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Zhang Z, Mao Y, Huang S, Xu R, Huang Y, Li S, Sun Y, Gu X, Ma Z. Microglia Promote Inhibitory Synapse Phagocytosis in the Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn and Modulate Pain-Like Behaviors in a Murine Cancer-Induced Bone Pain Model. Anesth Analg 2024; 139:411-419. [PMID: 38241681 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The microglial activation has been implicated in cancer-induced bone pain. Recent studies have revealed that microglia mediate synaptic pruning in the central nervous system, where the cluster of differentiation 47-signal regulatory protein α (CD47-SIRPα) axis creates a "don't eat me" signal and elicits an antiphagocytic effect to protect synapses against elimination. To date, the synaptic phagocytosis in microglia has never been investigated in the murine cancer-induced bone pain model. The present experiments sought to explore whether microglia phagocytize synapses in mice with bone cancer pain as well as the possible mechanisms. METHODS Male C3H/HeN mice were used to induce bone cancer pain. Minocycline and S-ketamine were injected into D14. The number of spontaneous flinches (NSF) and paw withdrawal mechanical thresholds (PWMT) were measured on D0, D4, D7, D10, D14, D21, and D28. Hematoxylin and eosin staining presented bone lesions. Western blotting examined the Gephyrin, CD47, and SIRPα expression. Flow cytometry evaluated the proportion of SIRPα + cells in the spine. Immunofluorescence and 3-dimensional reconstruction showed the Gephyrin puncta inside microglial lysosomes. RESULTS Mice embedded with tumor cells induced persistent spontaneous pain and mechanical hyperalgesia. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed bone destruction and tumor infiltration in marrow cavities. Microglia underwent a responsive and proliferative burst (t = -16.831, P < .001). Western blotting manifested lowered Gephyrin expression in the tumor group (D4, D7, D10, D14, D21, and D28: P < .001). Immunofluorescence and 3-dimensional reconstruction showed larger volumes of Gephyrin puncta inside microglial lysosomes (t = -23.273, P < .001; t = -27.997, P < .001). Treatment with minocycline or S-ketamine exhibited pain relief and antiphagocytic effects (t = -6.191, P < .001, t = -7.083, P < .001; t = -20.767, P < .001, t = -17.080, P < .001; t = 11.789, P < .001, t = 16.777, P < .001; t = 8.868, P < .001, t = 21.319, P < .001). Last but not least, the levels of CD47 and SIRPα proteins were downregulated (D10: P = .004, D14, D21, and D28: P < .001; D10, D14, D21, and D28: P < .001). Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence substantiated reduced microglial SIRPα (t = 11.311, P < .001; t = 12.189, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Microglia-mediated GABAergic synapse pruning in the spinal cord dorsal horn in bone cancer pain mice, which might be associated with the declined CD47-SIRPα signal. Our research uncovered an innovative mechanism that highlighted microglia-mediated synaptic phagocytosis in a murine cancer-induced bone pain model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuoxia Zhang
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanting Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Simin Huang
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yulin Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuming Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu'e Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoping Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengliang Ma
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Zhu J, Hou B, Rong H, Xu K, Jiang L, Yang S, Zhu H, Yang H, Jiao Y, Liu Y, Ni K, Ma Z. Blocking brown adipocyte β 3-adrenoceptor attenuates blood-spinal cord barrier impairment and chronic postsurgical pain in a rat model of preoperative stress. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 128:111530. [PMID: 38278068 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111530] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Preoperative stress has been recognized as an independent risk factor for chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP). However, the underlying mechanisms of CPSP influenced by preoperative stress remain elusive. Previous studies indicated that excessive stress could induce disruption of the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB). We wondered whether and how BSCB involves in CPSP by using a single prolonged stress (SPS) combining plantar incision model in male rats to mimic preoperative stress-related postsurgical pain. Here, we observed that preoperative SPS-exposed rats exhibited relentless incisional pain, which was accompanied by impairment of BSCB and persistent elevation of serum IL-6. Intraperitoneal injections of Tocilizumab (an IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody) not only mitigated BSCB breakdown but also alleviated pain behaviors. In addition, intervening β3-adrenoceptor (ADRB3) signaling in brown adipocytes by SR59230a (a specific ADRB3 antagonist) treatment or removal of brown adipose tissues could effectively decrease serum IL-6 levels, ameliorate BSCB disruption, and alleviate incisional pain. Further results displayed that SI-exposed rats also showed markedly spinal microglia activation. And exogenous His-tagged IL-6 could pass through the disrupted BSCB, which might contribute to microglia activation. Injection of SR59230a or ablation of brown adipose tissues could effectively reduce the activation of spinal microglia. Thus, our findings suggest that serum IL-6 induced by brown adipocyte ADRB3 signaling contributed to BSCB disruption and spinal microglia activation, which might be involved in preoperative stress mediated CPSP. This work indicates a promising treatment strategy for preoperative stress induced CPSP by blocking ADRB3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jixiang Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China; The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The First people's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng 224006, China
| | - Bailing Hou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Hui Rong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Huijie Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Haikou Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Kun Ni
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Zhengliang Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210008, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China.
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Liu W, Wang W, Wang Z, Xing Y. Ventral tegmental area dopaminergic circuits participates in stress-induced chronic postsurgical pain in male mice. BMC Neurosci 2024; 25:3. [PMID: 38195391 PMCID: PMC10775611 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00842-z] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic postsurgical pain (CPP) markedly impairs patients' quality of life. Research has shown that chronic stress may extend incisional nociception in male mice. Dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are integral to stress-related mental disorders (including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and PTSD) and pain. However, the impact of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) on mesolimbic dopamine (DA) transmission in the development of CPP is yet to be established. It remains uncertain whether the dopamine signals in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC), which regulate pain, derive from the VTA. This study aims to explore the role of VTA-rACC dopaminergic circuits in a mouse model of CPP induced by CSDS. METHODS We conducted CSDS on C57BL/6 J wild-type male mice (n = 12-16 mice/group) and DAT-cre male mice (n = 10-12 mice/group). After 10 days of CSDS, a left posterior plantar incision was made to establish a mouse model of CPP. Paw withdrawal thresholds (PWTs) were evaluated using Von-Frey fibre stimulation. The open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze test (EPM) were used to assess pain-related negative emotions. We used immunofluorescence staining and Western Blot to analyse D1, D2, c-Fos, and TH expression. DAergic fibre projections in the VTA-rACC neural pathway were traced using retrograde tracing and immunofluorescence staining. Optogenetics and Chemogenetics were employed to manipulate DAergic neurons in the VTA and their axons in the rACC. RESULTS The ipsilateral PWTs in male C57BL/6 J mice significantly decreased after surgery, returning to baseline after seven days. Conversely, in CSDS mice, ipsilateral PWTs remained reduced for at least 30 days post-incision. A significant reduction in TH-positive neurons expressing c-Fos in the VTA of CPP mice was observed 15 days post-incision. Activating DAergic neurons significantly improved ipsilateral PWTs and locomotor performance in the OFT and EPM in CPP mice post-incision. Additionally, D1 expression in the rACC was found to decrease in CPP mice, and this reduction counteracted the increase in PWTs caused by activating DAergic neuron axon terminals in the rACC. CONCLUSION CSDS results in chronicity of postsurgical nociception and anxiety-like negative emotions, with alterations in DA transmission playing a role in CPP. Specific activation of DAergic neurons mitigates nociceptive responses and anxiety-like bahaviors, possibly mediated by D1 receptors in the rACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhen Liu
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Wang Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Ziliang Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Ying Xing
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
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Atta AA, Ibrahim WW, Mohamed AF, Abdelkader NF. Targeting α7-nAChR by galantamine mitigates reserpine-induced fibromyalgia-like symptoms in rats: Involvement of cAMP/PKA, PI3K/AKT, and M1/M2 microglia polarization. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 952:175810. [PMID: 37245858 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a pain disorder marked by generalized musculoskeletal pain accompanied by depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Galantamine (Gal) is a positive allosteric modulator of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and a reversible inhibitor of cholinesterase. The current study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of Gal against reserpine (Res)-induced FM-like condition along with investigating the α7-nAChR's role in Gal-mediated effects. Rats were injected with Res (1 mg/kg/day; sc) for 3 successive days then Gal (5 mg/kg/day; ip) was given alone and with the α7-nAChR blocker methyllycaconitine (3 mg/kg/day; ip), for the subsequent 5 days. Galantamine alleviated Res-induced histopathological changes and monoamines depletion in rats' spinal cord. It also exerted analgesic effect along with ameliorating Res-induced depression and motor-incoordination as confirmed by behavioral tests. Moreover, Gal produced anti-inflammatory effect through modulating AKT1/AKT2 and shifting M1/M2 macrophage polarization. The neuroprotective effects of Gal were mediated through activating cAMP/PKA and PI3K/AKT pathways in α7-nAChR-dependent manner. Thus, Gal can ameliorate Res-induced FM-like symptoms and mitigate the associated monoamines depletion, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and neurodegeneration through α7-nAChR stimulation, with the involvement of cAMP/PKA, PI3K/AKT, and M1/M2 macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahd A Atta
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., 11562, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Weam W Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., 11562, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed F Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., 11562, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha F Abdelkader
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., 11562, Cairo, Egypt
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Bella A, Diego AM, Finn DP, Roche M. Stress-induced changes in nociceptive responding post-surgery in preclinical rodent models. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 3:1106143. [PMID: 36703943 PMCID: PMC9871907 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.1106143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic post-surgical pain affects up to 85% of individuals depending on the type of surgery, the extent of inflammation, tissue and/or nerve damage. Pre-surgical stress is associated with greater pain intensity, prolonged recovery and is one of the main risk factors for the development of chronic post-surgical pain. Clinically valid animal models provide an important means of examining the mechanisms underlying the effects of stress on post-surgical pain and identifying potential novel therapeutic targets. This review discusses the current data from preclinical animal studies examining the effect of stress on post-surgical pain, the potential underlying mechanisms and gaps in the knowledge that require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadni Bella
- Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland,Centre for Pain Research, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland,Galway Neuroscience Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Alba M. Diego
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland,Galway Neuroscience Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland,Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - David P. Finn
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland,Galway Neuroscience Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland,Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Michelle Roche
- Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland,Centre for Pain Research, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland,Galway Neuroscience Centre, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland,Correspondence: Michelle Roche
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Kong L, Gao L, Zhang H, Wang X, Zhang J. Does Preoperative Hookwire Localization Influence Postoperative Acute and Chronic Pain After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study. J Pain Res 2023; 16:21-32. [PMID: 36636265 PMCID: PMC9830704 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s387543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate whether preoperative computerized tomography-guided hookwire localization-associated pain could affect acute and chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Methods We enrolled 161 adult patients who underwent elective VATS; sixty-nine patients experienced hookwire localization (Group A) and 69 did not (Group B). Group A was further subdivided into the multiple localization group (n=35, Group Amultiple) and the single localization group (n=34, Group Asingle) according to the number of hookwires. The numerical rating scale (NRS) was used preoperatively, during recovery at the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), and the first two days, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with CPSP. The postoperative adverse events, length of hospital stay, and satisfaction in pain management were also recorded. Results The incidence and severity of acute postoperative pain were similar between Group A and Group B (p > 0.05). The incidence (56.5% vs 30.4%, p = 0.002) and the NRS scores (2.0 [2.0-3.0] vs 1.0 [1.0-2.0], p = 0.011) for CPSP were significantly higher in Group A than in Group B at 3 months postoperatively. On subgroup analysis, compared with Group Asingle, the intensity of CPSP (2.0 [2.0-3.0] vs 2.0 [1.0-2.0], p = 0.005) in Group Amultiple was slightly higher at 3 months postoperatively. Conversely, the CPSP incidence (60.0% vs 29.4%, p = 0.011) was significantly higher at 6 months postoperatively in Group Amultiple. The multivariate regression analysis further validated hookwire localization as a risk factor for CPSP (odds ratio: 6.199, 95% confidence interval 2.049-18.749, p = 0.001). Patient satisfaction relating to pain management at 3 months postoperatively was lower in Group A (p = 0.034). Conclusion The preoperative pain stress of hookwire localization increased the incidence and intensity of CPSP rather than acute pain at 3 months postoperatively, especially in patients with multiple hookwires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingchao Kong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lingling Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Jun Zhang, Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University and Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, No. 270 Dong’An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-21-64175590, Fax +86-21-64174774, Email
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7
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Wu C, Liu R, Luo Z, Sun M, Qile M, Xu S, Jin S, Zhang L, Gross ER, Zhang Y, He S. Spinal cord astrocytes regulate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Basic Res Cardiol 2022; 117:56. [PMID: 36367592 PMCID: PMC10139732 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-022-00968-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes play a key role in the response to injury and noxious stimuli, but its role in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury remains largely unknown. Here we determined whether manipulation of spinal astrocyte activity affected myocardial I/R injury and the underlying mechanisms. By ligating the left coronary artery to establish an in vivo I/R rat model, we observed a 1.7-fold rise in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) protein level in spinal cord following myocardial I/R injury. Inhibition of spinal astrocytes by intrathecal injection of fluoro-citrate, an astrocyte inhibitor, decreased GFAP immunostaining and reduced infarct size by 29% relative to the I/R group. Using a Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) chemogenetic approach, we bi-directionally manipulated astrocyte activity employing GFAP promoter-driven Gq- or Gi-coupled signaling. The Gq-DREADD-mediated activation of spinal astrocytes caused transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activation and neuropeptide release leading to a 1.3-fold increase in infarct size, 1.2-fold rise in serum norepinephrine level and higher arrhythmia score relative to I/R group. In contrast, Gi-DREADD-mediated inhibition of spinal astrocytes suppressed TRPV1-mediated nociceptive signaling, resulting in 35% reduction of infarct size and 51% reduction of arrhythmia score from I/R group, as well as lowering serum norepinephrine level from 3158 ± 108 to 2047 ± 95 pg/mL. Further, intrathecal administration of TRPV1 or neuropeptide antagonists reduced infarct size and serum norepinephrine level. These findings demonstrate a functional role of spinal astrocytes in myocardial I/R injury and provide a novel potential therapeutic approach targeting spinal cord astrocytes for the prevention of cardiac injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230061, Anhui Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Rongrong Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230061, Anhui Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhaofei Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230061, Anhui Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Meiyan Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230061, Anhui Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Muge Qile
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230061, Anhui Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shijin Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230061, Anhui Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shiyun Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230061, Anhui Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230061, Anhui Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Eric R Gross
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230061, Anhui Province, China. .,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Shufang He
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230061, Anhui Province, China. .,Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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8
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Wu W, Zhang X, Wang S, Li T, Hao Q, Li S, Yao W, Sun R. Pharmacological inhibition of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway suppresses microglial M1-polarization in the spinal cord and attenuates neuropathic pain. Neuropharmacology 2022; 217:109206. [PMID: 35926582 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation plays a vital role in the development of neuropathic pain and is mediated mainly by microglia. Suppressing microglial M1-polarization attenuates neuropathic pain. Recently, the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway has emerged as a key mediator of inflammation and shows potential in modulating microglial polarization. In this study, we evaluated whether cGAS-STING is a potential therapeutic target. Spared nerve injury (SNI) surgery was conducted in adult male rats to establish a neuropathic pain model. We showed that SNI promoted microglial M1-polarization and induced cGAS-STING pathway activation in the spinal cord. Double-label immunofluorescence assays showed that cGAS-STING activation mainly occurred in neurons and microglia but not astrocytes. We further conducted in vitro experiments using BV-2 microglial cells. The results showed that LPS-induced microglial M1-polarization was accompanied by cGAS-STING pathway activation, but cGAS-STING inhibition by antagonists suppressed LPS-induced microglial M1-polarization. In vivo, we also showed that a cGAS antagonist and a STING antagonist suppressed the microglial M1-polarization and ameliorated the mechanical allodynia induced by SNI. These findings suggested that the cGAS-STING pathway might be a potential therapeutic target for treating neuropathic pain. However, further research is warranted to verify our findings in female rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyao Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xianwei Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Quanshui Hao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze University, Huanggang, China
| | - Shiyong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenlong Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rao Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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9
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Zhou YQ, Liu DQ, Liu C, Xu AJ, Tian YK, Mei W, Tian XB. Targeting α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors for chronic pain. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:970040. [PMID: 36245927 PMCID: PMC9561890 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.970040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite rapid advances in the field of chronic pain, it remains extremely challenging in the clinic. Pain treatment strategies have not improved for decades as opioids remain the main prescribed drugs for chronic pain management. However, long-term use of opioids often leads to detrimental side effects. Therefore, uncovering the mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of chronic pain may aid the discovery of novel therapeutics to benefit patients with chronic pain. Substantial evidence indicates downregulation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChR) in the sciatic nerve, dorsal root ganglia, and spinal cord dorsal horn in rodent models of chronic pain. Moreover, our recent study and results from other laboratories demonstrate that potentiation of α7 nAChR attenuates pain behaviors in various murine models of chronic pain. This review summarized and discussed the preclinical evidence demonstrating the therapeutic potential of α7 nAChR agonists and allosteric modulators in chronic pain. This evidence indicates that potentiation of α7 nAChR is beneficial in chronic pain, mostly by alleviating neuroinflammation. Overall, α7 nAChR-based therapy for chronic pain is an area with great promise, but more research regarding its detailed mechanisms is warranted.
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10
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Jiang M, Huang Y, Hu L, Wu H, Liu Y, Ni K, Zhang X, Sun Y, Gu X. The transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β in spinal microglia contributes to pre-operative stress-induced prolongation of postsurgical pain. Mol Pain 2022; 18:17448069221099360. [PMID: 35451875 PMCID: PMC9257637 DOI: 10.1177/17448069221099360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolongation of postsurgical pain caused by pre-operative stress is a clinically significant problem, although the mechanisms are not fully understood. Stress can promote the pro-inflammatory activation of microglia, and the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) β regulates pro-inflammatory gene expression in microglia. Therefore, we speculated that C/EBPβ in spinal microglia may have critical roles in the development of chronic postsurgical pain. Accordingly, in this study, we used a single prolonged stress (SPS) procedure and plantar incisions to evaluate the roles of C/EBPβ in postsurgical pain. Our experiments showed that SPS exposure prolonged mechanical allodynia, increased the expression of C/EBPβ and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and potentiated the activation of spinal microglia. Subsequently, microinjection of C/EBPβ siRNA attenuated the duration of SPS-prolonged postoperative mechanical allodynia and inhibited microglial activation in the spinal cord. Conversely, mimicking this increase in C/EBPβ promoted microglial activation via pretreatment with a pre-injection of AAV5-C/EBPβ, leading to prolongation of postsurgical pain. Overall, these results suggested that spinal microglia may play key roles in prolongation of postsurgical pain induced by pre-operative stress and that C/EBPβ may be a potential target for disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Jiang
- Anesthesiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School66506Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital
| | - Yulin Huang
- 66506Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital
| | - Lijun Hu
- 66506Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital
| | - Hao Wu
- 66506Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology66506Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital
| | - Kun Ni
- Anesthesiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School66506Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital
| | - Xiaokun Zhang
- 66506Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital
| | - Yu'e Sun
- 66506Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital
| | - Xiaoping Gu
- Anesthesiology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School66506Nanjing University Medical School Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital
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11
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Yang S, Xu K, Xu X, Zhu J, Jin Y, Liu Q, Xu R, Gu X, Liu Y, Huang Y, Ma Z. S-Ketamine Pretreatment Alleviates Anxiety-Like Behaviors and Mechanical Allodynia and Blocks the Pro-inflammatory Response in Striatum and Periaqueductal Gray From a Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Model. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:848232. [PMID: 35493953 PMCID: PMC9047507 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.848232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to explore the regulatory effect of S-ketamine on the mechanical allodynia, anxiety-like behaviors and microglia activation in adult male rats exposed to an animal model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The rat PTSD model was established by the exposure to single-prolonged stress (SPS), and 1 day later, rats were intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/kg S-ketamine or normal saline, respectively. Paw withdrawal mechanical threshold was measured 2 days before, and 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21 and 28 days after injection to assess mechanical allodynia in the SPS-exposed rats. For anxiety-like behaviors, the open field test and elevated plus maze test were performed at 7 and 14 days after S-ketamine treatment in the SPS-exposed rats, respectively. SPS-induced rats presented pronounced mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors, which were alleviated by S-ketamine treatment. After behavioral tests, rats were sacrificed for collecting the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), prefrontal cortex (PFC), dorsal striatum, and periaqueductal gray (PAG). Protein levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, p-NF-κB, and NF-κB in brain regions were examined by Western blot. In addition, microglia activation in each brain region was determined by immunofluorescence staining of the microglia-specific biomarker Iba-1. Interestingly, pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly upregulated in the dorsal striatum and PAG, rather than ACC and PFC. Activated microglia was observed in the dorsal striatum and PAG as well, and upregulated p-NF-κB was detected in the dorsal striatum. Inflammatory response, phosphorylation of NF-κB and microglia activation in certain brain regions were significantly alleviated by S-ketamine treatment. Collectively, S-ketamine is a promising drug in alleviating mechanical allodynia, anxiety-like behaviors, and pro-inflammatory responses in discrete brain regions in a model of PTSD.
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12
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Wang W, Liu WZ, Wang ZL, Duan DX, Wang XY, Liu SJ, Wang ZJ, Xing GG, Xing Y. Spinal microglial activation promotes perioperative social defeat stress-induced prolonged postoperative pain in a sex-dependent manner. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 100:88-104. [PMID: 34808295 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged postsurgical pain, which is associated with multiple risk factors in the perioperative stage, is a common medical and social problem worldwide. Suitable animal models should be established to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the perioperative prolonged postsurgical pain. In this study, standard and modified social defeat stress mice models, including chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), chronic nondiscriminatory social defeat stress (CNSDS) and vicarious social defeat stress (VSDS), were applied to explore the effect of perioperative social defeat stress on postsurgical pain in male and female mice. Our results showed that exposure to preoperative CSDS could induce prolonged postsurgical pain in defeated mice regardless of susceptibility or resilience differentiated by the social interaction test. Similar prolongation of incision-induced mechanical hypersensitivity was also observed in both sexes upon exposing to CNSDS or VSDS in the preoperative period. Moreover, we found that using the modified CNSDS or VSDS models at different recovery stages after surgery could still promote abnormal pain without sex differences. Further studies revealed the key role of spinal microglial activation in the stress-induced transition from acute to prolonged postoperative pain in male but not female mice. Together, these data indicate that perioperative social defeat stress is a vital risk factor for developing prolonged postoperative pain in both sexes, but the promotion of stress-induced prolonged postoperative pain by spinal microglial activation is sexually dimorphic in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China; The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Wei-Zhen Liu
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China; The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Zi-Liang Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China; The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Dong-Xiao Duan
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Xue-Yun Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China; The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Shi-Jin Liu
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China; The Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Zhi-Ju Wang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Guo-Gang Xing
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Ying Xing
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China.
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13
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Zhang X, Xu F, Wang L, Li J, Zhang J, Huang L. The role of dorsal root ganglia alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in complete Freund's adjuvant-induced chronic inflammatory pain. Inflammopharmacology 2021; 29:1487-1501. [PMID: 34514543 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-021-00873-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) was reported to have a critical role in the regulation of pain sensitivity and neuroinflammation. However, the expression level of α7 nAChR in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and the underlying neuroinflammatory mechanisms associated with hyperalgesia are still unknown. METHODS In the present study, the expression and mechanism of α7 nAChR in chronic inflammatory pain was investigated using a complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced chronic inflammatory pain model. Subsequently, a series of assays including immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed. RESULTS α7 nAChR was mostly colocalized with NeuN in DRG and upregulated after CFA injection. Microinjection of α7 nAChR siRNA into ipsilateral L4/5 DRGs aggravated the CFA-induced pain hypersensitivity. Intrathecal α7 nAChR agonist GTS-21 attenuated the development of CFA-induced mechanical and temperature-related pain hypersensitivities. In neuronal the SH-SY5Y cell line, the knockdown of α7 nAChRs triggered the upregulation of TRAF6 and NF-κB under CFA-induced inflammatory conditions, while agitation of α7 nAChR suppressed the TRAF6/NF-κB activation. α7 nAChR siRNA also exacerbated the secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators from LPS-induced SH-SY5Y cells. Conversely, α7 nAChR-specific agonist GTS-21 diminished the release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) in SH-SY5Y cells under inflammatory conditions. Mechanistically, the modulation of pain sensitivity and neuroinflammatory action of α7 nAChR may be mediated by the TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that α7 nAChR may be potentially utilized as a therapeutic target for therapeutics of chronic inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Fangxia Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jinbao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jianhai Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China.
| | - Lina Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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14
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Hong Y, Wu W, Wang S, Hao Q, Zheng H, Li S, Zhang X, Sun R. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade attenuates posttraumatic stress disorder-related chronic pain by inhibiting glial activation in the spinal cord. Neuropharmacology 2021; 196:108704. [PMID: 34252405 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Clinically, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain are highly comorbid conditions, but the underlying mechanisms of and therapeutic strategies against PTSD-related pain remain unclear. Our previous studies suggested that dysregulation of neuroinflammation contributes to the development of stress-induced hyperalgesia. Recent studies reported that angiotensin II was a 'stress-related hormone', and could induce glial activation by stimulating the type 1 receptor (AT1R). In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether AT1R blockade could attenuate mechanical allodynia induced by PTSD-like stress. Adult male rats were exposed to single prolonged stress (SPS) to establish a model of PTSD-pain comorbidity. Our results showed that SPS exposure increased the levels of angiotensin II in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex (PFC) and spinal cord; intraperitoneal injection of losartan attenuated SPS-induced mechanical allodynia, and suppressed SPS-induced glial activation (both microglia and astrocytes) and proinflammatory cytokine expression in the PFC and spinal cord, but not in the hippocampus. We further showed that intrathecal injection of losartan also exerted anti-hyperalgesic effect and suppressed SPS-induced glial activation and proinflammatory cytokine expression in the spinal cord. These results indicated that AT1R blockade by losartan attenuated mechanical allodynia induced by PTSD-like stress, and this may be attributed to the suppression of glial activation and proinflammatory cytokine expression in the spinal cord. Although further research is warranted to verify our findings in female rodents and to assess pharmacological effects of AT1R blockade in PFC and hippocampus, our study suggested the therapeutic potential of targeting AT1R in the treatment of PTSD-related chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yishun Hong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenyao Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Quanshui Hao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huanggang Central Hospital, Huanggang, China
| | - Hua Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiyong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xianwei Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Rao Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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15
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Liu BW, Zhang J, Hong YS, Li NB, Liu Y, Zhang M, Wu WY, Zheng H, Lampert A, Zhang XW. NGF-Induced Nav1.7 Upregulation Contributes to Chronic Post-surgical Pain by Activating SGK1-Dependent Nedd4-2 Phosphorylation. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:964-982. [PMID: 33063281 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02156-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
At present, chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) is difficult to prevent and cure clinically because of our lack of understanding of its mechanisms. Surgical injury induces the upregulation of voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.7 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, suggesting that Nav1.7 is involved in the development of CPSP. However, the mechanism leading to persistent dysregulation of Nav1.7 is largely unknown. Given that nerve growth factor (NGF) induces a long-term increase in the neuronal hyperexcitability after injury, we hypothesized that NGF might cause the long-term dysregulation of Nav1.7. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether Nav1.7 regulation by NGF is involved in CPSP and thus contributes to the specific mechanisms involved in the development of CPSP. Using conditional nociceptor-specific Nav1.7 knockout mice, we confirmed the involvement of Nav1.7 in NGF-induced pain and identified its role in the maintenance of pain behavior during long-term observations (up to 14 days). Using western blot analyses and immunostaining, we showed that NGF could trigger the upregulation of Nav1.7 expression and thus support the development of CPSP in rats. Using pharmacological approaches, we showed that the increase of Nav1.7 might be partly regulated by an NGF/TrkA-SGK1-Nedd4-2-mediated pathway. Furthermore, reversing the upregulation of Nav1.7 in DRG could alleviate spinal sensitization. Our results suggest that the maintained upregulation of Nav1.7 triggered by NGF contributes to the development of CPSP. Attenuating the dysregulation of Nav1.7 in peripheral nociceptors may be a strategy to prevent the transition from acute post-surgical pain to CPSP.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics/pharmacology
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Benzamides/pharmacology
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism
- Ganglia, Spinal/drug effects
- Ganglia, Spinal/metabolism
- Hydrazines/pharmacology
- Immediate-Early Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Immediate-Early Proteins/metabolism
- Indoles/pharmacology
- Male
- Mice, Knockout
- Models, Biological
- NAV1.7 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel/genetics
- NAV1.7 Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel/metabolism
- Nedd4 Ubiquitin Protein Ligases/metabolism
- Nerve Growth Factor/pharmacology
- Pain, Postoperative/genetics
- Pain, Postoperative/pathology
- Phosphorylation/drug effects
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, trkA/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, trkA/metabolism
- Spinal Cord/pathology
- Ubiquitination/drug effects
- Up-Regulation/drug effects
- Vesicular Glutamate Transport Protein 2/metabolism
- Mice
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Wen Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yi-Shun Hong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ning-Bo Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Mi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wen-Yao Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hua Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Angelika Lampert
- Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Xian-Wei Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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16
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Han QQ, Yin M, Wang ZY, Liu H, Ao JP, Wang YX. Cynandione A Alleviates Neuropathic Pain Through α7-nAChR-Dependent IL-10/β-Endorphin Signaling Complexes. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:614450. [PMID: 33584292 PMCID: PMC7873367 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.614450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cynandione A, an acetophenone isolated from Cynanchum Wilfordii Radix, exhibits antineuropathic pain effect. This study further explored the target molecule and signaling mechanisms underlying cynandione-A-induced antineuropathic pain. Intrathecal injection of cynandione A significantly attenuated mechanical allodynia in neuropathic rats and substantially increased spinal expression of IL-10 and β-endorphin but not dynorphin A. Cynandione A treatment also enhanced expression of IL-10 and β-endorphin but not α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in cultured microglia. The IL-10 antibody attenuated cynandione-A-induced spinal or microglial gene expression of β-endorphin and mechanical allodynia, whereas the β-endorphin antiserum blocked cynandione-A-induced mechanical antiallodynia but not spinal or microglial IL-10 gene expression. The α7 nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine significantly reduced cynandione-A-induced mechanical antiallodynia and spinal or microglial expression of IL-10 and β-endorphin. Furthermore, cynandione A stimulated microglial phosphorylation of PKA, p38, and CREB in an α7-nAChR-dependent manner, and treatment with their inhibitors attenuated cynandione-A-induced mechanical antiallodynia and spinal or microglial expression of IL-10 and β-endorphin. In addition, cynandione A stimulated spinal phosphorylation of the transcription factor STAT3, which was inhibited by methyllycaconitine, the PKA activation inhibitor or IL-10 antibody. The STAT3 inhibitor NSC74859 also abolished cynandione-A-induced mechanical antiallodynia and spinal expression of β-endorphin. These findings suggest that cynandione A suppresses neuropathic pain through α7-nAChR-dependent IL-10/β-endorphin signaling pathway in spinal microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Qiao Han
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for the Research and Utilization of Plants Resources, Institute of Botany, Jiangsu Province and Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Zi-Ying Wang
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Liu
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Ping Ao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Xiang Wang
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
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