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Bonomini F, Favero G, Castrezzati S, Borsani E. Role of Neurotrophins in Orofacial Pain Modulation: A Review of the Latest Discoveries. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12438. [PMID: 37569811 PMCID: PMC10419393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Orofacial pain represents a multidisciplinary biomedical challenge involving basic and clinical research for which no satisfactory solution has been found. In this regard, trigeminal pain is described as one of the worst pains perceived, leaving the patient with no hope for the future. The aim of this review is to evaluate the latest discoveries on the involvement of neurotrophins in orofacial nociception, describing their role and expression in peripheral tissues, trigeminal ganglion, and trigeminal nucleus considering their double nature as "supporters" of the nervous system and as "promoters" of nociceptive transmission. In order to scan recent literature (last ten years), three independent researchers referred to databases PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science to find original research articles and clinical trials. The researchers selected 33 papers: 29 original research articles and 4 clinical trials. The results obtained by the screening of the selected articles show an interesting trend, in which the precise modulation of neurotrophin signaling could switch neurotrophins from being a "promoter" of pain to their beneficial neurotrophic role of supporting the nerves in their recovery, especially when a structural alteration is present, as in neuropathic pain. In conclusion, neurotrophins could be interesting targets for orofacial pain modulation but more studies are necessary to clarify their role for future application in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bonomini
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.B.); (G.F.); (S.C.)
- Interdepartmental University Center of Research “Adaptation and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs (ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Italian Society of Orofacial Pain (Società Italiana Studio Dolore Orofacciale—SISDO), 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Gaia Favero
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.B.); (G.F.); (S.C.)
- Interdepartmental University Center of Research “Adaptation and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs (ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefania Castrezzati
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.B.); (G.F.); (S.C.)
| | - Elisa Borsani
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (F.B.); (G.F.); (S.C.)
- Interdepartmental University Center of Research “Adaptation and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs (ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Italian Society of Orofacial Pain (Società Italiana Studio Dolore Orofacciale—SISDO), 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Borsani E, Bonomini F, Bonini SA, Premoli M, Maccarinelli G, Giugno L, Mastinu A, Aria F, Memo M, Rezzani R. Role of melatonin in autism spectrum disorders in a male murine transgenic model: Study in the prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:780-797. [PMID: 35043490 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of clinically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders sharing common features related to impaired social and communication abilities in addition to stereotyped behaviors. ASD patients present encephalic morphological, physiological, and biomolecular alterations with low levels of melatonin due to alterations in its pathways. Therefore, even if ASDs have traditionally been framed as behavioral disorders, several lines of evidence are accumulating that ASDs are characterized by certain anatomical and physiological abnormalities, including oxidative stress and inflammation in peripheral biomarkers, but likewise present in human brain tissue also characterized by alterations in synaptic remodeling and neuromodulation. Melatonin has also protective and antioxidant properties, so we can therefore hypothesize that alterations in melatonin's pathways may be one of the causes of the symptomatology of autism. The aim of the present study was to analyze the beneficial effect induced by melatonin administration and its possible mechanism of action in a transgenic mouse model of autism, immediately after weaning. The male mice were daily treated per os with melatonin (10 mg/Kg/day) or vehicle for 8 weeks starting from the sixth week of life. The antioxidant modulation, the GABAergic/glutamatergic impairment, and the synaptic remodeling in the prefrontal cortex have been evaluated. Social and repetitive behaviors were also evaluated. The behavioral results showed no statistical evidences, instead the immunohistochemical results indicated the ability of melatonin to promote the activity of antioxidant system, the GABAergic/glutamatergic equilibrium, and the synaptic remodeling. The results show that melatonin may be a possible adjuvant therapeutic strategy in ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Borsani
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)", University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Bonomini
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)", University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Anna Bonini
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marika Premoli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Maccarinelli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Lorena Giugno
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Mastinu
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Aria
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Rita Rezzani
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)", University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Involvement of Intestinal Goblet Cells and Changes in Sodium Glucose Transporters Expression: Possible Therapeutic Targets in Autistic BTBR T +Itpr3 tf/J Mice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111328. [PMID: 34769857 PMCID: PMC8583041 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental syndrome with a complicated etiology and could be responsible for disrupted gastrointestinal tract microbiota. The aim of this work was to study intestinal samples from an autistic animal model (BTBR mouse strain) to better describe gastrointestinal alterations. We performed a morphological and biological evaluation of small intestine samples. In terms of morphology, we studied the goblet cells, cells of intestinal mucosal responsible for the production and maintenance of the protective mucous blanket. Alterations in their secretion may indicate an altered rate of mucus synthesis and this is one of the possible causes of gastrointestinal problems. In terms of biological evaluation, impaired regulation of glucose homeostasis regulated by sodium-glucose transporters has been suggested as an important component of obesity and associated comorbidities; therefore, this study analyzed the expression of sodium/glucose transporter-1 and -3 in BTBR mice to better define their role. We demonstrated that, in BTBR mice as compared to C57BL/6J (B6) strain animals: (1) The goblet cells had different protein content in their vesicles and apparently a larger number of Golgi cisternae; (2) the expression and level of sodium/glucose transporters were higher. These findings could suggest new possible targets in autism spectrum disorder to maintain mucus barrier function.
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Borsani E, Della Vedova AM, Rezzani R, Rodella LF, Cristini C. Correlation between human nervous system development and acquisition of fetal skills: An overview. Brain Dev 2019; 41:225-233. [PMID: 30389271 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the association between fetal nervous system structure and functioning should be an important goal in neurodevelopmental sciences, especially when considering the emerging knowledge regarding the importance of prenatal onset. Intrauterine development of the human central nervous system consists of specific processes: neurogenesis, neuronal migration, synaptogenesis, and myelination. However, as extensively shown by the neurobehavioral studies in the last century, the development of the central nervous system involves both structure and functioning. It is now recognised that the developing motor and sensory systems are able to function long before they have completed their neural maturation and that the intrauterine experience contributes to neurobehavioral development. This review analyzes the recent literature, looking at the association between the human nervous system maturation and fetal behavior. This article will follow the development and skill acquisition of the anatomical nervous system across the three trimesters of the gestation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Borsani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs - (ARTO)", University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Della Vedova
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Division of Neurosciences, Unit of General Psychology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Rita Rezzani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs - (ARTO)", University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luigi Fabrizio Rodella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs - (ARTO)", University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Carlo Cristini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Division of Neurosciences, Unit of General Psychology, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs - (ARTO)", University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Single Administration of Melatonin Modulates the Nitroxidergic System at the Peripheral Level and Reduces Thermal Nociceptive Hypersensitivity in Neuropathic Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102143. [PMID: 29036889 PMCID: PMC5666825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a severe condition with unsatisfactory treatments. Melatonin, an indolamine, seems to be a promising molecule suitable for this purpose due to its well-known anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant effects, as well as its modulation of the nitroxidergic system. Nevertheless, the data on its mechanism of action and potentialities are currently insufficient in this pathology, especially at the peripheral level. Thus, this work evaluated the effect of a single administration of melatonin in an established mononeuropathy pain model that monitors the behaviour and the changes in the nitroxidergic system in dorsal root ganglia and skin, which are affected by nervous impairment. Experiments were carried out on Sprague Dawley rats subdivided into the sham operated (control) and the chronic constriction injured animals, a model of peripheral neuropathic pain on sciatic nerve. Single administrations of melatonin (5–10 mg/kg) or vehicle were injected intraperitoneally on the 14th day after surgery, when the mononeuropathy was established. The animals were behaviourally tested for thermal hyperalgesia. The dorsal root ganglia and the plantar skin of the hind-paws were removed and processed for the immunohistochemical detection of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthases. The behavioural results showed an increase of withdrawal latency during the plantar test as early as 30 min after melatonin administration. The immunohistochemical results indicated a modulation of the nitroxidergic system both at dorsal root ganglia and skin level, permitting speculate on a possible mechanism of action. We showed that melatonin may be a possible therapeutic strategy in neuropathic pain.
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Wild V, Messlinger K, Fischer MJM. Hydrogen sulfide determines HNO-induced stimulation of trigeminal afferents. Neurosci Lett 2015; 602:104-9. [PMID: 26149232 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.06.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous NO and hydrogen sulfide form HNO, which causes CGRP release via TRPA1 channel activation in sensory nerves. In the present study, stimulation of intact trigeminal afferent neuron preparations with NO donors, Na2S or both was analyzed by measuring CGRP release as an index of mass activation. Combined stimulation was able to activate all parts of the trigeminal system and acted synergistic compared to stimulation with both substances alone. To investigate the contribution of both substances, we varied their ratio and tracked intracellular calcium in isolated neurons. Our results demonstrate that hydrogen sulfide is the rate-limiting factor for HNO formation. CGRP has a key role in migraine pathophysiology and HNO formation at all sites of the trigeminal system should be considered for this novel means of activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Wild
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Karl Messlinger
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael J M Fischer
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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Bernstein HG, Trübner K, Krebs P, Dobrowolny H, Bielau H, Steiner J, Bogerts B. Increased densities of nitric oxide synthase expressing neurons in the temporal cortex and the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of polytoxicomanic heroin overdose victims: possible implications for heroin neurotoxicity. Acta Histochem 2014; 116:182-90. [PMID: 23953641 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2013.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Heroin is one of the most dangerous drugs of abuse, which may exert various neurotoxic actions on the brain (such as gray matter loss, neuronal apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic defects, depression of adult neurogenensis, as well as development of spongiform leucoencephalopathy). Some of these toxic effects are probably mediated by the gas nitric oxide (NO). We studied by morphometric analysis the numerical density of neurons expressing neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in cortical and hypothalamic areas of eight heroin overdose victims and nine matched controls. Heroin addicts showed significantly increased numerical densities of nNOS immunoreactive cells in the right temporal cortex and the left paraventricular nucleus. Remarkably, in heroin abusers, but not in controls, we observed not only immunostained interneurons, but also cortical pyramidal cells. Given that increased cellular expression of nNOS was accompanied by elevated NO generation in brains of heroin addicts, these elevated levels of NO might have contributed to some of the known toxic effects of heroin (for example, reduced adult neurogenesis, mitochondrial pathology or disturbances in synaptic functioning).
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Characterization of neuronal populations in the human trigeminal ganglion and their association with latent herpes simplex virus-1 infection. PLoS One 2013; 8:e83603. [PMID: 24367603 PMCID: PMC3868591 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Following primary infection Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) establishes lifelong latency in the neurons of human sensory ganglia. Upon reactivation HSV-1 can cause neurological diseases such as facial palsy, vestibular neuritis or encephalitis. Certain populations of sensory neurons have been shown to be more susceptible to latent infection in the animal model, but this has not been addressed in human tissue. In the present study, trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons expressing six neuronal marker proteins were characterized, based on staining with antibodies against the GDNF family ligand receptor Ret, the high-affinity nerve growth factor receptor TrkA, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), the antibody RT97 against 200kDa neurofilament, calcitonin gene-related peptide and peripherin. The frequencies of marker-positive neurons and their average neuronal sizes were assessed, with TrkA-positive (61.82%) neurons being the most abundant, and Ret-positive (26.93%) the least prevalent. Neurons positive with the antibody RT97 (1253 µm2) were the largest, and those stained against peripherin (884 µm2) were the smallest. Dual immunofluorescence revealed at least a 4.5% overlap for every tested marker combination, with overlap for the combinations TrkA/Ret, TrkA/RT97 and Ret/nNOS lower, and the overlap between Ret/CGRP being higher than would be expected by chance. With respect to latent HSV-1 infection, latency associated transcripts (LAT) were detected using in situ hybridization (ISH) in neurons expressing each of the marker proteins. In contrast to the mouse model, co-localization with neuronal markers Ret or CGRP mirrored the magnitude of these neuron populations, whereas for the other four neuronal markers fewer marker-positive cells were also LAT-ISH+. Ret and CGRP are both known to label neurons related to pain signaling.
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Petho G, Reeh PW. Sensory and signaling mechanisms of bradykinin, eicosanoids, platelet-activating factor, and nitric oxide in peripheral nociceptors. Physiol Rev 2013; 92:1699-775. [PMID: 23073630 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00048.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral mediators can contribute to the development and maintenance of inflammatory and neuropathic pain and its concomitants (hyperalgesia and allodynia) via two mechanisms. Activation or excitation by these substances of nociceptive nerve endings or fibers implicates generation of action potentials which then travel to the central nervous system and may induce pain sensation. Sensitization of nociceptors refers to their increased responsiveness to either thermal, mechanical, or chemical stimuli that may be translated to corresponding hyperalgesias. This review aims to give an account of the excitatory and sensitizing actions of inflammatory mediators including bradykinin, prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, platelet-activating factor, and nitric oxide on nociceptive primary afferent neurons. Manifestations, receptor molecules, and intracellular signaling mechanisms of the effects of these mediators are discussed in detail. With regard to signaling, most data reported have been obtained from transfected nonneuronal cells and somata of cultured sensory neurons as these structures are more accessible to direct study of sensory and signal transduction. The peripheral processes of sensory neurons, where painful stimuli actually affect the nociceptors in vivo, show marked differences with respect to biophysics, ultrastructure, and equipment with receptors and ion channels compared with cellular models. Therefore, an effort was made to highlight signaling mechanisms for which supporting data from molecular, cellular, and behavioral models are consistent with findings that reflect properties of peripheral nociceptive nerve endings. Identified molecular elements of these signaling pathways may serve as validated targets for development of novel types of analgesic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Petho
- Pharmacodynamics Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Cellular localization of aquaporin-1 in the human and mouse trigeminal systems. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46379. [PMID: 23029502 PMCID: PMC3460814 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies reported that a subpopulation of mouse and rat trigeminal neurons express water channel aquaporin-1 (AQP1). In this study we make a comparative investigation of AQP1 localization in the human and mouse trigeminal systems. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence results showed that AQP1 was localized to the cytoplasm and cell membrane of some medium and small-sized trigeminal neurons. Additionally, AQP1 was found in numerous peripheral trigeminal axons of humans and mice. In the central trigeminal root and brain stem, AQP1 was specifically expressed in astrocytes of humans, but was restricted to nerve fibers within the central trigeminal root and spinal trigeminal tract and nucleus in mice. Furthermore, AQP1 positive nerve fibers were present in the mucosal and submucosal layers of human and mouse oral tissues, but not in the muscular and subcutaneous layers. Fluorogold retrograde tracing demonstrated that AQP1 positive trigeminal neurons innervate the mucosa but not skin of cheek. These results reveal there are similarities and differences in the cellular localization of AQP1 between the human and mouse trigeminal systems. Selective expression of AQP1 in the trigeminal neurons innervating the oral mucosa indicates an involvement of AQP1 in oral sensory transduction.
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Effect of cervical spinal cord electrical stimulation on nitric oxide levels in brain and dermal tissues: an evaluation using by real-time nitric oxide measurement. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2012; 154:1641-6. [PMID: 22454038 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-012-1331-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nitric oxide synthesized from L: -arginine via the nitric oxide synthase enzyme family is the main regulatory molecule in many physiological systems. The level of nitric oxide can now be measured in tissues by a direct real-time amperometric method. The effect of electrical stimulation of the upper cervical spine on the arteries that supply the brain and upper extremities has been established by experimental studies, and thus it has begun to be used in clinical practice to increase blood flow in the brain and the peripheral vascular system. The mechanism of this effect is still a subject of research. This is the first report of real-time nitric oxide measurement in living brain and dermal tissue during electrical stimulation of the upper cervical spine. METHODS Using the amperometric method, nitric oxide levels in frontal subcortical and front foot skin were measured before, during and after electrical stimulation of the upper cervical spine in three groups of rabbits that received infusions of saline solution, 7-aminoguanidine or atropine. RESULTS By electrical stimulation, tissue nitric oxide levels increased significantly and remained increased during stimulation in the brain and skin. The nitric oxide levels dropped back to normal value 1 min after stimulation was turned off. CONCLUSION The results we obtained have showed that real-time nitric oxide could also be measured by an amperometric method in living tissues like brain. The effect of stimulation on nitric oxide levels of living tissues disappears immediately when the stimulation is turned off.
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Fan W, Huang F, Wu Z, Zhu X, Li D, He H. The role of nitric oxide in orofacial pain. Nitric Oxide 2011; 26:32-7. [PMID: 22138296 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2011.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2011] [Revised: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical gas that has been shown to be produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in different cell types and recognized to act as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the nervous system. NOS isoforms are expressed and/or can be induced in the related structures of trigeminal nerve system, in which the regulation of NOS biosynthesis at different levels of gene expression may allow for a fine control of NO production. Several lines of evidence suggest that NO may play a role through multiple mechanisms in orofacial pain processing. This report will review the latest evidence for the role of NO involved in orofacial pain and the potential cellular mechanisms are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenguo Fan
- Department of Oral Anatomy and Physiology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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