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Cerqueira-Nunes M, Monteiro C, Galhardo V, Cardoso-Cruz H. Orbitostriatal encoding of reward delayed gratification and impulsivity in chronic pain. Brain Res 2024; 1839:149044. [PMID: 38821332 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149044] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Central robust network functional rearrangement is a characteristic of several neurological conditions, including chronic pain. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown the importance of pain-induced dysfunction in both orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) brain regions for the emergence of cognitive deficits. Outcome information processing recruits the orbitostriatal circuitry, a pivotal pathway regarding context-dependent reward value encoding. The current literature reveals the existence of structural and functional changes in the orbitostriatal crosstalk in chronic pain conditions, which have emerged as a possible underlying cause for reward and time discrimination impairments observed in individuals affected by such disturbances. However, more comprehensive investigations are needed to elucidate the underlying disturbances that underpin disease development. In this review article, we aim to provide a comprehensive view of the orbitostriatal mechanisms underlying time-reward dependent behaviors, and integrate previous findings on local and network malplasticity under the framework of the chronic pain sphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Cerqueira-Nunes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S) - Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Biomedicina - Unidade de Biologia Experimental (FMUP), Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; Programa doutoral em Neurociências (PDN), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Clara Monteiro
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S) - Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Biomedicina - Unidade de Biologia Experimental (FMUP), Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vasco Galhardo
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S) - Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Biomedicina - Unidade de Biologia Experimental (FMUP), Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Helder Cardoso-Cruz
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S) - Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Biomedicina - Unidade de Biologia Experimental (FMUP), Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
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2
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Yu WL, Zhang Z, Zamponi GW. Spared nerve injury leads to reduced activity of neurons projecting from the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray to the locus coeruleus. Mol Brain 2024; 17:46. [PMID: 39049098 PMCID: PMC11267953 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-024-01121-6] [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: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) serves as a central hub for descending pain modulation. It receives upstream projections from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the ventrolateral orbitofrontal cortex (vlOFC), and projects downstream to the locus coeruleus (LC) and the rostroventral medulla (RVM). While much research has focused on upstream circuits and the LC-RVM connection, less is known about the PAG-LC circuit and its involvement in neuropathic pain. Here we examined the intrinsic electrophysiological properties of vlPAG-LC projecting neurons in Sham and spared nerve injury (SNI) operated mice. Injection of the retrotracer Cholera Toxin Subunit B (CTB-488) into the LC allowed the identification of LC-projecting neurons in the vlPAG. Electrophysiological recordings from CTB-488 positive cells revealed that both GABAergic and glutamatergic cells that project to the LC exhibited reduced intrinsic excitability after peripheral nerve injury. By contrast, CTB-488 negative cells did not exhibit alterations in firing properties after SNI surgery. An SNI-induced reduction of LC projecting cells was confirmed with c-fos labeling. Hence, SNI induces plasticity changes in the vlPAG that are consistent with a reduction in the descending modulation of pain signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing Lam Yu
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cuming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, Calgary, T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Zizhen Zhang
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cuming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, Calgary, T2N4N1, Canada
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cuming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive, Calgary, T2N4N1, Canada.
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3
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Zhao YL, Yi HY, Baba SS, Guo YX, Yuan XC, Hou XM, Liang LL, Huo FQ. Activation of 5-HT 6 Receptors in the Ventrolateral Orbital Cortex Produces Anti-Anxiodepressive Effects in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04314-1. [PMID: 38963532 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04314-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The comorbidity of anxiety and depression frequently occurs in patients with neuropathic pain. The ventrolateral orbital cortex (VLO) plays a critical role in mediating neuropathic pain and anxiodepression in rodents. Previous studies suggested that 5-HT6 receptors in the VLO are involved in neuropathic pain. Strong evidence supports a close link between 5-HT6 receptors and affective disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders. However, it remains unclear whether the 5-HT6 receptors in the VLO are involved in neuropathic pain-induced anxiodepression. Using a rat neuropathic pain model of spared nerve injury (SNI), we demonstrated that rats exhibited significant anxiodepression-like behaviors and the expression of VLO 5-HT6 receptors obviously decreased four weeks after SNI surgery. Microinjection of the 5-HT6 receptor agonist EMD-386088 into the VLO or overexpression of VLO 5-HT6 receptors alleviated anxiodepression-like behaviors. These effects were blocked by pre-microinjection of a selective 5-HT6 receptor antagonist (SB-258585) or inhibitors of AC (SQ-22536), PKA (H89), and MEK1/2 (U0126) respectively. Meanwhile, the expression of p-ERK, p-CREB, and BDNF in the VLO decreased four weeks after SNI surgery. Furthermore, administration of EMD-386088 upregulated the expression of BDNF, p-ERK, and p-CREB in the VLO of SNI rats, which were reversed by pre-injection of SB-258585. These findings suggest that activating 5-HT6 receptors in the VLO has anti-anxiodepressive effects in rats with neuropathic pain via activating AC-cAMP-PKA-MERK-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway. Accordingly, 5-HT6 receptor in the VLO could be a potential target for the treatment of the comorbidity of neuropathic pain and anxiodepression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Long Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hui-Yuan Yi
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Sani Sa'idu Baba
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi-Xiao Guo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiao-Cui Yuan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xue-Mei Hou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ling-Li Liang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fu-Quan Huo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
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4
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Viellard J, Bouali-Benazzouz R, Benazzouz A, Fossat P. Modulating Neural Circuits of Pain in Preclinical Models: Recent Insights for Future Therapeutics. Cells 2024; 13:997. [PMID: 38920628 PMCID: PMC11202162 DOI: 10.3390/cells13120997] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a pathological state defined as daily pain sensation over three consecutive months. It affects up to 30% of the general population. Although significant research efforts have been made in the past 30 years, only a few and relatively low effective molecules have emerged to treat chronic pain, with a considerable translational failure rate. Most preclinical models have focused on sensory neurotransmission, with particular emphasis on the dorsal horn of the spinal cord as the first relay of nociceptive information. Beyond impaired nociceptive transmission, chronic pain is also accompanied by numerous comorbidities, such as anxiety-depressive disorders, anhedonia and motor and cognitive deficits gathered under the term "pain matrix". The emergence of cutting-edge techniques assessing specific neuronal circuits allow in-depth studies of the connections between "pain matrix" circuits and behavioural outputs. Pain behaviours are assessed not only by reflex-induced responses but also by various or more complex behaviours in order to obtain the most complete picture of an animal's pain state. This review summarises the latest findings on pain modulation by brain component of the pain matrix and proposes new opportunities to unravel the mechanisms of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Viellard
- Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5293, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Rabia Bouali-Benazzouz
- Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5293, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Abdelhamid Benazzouz
- Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5293, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Pascal Fossat
- Université de Bordeaux, UMR 5293, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
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5
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Zhang Z, Zamponi GW. Chronic pain: Central role of the claustrum in pain processing. Curr Biol 2024; 34:R337-R339. [PMID: 38714158 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.037] [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: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Nociceptive stimuli are processed by the brain into an unpleasant sensation. Two new studies highlight an important role of the claustrum in the processing of pain-related information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhen Zhang
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, and Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
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6
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Zhao YL, Xu JL, Yi HY, Baba SS, Guo YX, Hou XM, Yuan XC, Li XH, Wang YY, Liang LL, Huo FQ. Activation of 5-HT 5A receptor in the ventrolateral orbital cortex produces antinociceptive effects in rat models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Neuropharmacology 2024; 245:109830. [PMID: 38160874 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109830] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The ventrolateral orbital cortex (VLO) is identified as an integral component of the endogenous analgesic system comprising a spinal cord - thalamic nucleus submedius - VLO - periaqueductal gray (PAG) - spinal cord loop. The present study investigates the effects of 5-HT5A receptor activation in the VLO on allodynia induced by spared nerve injury and formalin-evoked flinching behavior and spinal c-Fos expression in male SD rats, and further examines whether GABAergic modulation is involved in the effects evoked by VLO 5-HT5A receptor activation. We found an upregulation of 5-HT5A receptor expression in the VLO during neuropathic and inflammatory pain states. Microinjection of the non-selective 5-HT5A receptor agonist 5-CT into the VLO dose dependently alleviated allodynia, and flinching behavior and spinal c-Fos expression, which were blocked by the selective 5-HT5A receptor antagonist SB-699551. Moreover, application of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline in the VLO augmented the analgesic effects induced by 5-CT in neuropathic and inflammatory pain states, whereas the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol attenuated these analgesic effects. Additionally, the 5-HT5A receptors were found to be colocalized with GABAergic neurons in the VLO. These results provide new evidence for the involvement of central 5-HT5A receptors in the VLO in modulation of neuropathic and inflammatory pain and support the hypothesis that activation of 5-HT5A receptors may inhibit the inhibitory effect of GABAergic interneurons on output neurons projecting to the PAG (GABAergic disinhibitory mechanisms), consequently activating the brainstem descending inhibitory system that depresses nociceptive transmission at the spinal cord level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Long Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Jia-Liang Xu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Hui-Yuan Yi
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Sani Sa'idu Baba
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Yi-Xiao Guo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Xue-Mei Hou
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Xiao-Cui Yuan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Xu-Hui Li
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Yu-Ying Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Ling-Li Liang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Fu-Quan Huo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases (Xi'an Jiaotong University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
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7
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Parsaei M, Taebi M, Arvin A, Moghaddam HS. Brain structural and functional abnormalities in patients with tension-type headache: A systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging studies. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25294. [PMID: 38284839 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25294] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Tension-type headache (TTH) stands as the most prevalent form of headache, yet an adequate understanding of its underlying mechanisms remains elusive. This article endeavors to comprehensively review structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies investigating TTH patients, to gain valuable insights into the pathophysiology of TTH, and to explore new avenues for enhanced treatment strategies. We conducted a systematic search to identify relevant articles examining brain MRI disparities between TTH individuals and headache-free controls (HFC). Fourteen studies, encompassing 312 diagnosed TTH patients, were selected for inclusion. Among these, eight studies utilized conventional MRI, one employed diffusion tensor imaging, and five implemented various functional MRI modalities. Consistent findings across these studies revealed a notable increase in white matter hyperintensity (WMH) in TTH patients. Furthermore, the potential involvement of the specific brain areas recognized to be involved in different dimensions of pain perception including cortical regions (anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, prefrontal cortex, anterior and posterior insular cortex), subcortical regions (thalamus, caudate, putamen, and parahippocampus), cerebellum in TTH pathogenesis was identified. However, no significant association was established between TTH and intracranial abnormalities or total intracranial volume. In conclusion, these findings support the hypotheses regarding the role of central mechanisms in TTH pathophysiology and offer probable brain regions implicated in these mechanisms. Due to the scarce data on the precise role of these regions in the TTH, further preclinical and clinical investigations should be done to advance our knowledge and enhance targeted therapeutic options of TTH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadamin Parsaei
- Maternal, Fetal & Neonatal Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morvarid Taebi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Arvin
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Sanjari Moghaddam
- Psychiatry and Psychology Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Sullere S, Kunczt A, McGehee DS. A cholinergic circuit that relieves pain despite opioid tolerance. Neuron 2023; 111:3414-3434.e15. [PMID: 37734381 PMCID: PMC10843525 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.08.017] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a tremendous burden for afflicted individuals and society. Although opioids effectively relieve pain, significant adverse outcomes limit their utility and efficacy. To investigate alternate pain control mechanisms, we explored cholinergic signaling in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG), a critical nexus for descending pain modulation. Biosensor assays revealed that pain states decreased acetylcholine release in vlPAG. Activation of cholinergic projections from the pedunculopontine tegmentum to vlPAG relieved pain, even in opioid-tolerant conditions, through ⍺7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Activating ⍺7 nAChRs with agonists or stimulating endogenous acetylcholine inhibited vlPAG neuronal activity through Ca2+ and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPAR⍺)-dependent signaling. In vivo 2-photon imaging revealed that chronic pain induces aberrant excitability of vlPAG neuronal ensembles and that ⍺7 nAChR-mediated inhibition of these cells relieves pain, even after opioid tolerance. Finally, pain relief through these cholinergic mechanisms was not associated with tolerance, reward, or withdrawal symptoms, highlighting its potential clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivang Sullere
- Committee on Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Alissa Kunczt
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Daniel S McGehee
- Committee on Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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9
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Afonso-Oramas D, Santana-Cordón L, Lemus-Mesa A, Teixidó-Trujillo S, Rodríguez-Rodríguez AE, Cruz-Muros I, González-Gómez M, Barroso-Chinea P. Drastic decline in vasoactive intestinal peptide expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus in obese mice on a long-term high-fat diet. Brain Res Bull 2023; 202:110756. [PMID: 37678442 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110756] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the main region for the regulation of circadian rhythms. Although the SCN contains a heterogeneous neurochemical phenotype with a wide variety of neuropeptides, a key role has been suggested for the vasoactive intestinal neuropeptide (VIP) as a modulator circadian, reproductive, and seasonal rhythms. VIP is a 28-amino acid polypeptide hormone that belongs to the secretin-glucagon peptide superfamily and shares 68 % homology with the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP). VIP acts as an endogenous appetite inhibitor in the central nervous system, where it participates in the control of appetite and energy homeostasis. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to better understand the role of VIP in the regulation of appetite/satiety and energy balance. This study aimed to elucidate the long-term effect of an obesogenic diet on the distribution and expression pattern of VIP in the SCN and nucleus accumbens (NAc) of C57BL/6 mice. A total of 15 female C57BL/6J mice were used in this study. Female mice were fed ad libitum with water and, either a standard diet (SD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity. There were 7 female mice on the SD and 8 on the HFD. The duration of the experiment was 365 days. The morphological study was performed using immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence techniques to study the neurochemical profile of VIP neurons of the SCN of C57BL/6 mice. Our data show that HFD-fed mice gained weight and showed reduced VIP expression in neurons of the SCN and also in fibres located in the NAc. Moreover, we observed a loss of neuropeptide Y (NPY) expression in fibres surrounding the SCN. Our findings on VIP may contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying obesity in regions associated with uncontrolled intake of high-fat foods and the reward system, thus facilitating the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domingo Afonso-Oramas
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas de Canarias (ITB), Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Neurociencias. Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
| | - Laura Santana-Cordón
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Alejandro Lemus-Mesa
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Silvia Teixidó-Trujillo
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Dermatología y Psiquiatría. Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Ignacio Cruz-Muros
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas de Canarias (ITB), Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Miriam González-Gómez
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas de Canarias (ITB), Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Neurociencias. Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Pedro Barroso-Chinea
- Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas de Canarias (ITB), Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Instituto Universitario de Neurociencias. Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
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10
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Zhang Y, Huang X, Xin WJ, He S, Deng J, Ruan X. Somatostatin Neurons from Periaqueductal Gray to Medulla Facilitate Neuropathic Pain in Male Mice. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:1020-1029. [PMID: 36641028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Projections from the periaqueductal gray (PAG) to the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) are known to engage in descending pain modulation, but how the neural substrates of the PAG-RVM projections contribute to neuropathic pain remains largely unknown. In this study, we showed somatostatin-expressing glutamatergic neurons in the lateral/ventrolateral PAG that facilitate mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity in a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. We found that these neurons form direct excitatory connections with neurons in the RVM region. Inhibition of this PAG-RVM projection alleviates mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity associated with neuropathy, whereas its activation enhances hypersensitivity in the mice. Thus, our findings revealed that somatostatin neurons within the PAG-RVM axial are crucial for descending pain facilitation and can potentially be exploited as a useful therapeutic target for neuropathic pain. PERSPECTIVE: We report the profound contribution of somatostatin neurons within the PAG-RVM projections to descending pain facilitation underlying neuropathic pain. These results may help to develop central therapeutic strategies for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehong Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuelin Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-Jun Xin
- Zhongshan Medical School and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shilang He
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jie Deng
- Zhongshan Medical School and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangcai Ruan
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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11
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Zhao LM, Chen X, Zhang YM, Qu ML, Selvarajah D, Tesfaye S, Yang FX, Ou CY, Liao WH, Wu J. Changed cerebral function and morphology serve as neuroimaging evidence for subclinical type 2 diabetic polyneuropathy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1069437. [PMID: 36506054 PMCID: PMC9729333 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1069437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Central and peripheral nervous systems are all involved in type 2 diabetic polyneuropathy mechanisms, but such subclinical changes and associations remain unknown. This study aims to explore subclinical changes of the central and peripheral and unveil their association. Methods A total of 55 type-2 diabetes patients consisting of symptomatic (n = 23), subclinical (n = 12), and no polyneuropathy (n = 20) were enrolled in this study. Cerebral morphology, function, peripheral electrophysiology, and clinical information were collected and assessed using ANOVA and post-hoc analysis. Gaussian random field correction was used for multiple comparison corrections. Pearson/Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the association of the cerebral with the peripheral. Results When comparing the subclinical group with no polyneuropathy groups, no statistical differences were shown in peripheral evaluations except amplitudes of tibial nerves. At the same time, functional connectivity from the orbitofrontal to bilateral postcentral and middle temporal cortex increased significantly. Gray matter volume of orbitofrontal and its functional connectivity show a transient elevation in the subclinical group compared with the symptomatic group. Besides, gray matter volume in the orbitofrontal cortex negatively correlated with the Neuropathy Symptom Score (r = -0.5871, p < 0.001), Neuropathy Disability Score (r = -0.3682, p = 0.009), and Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questions (r = -0.4403, p = 0.003), and also found correlated positively with bilateral peroneal amplitude (r > 0.4, p < 0.05) and conduction velocities of the right sensory sural nerve(r = 0.3181, p = 0.03). Similarly, functional connectivity from the orbitofrontal to the postcentral cortex was positively associated with cold detection threshold (r = 0.3842, p = 0.03) and negatively associated with Neuropathy Symptom Score (r = -0.3460, p = 0.01). Discussion Function and morphology of brain changes in subclinical type 2 diabetic polyneuropathy might serve as an earlier biomarker. Novel insights from subclinical stage to investigate the mechanism of type 2 diabetic polyneuropathy are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Mei Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Obesity and its Metabolic Complications, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - You-Ming Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Min-Li Qu
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Obesity and its Metabolic Complications, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Dinesh Selvarajah
- Diabetes Research Unit, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Solomon Tesfaye
- Diabetes Research Unit, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Fang-Xue Yang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chu-Ying Ou
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Obesity and its Metabolic Complications, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei-Hua Liao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Obesity and its Metabolic Complications, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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12
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Xu Z, Xie W, Feng Y, Wang Y, Li X, Liu J, Xiong Y, He Y, Chen L, Liu G, Wu Q. Positive interaction between GPER and β-alanine in the dorsal root ganglion uncovers potential mechanisms: mediating continuous neuronal sensitization and neuroinflammation responses in neuropathic pain. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:164. [PMID: 35729568 PMCID: PMC9215054 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02524-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The pathogenesis of neuropathic pain and the reasons for the prolonged unhealing remain unknown. Increasing evidence suggests that sex oestrogen differences play a role in pain sensitivity, but few studies have focused on the oestrogen receptor which may be an important molecular component contributing to peripheral pain transduction. We aimed to investigate the impact of oestrogen receptors on the nociceptive neuronal response in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal dorsal horn using a spared nerve injury (SNI) rat model of chronic pain. Methods We intrathecally (i.t.) administered a class of oestrogen receptor antagonists and agonists intrathecal (i.t.) administrated to male rats with SNI or normal rats to identify the main receptor. Moreover, we assessed genes identified through genomic metabolic analysis to determine the key metabolism point and elucidate potential mechanisms mediating continuous neuronal sensitization and neuroinflammatory responses in neuropathic pain. The excitability of DRG neurons was detected using the patch-clamp technique. Primary culture was used to extract microglia and DRG neurons, and siRNA transfection was used to silence receptor protein expression. Immunofluorescence, Western blotting, RT-PCR and behavioural testing were used to assess the expression, cellular distribution, and actions of the main receptor and its related signalling molecules. Results Increasing the expression and function of G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor (GPER), but not oestrogen receptor-α (ERα) and oestrogen receptor-β (ERβ), in the DRG neuron and microglia, but not the dorsal spinal cord, contributed to SNI-induced neuronal sensitization. Inhibiting GPER expression in the DRG alleviated SNI-induced pain behaviours and neuroinflammation by simultaneously downregulating iNOS, IL-1β and IL-6 expression and restoring GABAα2 expression. Additionally, the positive interaction between GPER and β-alanine and subsequent β-alanine accumulation enhances pain sensation and promotes chronic pain development. Conclusion GPER activation in the DRG induces a positive association between β-alanine with iNOS, IL-1β and IL-6 expression and represses GABAα2 involved in post-SNI neuropathic pain development. Blocking GPER and eliminating β-alanine in the DRG neurons and microglia may prevent neuropathic pain development. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02524-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wanli Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yiqi Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yanting Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yue Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yuyao He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Guoyang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Qingping Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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13
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Lee JY, You T, Lee CH, Im GH, Seo H, Woo CW, Kim SG. Role of anterior cingulate cortex inputs to periaqueductal gray for pain avoidance. Curr Biol 2022; 32:2834-2847.e5. [PMID: 35609604 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.04.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although pain-related excessive fear is known to be a key factor in chronic pain disability, which involves the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), little is known about the downstream circuits of the ACC for fear avoidance in pain processing. Using behavioral experiments and functional magnetic resonance imaging with optogenetics at 15.2 T, we demonstrate that the ACC is a part of the abnormal circuit changes in chronic pain and its downstream circuits are closely related to modulating sensorimotor integration and generating active movement rather than carrying sensory information. The projection from the ACC to the dorsolateral and lateral parts of the periaqueductal gray (dl/lPAG) especially enhances both reflexive and active avoidance behavior toward pain. Collectively, our results indicate that increased signals from the ACC to the dl/lPAG might be critical for excessive fear avoidance in chronic pain disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Yun Lee
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Taeyi You
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Choong-Hee Lee
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Geun Ho Im
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Heewon Seo
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH 44704, USA
| | - Choong-Wan Woo
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Gi Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea; Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Guo F, Du Y, Qu FH, Lin SD, Chen Z, Zhang SH. Dissecting the Neural Circuitry for Pain Modulation and Chronic Pain: Insights from Optogenetics. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:440-452. [PMID: 35249185 PMCID: PMC9068856 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00835-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage. The processing of pain involves complicated modulation at the levels of the periphery, spinal cord, and brain. The pathogenesis of chronic pain is still not fully understood, which makes the clinical treatment challenging. Optogenetics, which combines optical and genetic technologies, can precisely intervene in the activity of specific groups of neurons and elements of the related circuits. Taking advantage of optogenetics, researchers have achieved a body of new findings that shed light on the cellular and circuit mechanisms of pain transmission, pain modulation, and chronic pain both in the periphery and the central nervous system. In this review, we summarize recent findings in pain research using optogenetic approaches and discuss their significance in understanding the pathogenesis of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Anesthesiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yu Du
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Anesthesiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Feng-Hui Qu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Anesthesiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shi-Da Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Anesthesiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Shi-Hong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Anesthesiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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15
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Lubejko ST, Graham RD, Livrizzi G, Schaefer R, Banghart MR, Creed MC. The role of endogenous opioid neuropeptides in neurostimulation-driven analgesia. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:1044686. [PMID: 36591324 PMCID: PMC9794630 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.1044686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the prevalence of chronic pain worldwide, there is an urgent need to improve pain management strategies. While opioid drugs have long been used to treat chronic pain, their use is severely limited by adverse effects and abuse liability. Neurostimulation techniques have emerged as a promising option for chronic pain that is refractory to other treatments. While different neurostimulation strategies have been applied to many neural structures implicated in pain processing, there is variability in efficacy between patients, underscoring the need to optimize neurostimulation techniques for use in pain management. This optimization requires a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying neurostimulation-induced pain relief. Here, we discuss the most commonly used neurostimulation techniques for treating chronic pain. We present evidence that neurostimulation-induced analgesia is in part driven by the release of endogenous opioids and that this endogenous opioid release is a common endpoint between different methods of neurostimulation. Finally, we introduce technological and clinical innovations that are being explored to optimize neurostimulation techniques for the treatment of pain, including multidisciplinary efforts between neuroscience research and clinical treatment that may refine the efficacy of neurostimulation based on its underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan T. Lubejko
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Robert D. Graham
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Center, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Giulia Livrizzi
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Robert Schaefer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Center, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Matthew R. Banghart
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Matthew R. Banghart,
| | - Meaghan C. Creed
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Center, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Meaghan C. Creed,
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16
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Zhang Z, Zamponi GW. Protocol for detecting plastic changes in defined neuronal populations in neuropathic mice. STAR Protoc 2021; 2:100698. [PMID: 34382022 PMCID: PMC8333107 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100698] [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: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterization of synaptic plasticity changes via optogenetic manipulation between defined neuronal populations is important for mapping neural circuits involved in normal brain functions and disorders such as neuropathic pain. However, determining the strength of synaptic transmission based on optogenetic manipulation is challenging due to variability in opsin expression. This protocol describes the use of slice electrophysiology combined with optogenetics to examine synaptic transmission in genetically defined neuronal populations from neuropathic mice. We detail surgical procedures of spared nerve injury for inducing neuropathy. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Huang et al. (2019) and Huang et al. (2021) Surgical procedures for virus injection and spared nerve injury neuropathy Patch clamp electrophysiology in acute brain slice of mice using optogenetic targeting Determination of monosynaptic transmission in genetically defined neuron populations Detection of synaptic strength and E/I balance in defined circuits of neuropathic mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhen Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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