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Su Y, Verkhratsky A, Yi C. Targeting connexins: possible game changer in managing neuropathic pain? Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:642-659. [PMID: 38594094 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a chronic debilitating condition caused by nerve injury or a variety of diseases. At the core of neuropathic pain lies the aberrant neuronal excitability in the peripheral and/or central nervous system (PNS and CNS). Enhanced connexin expression and abnormal activation of connexin-assembled gap junctional channels are prominent in neuropathic pain along with reactive gliosis, contributing to neuronal hypersensitivity and hyperexcitability. In this review, we delve into the current understanding of how connexin expression and function contribute to the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of neuropathic pain and argue for connexins as potential therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixun Su
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Bilbao, Spain; Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania; Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Chenju Yi
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active substance screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen, China.
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2
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Khir NAM, Noh ASM, Long I, Zakaria R, Ismail CAN. Recent progress on anti-nociceptive effects of carbon monoxide releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2). Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:539-552. [PMID: 37106243 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04749-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The role of carbon monoxide (CO) has evolved albeit controversial disputes on its toxicity. This biological gasotransmitter participates in the endogenous regulation of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides released in the nervous system. Exogenous CO gas inhalation at a lower concentration has been the subject of investigations, which have revealed its biological homeostatic mechanisms and protective effects against many pathological conditions. This therapeutic procedure of CO is, however, limited due to its immediate release, which favours haemoglobin at a high affinity with the subsequent generation of toxic carboxyhaemoglobin in tissues. In order to address this problem, carbon monoxide releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2) or also known as tricarbonyldichlororuthenium II dimer is developed to liberate a controlled amount of CO in the biological systems. In this review, we examine several potential mechanisms exerted by this therapeutic compound to produce the anti-nociceptive effect that has been demonstrated in previous studies. This review could shed light on the role of CORM-2 to reduce pain, especially in cases of chronic and neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Ajilah Mohamed Khir
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- International Medical School, Management and Science University, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ain' Sabreena Mohd Noh
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Idris Long
- Biomedicine Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Rahimah Zakaria
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Che Aishah Nazariah Ismail
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
- Brain and Behaviour Cluster, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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3
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Cliff CL, Williams BM, Chadjichristos CE, Mouritzen U, Squires PE, Hills CE. Connexin 43: A Target for the Treatment of Inflammation in Secondary Complications of the Kidney and Eye in Diabetes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:600. [PMID: 35054783 PMCID: PMC8776095 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Of increasing prevalence, diabetes is characterised by elevated blood glucose and chronic inflammation that precedes the onset of multiple secondary complications, including those of the kidney and the eye. As the leading cause of end stage renal disease and blindness in the working population, more than ever is there a demand to develop clinical interventions which can both delay and prevent disease progression. Connexins are membrane bound proteins that can form pores (hemichannels) in the cell membrane. Gated by cellular stress and injury, they open under pathophysiological conditions and in doing so release 'danger signals' including adenosine triphosphate into the extracellular environment. Linked to sterile inflammation via activation of the nod-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, targeting aberrant hemichannel activity and the release of these danger signals has met with favourable outcomes in multiple models of disease, including secondary complications of diabetes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update on those studies which document a role for aberrant connexin hemichannel activity in the pathogenesis of both diabetic eye and kidney disease, ahead of evaluating the efficacy of blocking connexin-43 specific hemichannels in these target tissues on tissue health and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsy L. Cliff
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life, Sciences University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (C.L.C.); (B.M.W.); (P.E.S.)
| | - Bethany M. Williams
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life, Sciences University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (C.L.C.); (B.M.W.); (P.E.S.)
| | - Christos E. Chadjichristos
- National Institutes for Health and Medical Research, UMR-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, 4 Rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France;
| | - Ulrik Mouritzen
- Ciana Therapeutics, Ole Maaloes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark;
| | - Paul E. Squires
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life, Sciences University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (C.L.C.); (B.M.W.); (P.E.S.)
| | - Claire E. Hills
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life, Sciences University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (C.L.C.); (B.M.W.); (P.E.S.)
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4
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Li Q, Wang YQ, Chu YX. The role of connexins and pannexins in orofacial pain. Life Sci 2020; 258:118198. [PMID: 32758624 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by extensive spreading of pain, referred to as ectopic pain, which describes the phenomenon of the pain passing from the injured regions to uninjured regions. Patients with orofacial pain often show no response to commonly used analgesics, and the exact mechanism of ectopic pain remains unclear, which restricts the development of specific drugs. The present review aims to summarize the contribution of the two families of transmembrane proteins, connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs), to the induction and spreading of orofacial pain and to provide potential targets for orofacial pain treatment. Cxs and Panxs have recently been shown to play essential roles in intercellular signal propagation in sensory ganglia, and previous studies have provided evidence for the contribution of several subtypes of Cxs and Panxs in various orofacial pain models. Upregulation of the expression of Cxs and Panxs in the trigeminal ganglia is observed in most cases after trigeminal injury, and regulating their expression or activity can improve pain-like behaviors in animals. It is speculated that after trigeminal injury, pain-related signals are transmitted to adjacent neurons and satellite glial cells in the trigeminal ganglia directly through gap junctions and simultaneously through hemichannels and pannexons through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. This review highlights recent discoveries in the regulation of Cxs and Panxs in different orofacial pain models and presents a hypothetical mechanism of ectopic pain in trigeminal neuralgia. In addition, the existing problems in current research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yan-Qing Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yu-Xia Chu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Pol O. The role of carbon monoxide, heme oxygenase 1, and the Nrf2 transcription factor in the modulation of chronic pain and their interactions with opioids and cannabinoids. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:136-155. [PMID: 32820550 DOI: 10.1002/med.21726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain and its associated comorbidities are difficult to treat, even when the most potent analgesic compounds are used. Thus, research on new strategies to effectively relieve nociceptive and/or emotional disorders accompanying chronic pain is essential. Several studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of different carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (CO-RMs), inducible heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and nuclear factor-2 erythroid factor-2 (Nrf2) transcription factor activators in several models of acute and chronic pain caused by inflammation, nerve injury or diabetes. More recently, the antidepressant and/or anxiolytic effects of several Nrf2 transcription factor inducers were demonstrated in a model of chronic neuropathic pain. These effects are mainly produced by inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, glial activation, mitogen-activated protein kinases and/or phosphoinositide 3-kinase/phospho-protein kinase B phosphorylation in the peripheral and/or central nervous system. Other studies also demonstrated that the analgesic effects of opioids and cannabinoids are improved when these drugs are coadministered with CO-RMs, HO-1 or Nrf2 activators in different preclinical pain models and that these improvements are generally mediated by upregulation or prevention of the downregulation of µ-opioid receptors, δ-opioid receptors and/or cannabinoid 2 receptors in the setting of chronic pain. We reviewed all these studies as well as studies on the mechanisms of action underlying the effects of CO-RMs, HO-1, and Nrf2 activators in chronic pain. In summary, activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/carbon monoxide signaling pathway alone and/or in combination with the administration of specific analgesics is a valid strategy for the treatment of chronic pain and some associated emotional disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Pol
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Vicario N, Turnaturi R, Spitale FM, Torrisi F, Zappalà A, Gulino R, Pasquinucci L, Chiechio S, Parenti C, Parenti R. Intercellular communication and ion channels in neuropathic pain chronicization. Inflamm Res 2020; 69:841-850. [PMID: 32533221 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-020-01363-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain is caused by primary lesion or dysfunction of either peripheral or central nervous system. Due to its complex pathogenesis, often related to a number of comorbidities, such as cancer, neurodegenerative and neurovascular diseases, neuropathic pain still represents an unmet clinical need, lacking long-term effective treatment and complex case-by-case approach. AIM AND METHODS We analyzed the recent literature on the role of selective voltage-sensitive sodium, calcium and potassium permeable channels and non-selective gap junctions (GJs) and hemichannels (HCs) in establishing and maintaining chronic neuropathic conditions. We finally focussed our review on the role of extracellular microenvironment modifications induced by resident glial cells and on the recent advances in cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular environment communication in chronic neuropathies. CONCLUSION In this review, we provide an update on the current knowledge of neuropathy chronicization processes with a focus on both neuronal and glial ion channels, as well as on channel-mediated intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzio Vicario
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rita Turnaturi
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Maria Spitale
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Torrisi
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Zappalà
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Lorella Pasquinucci
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Santina Chiechio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Carmela Parenti
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Zhou L, Ao L, Yan Y, Li C, Li W, Ye A, Liu J, Hu Y, Fang W, Li Y. Levo-corydalmine Attenuates Vincristine-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice by Upregulating the Nrf2/HO-1/CO Pathway to Inhibit Connexin 43 Expression. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:340-355. [PMID: 31617070 PMCID: PMC7007458 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00784-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrotubulin chemotherapeutic agents, including plant-derived vincaalkaloids such as vincristine, can cause peripheral neuropathic pain. Exogenously activated heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) is a potential therapy for chemotherapy-induced neuroinflammation. In this study, we investigated a role for Nrf2/HO-1/CO in mediating vincristine-induced neuroinflammation by inhibiting connexin 43 (Cx43) production in the spinal cord following the intrathecal application of the HO-1 inducer protoporphyrin IX cobalt chloride (CoPP) or inhibitor protoporphyrin IX zinc (ZnPP), and we analyzed the underlying mechanisms by which levo-corydalmine (l-CDL, a tetrahydroprotoberberine) attenuates vincristine-induced pain. Treatment with levo-corydalmine or oxycodone hydrochloride (a semisynthetic opioid analgesic, used as a positive control) attenuated vincristine-induced persistent pain hypersensitivity and degeneration of the sciatic nerve. In addition, the increased prevalence of atypical mitochondria induced by vincristine was ameliorated by l-CDL in both A-fibers and C-fibers. Next, we evaluated whether nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), an upstream activator of HO-1, directly bound to the HO-1 promoter sequence and degraded heme to produce carbon monoxide (CO) following stimulation with vincristine. Notably, l-CDL dose-dependently increased HO-1/CO expression by activating Nrf2 to inhibit Cx43 expression in both the spinal cord and in cultured astrocytes stimulated with TNF-α, corresponding to decreased Cx43-mediated hemichannel. Furthermore, l-CDL had no effect on Cx43 following the silencing of the HO-1 gene. Taken together, our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which Nrf2/HO-1/CO mediates Cx43 expression in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain. In addition, the present findings suggest that l-CDL likely protects against nerve damage and attenuates vincristine-induced neuroinflammation by upregulating Nrf2/HO-1/CO to inhibit Cx43 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Physiology, China Pharmaceutical University, Mailbox 207, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Luyao Ao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Physiology, China Pharmaceutical University, Mailbox 207, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunyi Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Physiology, China Pharmaceutical University, Mailbox 207, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengyuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Physiology, China Pharmaceutical University, Mailbox 207, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Physiology, China Pharmaceutical University, Mailbox 207, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Anqi Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Physiology, China Pharmaceutical University, Mailbox 207, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jihua Liu
- Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Yahui Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, # 72 GuangZhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, People's Republic of China.
| | - Weirong Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Physiology, China Pharmaceutical University, Mailbox 207, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yunman Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Physiology, China Pharmaceutical University, Mailbox 207, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Morioka N, Nakamura Y, Zhang FF, Hisaoka-Nakashima K, Nakata Y. Role of Connexins in Chronic Pain and Their Potential as Therapeutic Targets for Next-Generation Analgesics. Biol Pharm Bull 2019; 42:857-866. [PMID: 31155584 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b19-00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain, including inflammatory, neuropathic pain, is a serious clinical issue. There are increasing numbers of patients with chronic pain due to the growing number of elderly and it is estimated that about 25% of the global population will develop chronic pain. Chronic pain patients are refractory to medications used to treat acute pain such as opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Furthermore, the complexity and diversity of chronic pain mechanisms hinder the development of new analgesics. Thus, a better understanding of the mechanism of chronic pain is needed, which would facilitate the development of novel analgesics based on novel mechanisms. With this goal, connexins (Cxs) could be targeted for the development of new analgesics. Connexins are proteins with 20 subtypes, and function as channels, gap junctions between cells, and hemichannels that sample the extracellular space and release molecules such as neurotransmitters. Furthermore, Cxs could have functions independent of channel activity. Recent studies have shown that Cxs could be crucial in the induction and maintenance of chronic pain, and modulation of the activity or the expression of Cxs ameliorates nociceptive hypersensitivity in multiple chronic pain models. This review will cite novel findings on the role of of Cxs in the nociceptive transduction pathway under the chronic pain state and antinociceptive effects of various molecules modulating activity or expression of Cxs. Also, the potential of Cx modulation as a therapeutic strategy for intractable chronic pain will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norimitsu Morioka
- Department of Pharmacology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences
| | - Yoki Nakamura
- Department of Pharmacology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences
| | - Fang Fang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences.,Institute of Pharmacology, Taishan Medical University
| | - Kazue Hisaoka-Nakashima
- Department of Pharmacology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences
| | - Yoshihiro Nakata
- Department of Pharmacology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences
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Wang A, Xu C. The role of connexin43 in neuropathic pain induced by spinal cord injury. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2019; 51:555-561. [PMID: 31056639 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmz038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is caused by the damage or dysfunction of the nervous system. In many neuropathic pain models, there is an increase in the number of gap junction (GJ) channels, especially the upregulation of the expression of connexin43 (Cx43), leading to the secretion of various types of cytokines and involvement in the formation of neuropathic pain. GJs are widely distributed in mammalian organs and tissues, and Cx43 is the most abundant connexin (Cx) in mammals. Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell type in the central nervous system (CNS), which mainly express Cx43. More importantly, GJs play an important role in regulating cell metabolism, signaling, and function. Many existing literatures showed that Cx43 plays an important role in the nervous system, especially in the CNS under normal and pathological conditions. However, many internal mechanisms have not yet been thoroughly explored. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of the role and association of Cx and pannexin channels in neuropathic pain, especially after spinal cord injury, as well as some of our own insights and thoughts which suggest that Cx43 may become an emerging therapeutic target for future neuropathic pain, bringing new hope to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anhui Wang
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Changshui Xu
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Autonomic Nervous Function and Disease, Nanchang, China
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10
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Moreno P, Cazuza RA, Mendes-Gomes J, Díaz AF, Polo S, Leánez S, Leite-Panissi CRA, Pol O. The Effects of Cobalt Protoporphyrin IX and Tricarbonyldichlororuthenium (II) Dimer Treatments and Its Interaction with Nitric Oxide in the Locus Coeruleus of Mice with Peripheral Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092211. [PMID: 31060340 PMCID: PMC6540196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and carbon monoxide were shown to normalize oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions induced by neuropathic pain in the central nervous system, but their effects in the locus coeruleus (LC) of animals with peripheral inflammation and their interaction with nitric oxide are unknown. In wild-type (WT) and knockout mice for neuronal (NOS1-KO) or inducible (NOS2-KO) nitric oxide synthases with inflammatory pain induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA), we assessed: (1) antinociceptive actions of cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPP), an HO-1 inducer; (2) effects of CoPP and tricarbonyldichlororuthenium(II) dimer (CORM-2), a carbon monoxide-liberating compound, on the expression of HO-1, NOS1, NOS2, CD11b/c, GFAP, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in the LC. CoPP reduced inflammatory pain in different time-dependent manners in WT and KO mice. Peripheral inflammation activated astroglia in the LC of all genotypes and increased the levels of NOS1 and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK 1/2) in WT mice. CoPP and CORM-2 enhanced HO-1 and inhibited astroglial activation in all genotypes. Both treatments blocked NOS1 overexpression, and CoPP normalized ERK 1/2 activation. This study reveals an interaction between HO-1 and NOS1/NOS2 during peripheral inflammation and shows that CoPP and CORM-2 improved HO-1 expression and modulated the inflammatory and/or plasticity changes caused by peripheral inflammation in the LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Moreno
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institutd'InvestigacióBiomèdicaSant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Neurociències, UniversitatAutònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rafael Alves Cazuza
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters, University of São Paulo, 14040-901, RibeirãoPreto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Joyce Mendes-Gomes
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters, University of São Paulo, 14040-901, RibeirãoPreto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Andrés Felipe Díaz
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institutd'InvestigacióBiomèdicaSant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Neurociències, UniversitatAutònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sara Polo
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institutd'InvestigacióBiomèdicaSant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Neurociències, UniversitatAutònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sergi Leánez
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institutd'InvestigacióBiomèdicaSant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Neurociències, UniversitatAutònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Olga Pol
- Grup de Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Institutd'InvestigacióBiomèdicaSant Pau, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Neurociències, UniversitatAutònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
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11
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Xing L, Yang T, Cui S, Chen G. Connexin Hemichannels in Astrocytes: Role in CNS Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:23. [PMID: 30787868 PMCID: PMC6372977 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the central nervous system (CNS), astrocytes form networks interconnected by gap junctions made from connexins of the subtypes Cx30 and Cx43. When unopposed by an adjoining hemichannel, astrocytic connexins can act as hemichannels to control the release of small molecules such as ATP and glutamate into the extracellular space. Accruing evidence indicates that astrocytic connexins are crucial for the coordination and maintenance of physiologic CNS activity. Here we provide an update on the role of astrocytic connexins in neurodegenerative disorders, glioma, and ischemia. In addition, we address the regulation of Cx43 in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- LingYan Xing
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Tuo Yang
- Department of Hand Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - ShuSen Cui
- Department of Hand Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Retamal MA, Riquelme MA, Stehberg J, Alcayaga J. Connexin43 Hemichannels in Satellite Glial Cells, Can They Influence Sensory Neuron Activity? Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:374. [PMID: 29200997 PMCID: PMC5696352 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review article, we summarize the current insight on the role of Connexin- and Pannexin-based channels as modulators of sensory neurons. The somas of sensory neurons are located in sensory ganglia (i.e., trigeminal and nodose ganglia). It is well known that within sensory ganglia, sensory neurons do not form neither electrical nor chemical synapses. One of the reasons for this is that each soma is surrounded by glial cells, known as satellite glial cells (SGCs). Recent evidence shows that connexin43 (Cx43) hemichannels and probably pannexons located at SGCs have an important role in paracrine communication between glial cells and sensory neurons. This communication may be exerted via the release of bioactive molecules from SGCs and their subsequent action on receptors located at the soma of sensory neurons. The glio-neuronal communication seems to be relevant for the establishment of chronic pain, hyperalgesia and pathologies associated with tissue inflammation. Based on the current literature, it is possible to propose that Cx43 hemichannels expressed in SGCs could be a novel pharmacological target for treating chronic pain, which need to be directly evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio A Retamal
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clinica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Manuel A Riquelme
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Jimmy Stehberg
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Julio Alcayaga
- Department of Biology, Cell Physiology Center, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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