphoinositide tone" that can be manipulated by an adenosine-generating ectonucleotidase. This tone regulates how effectively acute nociceptive insults promote the transition to chronic pain.

Adenosine A1 receptors mediate local anti-nociceptive effects of acupuncture

Acupuncture is an invasive procedure commonly used to relieve pain. Acupuncture is practiced worldwide, despite difficulties in reconciling its principles with evidence-based medicine. We found that adenosine, a neuromodulator with anti-nociceptive properties, was released during acupuncture in mice and that its anti-nociceptive actions required adenosine A1 receptor expression. Direct injection of an adenosine A1 receptor agonist replicated the analgesic effect of acupuncture. Inhibition of enzymes involved in adenosine degradation potentiated the acupuncture-elicited increase in adenosine, as well as its anti-nociceptive effect. These observations indicate that adenosine mediates the effects of acupuncture and that interfering with adenosine metabolism may prolong the clinical benefit of acupuncture.

Human prostatic acid phosphatase, an authentic tyrosine phosphatase, dephosphorylates ErbB-2 and regulates prostate cancer cell growth

Cellular prostatic acid phosphatase (cPAcP), an authentic tyrosine phosphatase, is proposed to function as a negative growth regulator of prostate cancer (PCa) cells in part through its dephosphorylation of ErbB-2. Nevertheless, the direct interaction between cPAcP and ErbB-2 has not been shown nor the specific dephosphorylation site of ErbB-2 by cPAcP. In this report, our data show that the phosphorylation level of ErbB-2 primarily at Tyr(1221/2) correlates with the growth rate of both LNCaP and MDA PCa2b human PCa cells. Further, cPAcP reciprocally co-immunoprecipitated with ErbB-2 in a non-permissive growth condition. Expression of wild type cPAcP, but not inactive mutant, by cDNA in cPAcP-null LNCaP C-81 cells results in decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of ErbB-2 including Tyr(1221/2). Concurrently, Tyr(317) phosphorylation of p52(Shc), proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression, and cell growth are decreased in these cells. Conversely, decreased cPAcP expression by short hairpin RNA in LNCaP C-33 cells was associated with elevated phosphorylation of ErbB-2 initially at Tyr(1221/2). Its downstream p52(Shc), ERK1/2, Akt, Src, STAT-3, and STAT-5 were activated, and cell proliferation, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and cyclin D1 expression were increased. Stable subclones of C-33 cells by small interfering PAcP had elevated Tyr(1221/2) phosphorylation of ErbB-2 and exhibited androgen-independent growth and increased tumorigenicity in xenograft female animals. In summary, our data together indicate that in prostate epithelia, cPAcP interacts with and dephosphorylates ErbB-2 primarily at Tyr(1221/2) and hence blocks downstream signaling, leading to reduced cell growth. In PCa cells, decreased cPAcP expression is associated with androgen-independent cell proliferation and tumorigenicity as seen in advanced hormone-refractory prostate carcinomas.

RET signaling is required for survival and normal function of nonpeptidergic nociceptors

Small unmyelinated sensory neurons classified as nociceptors are divided into two subpopulations based on phenotypic differences, including expression of neurotrophic factor receptors. Approximately half of unmyelinated nociceptors express the NGF receptor TrkA, and half express the GDNF family ligand (GFL) receptor Ret. The function of NGF/TrkA signaling in the TrkA population of nociceptors has been extensively studied, and NGF/TrkA signaling is a well established mediator of pain. The GFLs are analgesic in models of neuropathic pain emphasizing the importance of understanding the physiological function of GFL/Ret signaling in nociceptors. However, perinatal lethality of Ret-null mice has precluded the study of the physiological role of GFL/Ret signaling in the survival, maintenance, and function of nociceptors in viable mice. We deleted Ret exclusively in nociceptors by crossing nociceptor-specific Na(v)1.8 Cre and Ret conditional mice to produce Ret-Na(v)1.8 conditional knock-out (CKO) mice. Loss of Ret exclusively in nociceptors results in a reduction in nociceptor number and size, indicating that Ret signaling is important for the survival and trophic support of these cells. Ret-Na(v)1.8 CKO mice exhibit reduced epidermal innervation but normal central projections. In addition, Ret-Na(v)1.8 CKO mice have increased sensitivity to cold and increased formalin-induced pain, demonstrating that Ret signaling modulates the function of nociceptors in vivo. Enhanced inflammation-induced pain may be mediated by decreased prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), as PAP levels are markedly reduced in Ret-Na(v)1.8 CKO mice. The results of this study identify the physiological role of endogenous Ret signaling in the survival and function of nociceptors.

Recombinant ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) has long lasting antinociceptive effects that are dependent on adenosine A1 receptor activation

BACKGROUND

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (NT5E, also known as CD73) hydrolyzes extracellular adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) to adenosine in nociceptive circuits. Since adenosine has antinociceptive effects in rodents and humans, we hypothesized that NT5E, an enzyme that generates adenosine, might also have antinociceptive effects in vivo.

RESULTS

To test this hypothesis, we purified a soluble version of mouse NT5E (mNT5E) using the baculovirus expression system. Recombinant mNT5E hydrolyzed AMP in biochemical assays and was inhibited by alpha,beta-methylene-adenosine 5'-diphosphate (alpha,beta-me-ADP; IC50 = 0.43 microM), a selective inhibitor of NT5E. mNT5E exhibited a dose-dependent thermal antinociceptive effect that lasted for two days when injected intrathecally in wild-type mice. In addition, mNT5E had thermal antihyperalgesic and mechanical antiallodynic effects that lasted for two days in the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) model of inflammatory pain and the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain. In contrast, mNT5E had no antinociceptive effects when injected intrathecally into adenosine A1 receptor (A1R, Adora1) knockout mice.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that the long lasting antinociceptive effects of mNT5E are due to hydrolysis of AMP followed by activation of A1R. Moreover, our data suggest recombinant NT5E could be used to treat chronic pain and to study many other physiological processes that are regulated by NT5E.

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) inhibits nociception by hydrolyzing AMP to adenosine in nociceptive circuits

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase (NT5E, CD73) is a membrane-anchored protein that hydrolyzes extracellular adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) to adenosine in diverse tissues but has not been directly studied in nociceptive neurons. We found that NT5E was located on peptidergic and nonpeptidergic nociceptive neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and on axon terminals in lamina II (the substantia gelatinosa) of spinal cord. NT5E was also located on epidermal keratinocytes, cells of the dermis, and on nociceptive axon terminals in the epidermis. Following nerve injury, NT5E protein and AMP histochemical staining were coordinately reduced in lamina II. In addition, AMP hydrolytic activity was reduced in DRG neurons and spinal cord of Nt5e(-/-) mice. The antinociceptive effects of AMP, when combined with the adenosine kinase inhibitor 5-iodotubericidin, were reduced by approximately 50% in Nt5e(-/-) mice and were eliminated in Adenosine A(1) receptor (A(1)R, Adora1) knock-out mice. Additionally, Nt5e(-/-) mice displayed enhanced sensitivity in the tail immersion assay, in the complete Freund's adjuvant model of inflammatory pain and in the spared nerve injury model of neuropathic pain. Collectively, our data indicate that the ectonucleotidase NT5E regulates nociception by hydrolyzing AMP to adenosine in nociceptive circuits and represents a new molecular target for the treatment of chronic pain. Moreover, our data suggest NT5E is well localized to regulate nucleotide signaling between skin cells and sensory axons.

Spinal inhibitory neurotransmission in neuropathic pain

Nerve injury increases the spinal cord expression and/or activity of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels, peptide receptors, and neuroimmune factors, which then drive dorsal horn neuron hyperexcitability. The intensity and duration of this central sensitization is determined by the net activity of local excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitter systems, together with ongoing/evoked primary afferent activity and descending supraspinal control. Spinal endogenous inhibitory systems serve as opposing compensatory influences and are gaining recognition for their powerful capacity to restrain allodynia and hyperalgesia. These include numerous G protein-coupled receptors (mu- and delta-opioid, alpha(2)-adrenergic, purinergic A1, neuropeptide Y1 and Y2, cannabinoid CB1 and CB2, muscarinic M2, gamma-amino-butyric acid type B, metabotropic glutamate type II-III, somatostatin) and perhaps nuclear receptors (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma). Excessive downregulation or defective compensatory upregulation of these systems may contribute to the maintenance of neuropathic pain. An increasing number of pharmacotherapeutic strategies for neuropathic pain are emerging that mimic and enhance inhibitory neurotransmission in the dorsal horn.

Prostatic acid phosphatase is expressed in peptidergic and nonpeptidergic nociceptive neurons of mice and rats

Thiamine monophosphatase (TMPase, also known as Fluoride-resistant acid phosphatase or FRAP) is a classic histochemical marker of small- to medium-diameter dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and has primarily been studied in the rat. Previously, we found that TMPase was molecularly identical to Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) using mice. In addition, PAP was expressed in a majority of nonpeptidergic, isolectin B4-binding (IB4⁺) nociceptive neurons and a subset of peptidergic, calcitonin gene-related peptide-containing (CGRP⁺) nociceptive neurons. At the time, we were unable to determine if PAP was present in rat DRG neurons because the antibody we used did not cross-react with PAP in rat tissues. In our present study, we generated a chicken polyclonal antibody against the secretory isoform of mouse PAP. This antibody detects mouse, rat and human PAP protein on western blots. Additionally, this antibody detects PAP in mouse and rat small- to medium-diameter DRG neurons and axon terminals in lamina II of spinal cord. In the rat, 92.5% of all PAP⁺ cells bind the nonpeptidergic marker IB4 and 31.8% of all PAP⁺ cells contain the peptidergic marker CGRP. Although PAP is found in peptidergic and nonpeptidergic neurons of mice and rats, the percentage of PAP⁺ neurons that express these markers differs between species. Moreover, PAP⁺ axon terminals in the rat partially overlap with Protein kinase Cγ (PKCγ⁺) interneurons in dorsal spinal cord whereas PAP⁺ axon terminals in the mouse terminate dorsal to PKCγ⁺ interneurons. Collectively, our studies highlight similarities and differences in PAP localization within nociceptive neurons of mice and rats.

Nucleoside-5'-monophosphates as prodrugs of adenosine A2A receptor agonists activated by ecto-5'-nucleotidase

Prodrugs of adenosine A(2A) receptor agonists were developed that are activated by ecto-5'-nucleotidase (ecto-5'-NT, CD73). Because ecto-5'-NT is upregulated in inflamed tissue, the A(2A) agonists are expected to be released from their prodrug form at the sites of inflammation. 2-(Ar)alkyl-substituted AMP derivatives were synthesized and investigated. Certain 2-substituted AMP derivatives, including 2-hexylthio-AMP, 2-cyclopentylthio-AMP, 2-cyclohexylmethylthio-AMP, and 2-cyclohexylethylthio-AMP were accepted as substrates by ecto-5'-NT and readily converted to the corresponding 2-substituted adenosine derivatives. The 2-cyclohexylethylthio substitution was a good compromise between the requirements of the ecto-5'-NT and the adenosine A(2A) receptor. The corresponding AMP derivative (12g) was a similarly good substrate as AMP itself, while the resulting adenosine derivative (11g) was a relatively potent A(2A) agonist (radioligand binding to rat brain striatal membranes: K(i) = 372 nM; inhibition of anti-CD3/anti-CD28-induced IFN-gamma release in mouse CD4+ cells: EC(50) = 50 nM). Compound 11g was released from 12g by incubation with CD4+ cells isolated from wild-type mice but only to a much smaller extent by cells from ecto-5'-NT knockout mice. Compound 12g will be a new lead structure for the development of more potent and selective ecto-5'-NT-activated prodrugs of selective anti-inflammatory A(2A) receptor agonists.

Mrgprd-expressing polymodal nociceptive neurons innervate most known classes of substantia gelatinosa neurons

The Mas-related G-protein-coupled receptor D (Mrgprd) marks a distinct subset of sensory neurons that transmit polymodal nociceptive information from the skin epidermis to the substantia gelatinosa (SG, lamina II) of the spinal cord. Moreover, Mrgprd-expressing (Mrgprd(+)) neurons are required for the full expression of mechanical but not thermal nociception. While such anatomical and functional specificity suggests Mrgprd(+) neurons might synapse with specific postsynaptic targets in the SG, precisely how Mrgprd(+) neurons interface with spinal circuits is currently unknown. To study circuit connectivity, we genetically targeted the light-activated ion channel Channelrhodopsin-2-Venus (ChR2-Venus) to the Mrgprd locus. In these knock-in mice, ChR2-Venus was localized to nonpeptidergic Mrgprd(+) neurons and axons, while peptidergic CGRP(+) neurons were not significantly labeled. Dissociated Mrgprd(+) DRG neurons from mice expressing one or two copies of ChR2-Venus could be activated in vitro as evidenced by light-evoked currents and action potentials. In addition, illumination of Mrgprd-ChR2-Venus(+) axon terminals in spinal cord slices evoked EPSCs in half of all SG neurons. Within this subset, Mrgprd(+) neurons were monosynaptically connected to most known classes of SG neurons, including radial, tonic central, transient central, vertical, and antenna cells. This cellular diversity ruled out the possibility that Mrgprd(+) neurons innervate a dedicated class of SG neuron. Our findings set broad constraints on the types of spinal neurons that process afferent input from Mrgprd(+) polymodal nociceptors.

Crystal Structures of the histidine acid phosphatase from Francisella tularensis provide insight into substrate recognition

Histidine acid phosphatases catalyze the transfer of a phosphoryl group from phosphomonoesters to water at acidic pH using an active-site histidine. The histidine acid phosphatase from the category A pathogen Francisella tularensis (FtHAP) has been implicated in intramacrophage survival and virulence, motivating interest in understanding the structure and mechanism of this enzyme. Here, we report a structure-based study of ligand recognition by FtHAP. The 1.70-A-resolution structure of FtHAP complexed with the competitive inhibitor l(+)-tartrate was solved using single-wavelength anomalous diffraction phasing. Structures of the ligand-free enzyme and the complex with inorganic phosphate were determined at resolutions of 1.85 and 1.70 A, respectively. The structure of the Asp261Ala mutant enzyme complexed with the substrate 3'-AMP was determined at 1.50 A resolution to gain insight into substrate recognition. FtHAP exhibits a two-domain fold similar to that of human prostatic acid phosphatase, consisting of an alpha/beta core domain and a smaller domain that caps the core domain. The structures show that the core domain supplies the phosphoryl binding site, catalytic histidine (His17), and an aspartic acid residue (Asp261) that protonates the leaving group, while the cap domain contributes residues that enforce substrate preference. FtHAP and human prostatic acid phosphatase differ in the orientation of the crucial first helix of the cap domain, implying differences in the substrate preferences of the two enzymes. 3'-AMP binds in one end of a 15-A-long tunnel, with the adenine clamped between Phe23 and Tyr135, and the ribose 2'-hydroxyl interacting with Gln132. The importance of the clamp is confirmed with site-directed mutagenesis; mutation of Phe23 and Tyr135 individually to Ala increases K(m) by factors of 7 and 10, respectively. The structural data are consistent with a role for FtHAP in scavenging phosphate from small molecules present in host macrophage cells.

A novel protein found in the I bands of myofibrils is produced by alternative splicing of the DLST gene

BACKGROUND

It is not known if the dihydrolipoamide succinyltransferase (DLST) gene, a mitochondrial protein, undergoes alternative splicing. We identified an uncharacterized protein reacting with an anti-DLST antibody in the I bands of myofibrils in rat skeletal muscle.

METHODS

Immunocytochemical staining with an anti-DLST antibody, the purification and amino acid sequence analysis of the protein, and the isolation and sequencing of the protein's cDNA were carried out to clarify the properties of the protein and its relationship to the DLST gene.

RESULTS

A pyrophosphate concentration >10 mM was necessary to extract the protein from myofibrils in the presence of salt with a higher concentration than 0.6 M, at an alkaline pH of 7.5-8.0. The protein corresponded to the amino acid sequence of the C-terminal side of DLST. The cDNAs for this protein were splicing variants of the DLST gene, with deletions of both exons 2 and 3, or only exon 2 or 3. These variants possessed an open reading frame from an initiation codon in exon 8 of the DLST gene to a termination codon in exon 15, generating a protein with a molecular weight of 30 kDa.

CONCLUSIONS

The DLST gene undergoes alternative splicing, generating the protein isolated from the I bands of myofibrils.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The DLST gene produces two different proteins with quite different functions via alternative splicing.

Mrgprd enhances excitability in specific populations of cutaneous murine polymodal nociceptors

The Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor D (Mrgprd) is selectively expressed in nonpeptidergic nociceptors that innervate the outer layers of mammalian skin. The function of Mrgprd in nociceptive neurons and the physiologically relevant somatosensory stimuli that activate Mrgprd-expressing (Mrgprd(+)) neurons are currently unknown. To address these issues, we studied three Mrgprd knock-in mouse lines using an ex vivo somatosensory preparation to examine the role of the Mrgprd receptor and Mrgprd(+) afferents in cutaneous somatosensation. In mouse hairy skin, Mrgprd, as marked by expression of green fluorescent protein reporters, was expressed predominantly in the population of nonpeptidergic, TRPV1-negative, C-polymodal nociceptors. In mice lacking Mrgprd, this population of nociceptors exhibited decreased sensitivity to cold, heat, and mechanical stimuli. Additionally, in vitro patch-clamp studies were performed on cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons from Mrgprd(-/-) and Mrgprd(+/-) mice. These studies revealed a higher rheobase in neurons from Mrgprd(-/-) mice than from Mrgprd(+/-) mice. Furthermore, the application of the Mrgprd ligand beta-alanine significantly reduced the rheobase and increased the firing rate in neurons from Mrgprd(+/-) mice but was without effect in neurons from Mrgprd(-/-) mice. Our results demonstrate that Mrgprd influences the excitability of polymodal nonpeptidergic nociceptors to mechanical and thermal stimuli.

A high throughput assay to identify small molecule modulators of prostatic acid phosphatase

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is expressed in nociceptive neurons and functions as an ectonucleotidase. Injection of the secretory isoform of PAP has potent antinociceptive effects in mouse models of chronic pain. These data suggested that a small molecule activator of PAP may have utility as a novel therapeutic for chronic pain, while inhibitors could be used to acutely inhibit PAP in vitro and in vivo. To identify small molecule modulators of PAP activity, we validated a high throughput, fluorescence-based biochemical assay and then used this assay to screen a compound library. We decreased the frequency of false positive activators by subtracting compound fluorescence from the final assay fluorescence. This approach significantly reduced the number of false positive activators found in the screen. While no activators were confirmed, seven novel inhibitors of PAP were identified. Our results suggest this high throughput assay could be used to identify small molecule modulators of PAP activity.

Revisiting histidine-dependent acid phosphatases: a distinct group of tyrosine phosphatases

Although classical protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) superfamily members are cysteine-dependent, emerging evidence shows that many acid phosphatases (AcPs) function as histidine-dependent PTPs in vivo. These AcPs dephosphorylate phospho-tyrosine substrates intracellularly and could have roles in development and disease. In contrast to cysteine-dependent PTPs, they utilize histidine, rather than cysteine, for substrate dephosphorylation. Structural analyses reveal that active site histidine, but not cysteine, faces towards the substrate and functions as the phosphate acceptor. Nonetheless, during dephosphorylation, both histidine-dependent and cysteine-dependent PTPs use their active site arginine and aspartate for substrate binding and proton donation, respectively. Thus, we propose that they should be referred to as a distinct group of 'histidine-dependent PTPs' within the PTP superfamily.

Prostatic acid phosphatase, a neglected ectonucleotidase

Two recent papers reveal that the soluble and secreted prostatic acid phosphatase, an enzyme that has long served as a diagnostic marker for prostate cancer, has a membrane-bound splice variant. This enzyme exhibits ecto-5'-nucleotidase activity, is widely distributed, and implicated in the formation of chronic pain. While prostatic acid phosphatase hydrolyzes phosphomonoesters other than 5'-nucleoside monophosphates these novel data suggest that, in addition to ecto-5'-nucleotidase and the alkaline phosphatases, prostatic acid phosphatase must be taken into account in future studies on extracellular adenosine production.

Recombinant mouse PAP has pH-dependent ectonucleotidase activity and acts through A(1)-adenosine receptors to mediate antinociception

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is expressed in nociceptive neurons and functions as an ectonucleotidase. When injected intraspinally, the secretory isoforms of human and bovine PAP protein have potent and long-lasting antinociceptive effects that are dependent on A₁-adenosine receptor (A₁R) activation. In this study, we purified the secretory isoform of mouse (m)PAP using the baculovirus expression system to determine if recombinant mPAP also had antinociceptive properties. We found that mPAP dephosphorylated AMP, and to a much lesser extent, ADP at neutral pH (pH 7.0). In contrast, mPAP dephosphorylated all purine nucleotides (AMP, ADP, ATP) at an acidic pH (pH 5.6). The transmembrane isoform of mPAP had similar pH-dependent ectonucleotidase activity. A single intraspinal injection of mPAP protein had long-lasting (three day) antinociceptive properties, including antihyperalgesic and antiallodynic effects in the Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) inflammatory pain model. These antinociceptive effects were transiently blocked by the A₁R antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine (CPX), suggesting mPAP dephosphorylates nucleotides to adenosine to mediate antinociception just like human and bovine PAP. Our studies indicate that PAP has species-conserved antinociceptive effects and has pH-dependent ectonucleotidase activity. The ability to metabolize nucleotides in a pH-dependent manner could be relevant to conditions like inflammation where tissue acidosis and nucleotide release occur. Lastly, our studies demonstrate that recombinant PAP protein can be used to treat chronic pain in animal models.