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Yang Q, Jiang M, Xu S, Yang L, Yang P, Song Y, Zhu H, Wang Y, Sun Y, Yan C, Yuan Z, Liu X, Bai Z. Mirror image pain mediated by D2 receptor regulation of astrocytic Cx43 phosphorylation and channel opening. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166657. [PMID: 36716897 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Mirror image pain (MIP), a clinical syndrome of contralateral pain hypersensitivity caused by unilateral injury, has been identified in various neuropathological conditions. Gap junctional protein Connexin 43 (Cx43), its phosphorylation levels and dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) play key integrating roles in pain processing. We presume D2DR activity may affect Cx43 hemichannel opening via Cx43 phosphorylation levels to regulate MIP. This study shows that spinal astrocytic Cx43 directly interacts with DRD2 to mediate MIP. DRD2 and Cx43 expression levels were asymmetrically elevated in bilateral spinal during MIP, and DRD2 modulated the opening of primary astrocytic Cx43 hemichannels. Furthermore, Cx43 phosphorylation at Ser373 was increased during MIP, but decreased in DRD2 knockout (KO) mice. Finally, activation of spinal protein kinase A (PKA) altered the expression of Cx43 and its phosphorylation bilaterally, thus reversing the analgesic effect in DRD2 KO mice. Together, these data reveal that spinal Cx43 phosphorylation and channel opening are regulated by DRD2 via PKA activation, and that spinal Cx43 and DRD2 are key molecular sensors mediating mirror image pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghu Yang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Sen Xu
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Liang Yang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Pan Yang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Yutian Song
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Hongni Zhu
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Yahan Sun
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Chengxiang Yan
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Zhaoyue Yuan
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Xia Liu
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China.
| | - Zhantao Bai
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China.
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Elleman AV, Du Bois J. Chemical and Biological Tools for the Study of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels in Electrogenesis and Nociception. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202100625. [PMID: 35315190 PMCID: PMC9359671 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The malfunction and misregulation of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV s) underlie in large part the electrical hyperexcitability characteristic of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. NaV s are responsible for the initiation and propagation of electrical impulses (action potentials) in cells. Tissue and nerve injury alter the expression and localization of multiple NaV isoforms, including NaV 1.1, 1.3, and 1.6-1.9, resulting in aberrant action potential firing patterns. To better understand the role of NaV regulation, localization, and trafficking in electrogenesis and pain pathogenesis, a number of chemical and biological reagents for interrogating NaV function have been advanced. The development and application of such tools for understanding NaV physiology are the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Elleman
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - J Du Bois
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Diochot S. Pain-related toxins in scorpion and spider venoms: a face to face with ion channels. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210026. [PMID: 34925480 PMCID: PMC8667759 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a common symptom induced during envenomation by spiders and scorpions.
Toxins isolated from their venom have become essential tools for studying the
functioning and physiopathological role of ion channels, as they modulate their
activity. In particular, toxins that induce pain relief effects can serve as a
molecular basis for the development of future analgesics in humans. This review
provides a summary of the different scorpion and spider toxins that directly
interact with pain-related ion channels, with inhibitory or stimulatory effects.
Some of these toxins were shown to affect pain modalities in different animal
models providing information on the role played by these channels in the pain
process. The close interaction of certain gating-modifier toxins with membrane
phospholipids close to ion channels is examined along with molecular approaches
to improve selectivity, affinity or bioavailability in vivo for
therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Diochot
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7275 et Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), 06560 Valbonne, France. Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Université Côte d'Azur Valbonne France
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van Cann M, Kuzmenkov A, Isensee J, Andreev-Andrievskiy A, Peigneur S, Khusainov G, Berkut A, Tytgat J, Vassilevski A, Hucho T. Scorpion toxin MeuNaTxα-1 sensitizes primary nociceptors by selective modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels. FEBS J 2020; 288:2418-2435. [PMID: 33051988 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Venoms are a rich source of highly specific toxins, which allow the identification of novel therapeutic targets. We have now applied high content screening (HCS) microscopy to identify toxins that modulate pain sensitization signaling in primary sensory neurons of rat and elucidated the underlying mechanism. A set of venoms and fractions thereof were analyzed for their ability to activate type II protein kinase A (PKA-II) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2). We identified MeuNaTxα-1, a sodium channel-selective scorpion α-toxin from Mesobuthus eupeus, which affected both PKA-II and ERK1/2. Recombinant MeuNaTxα-1 showed identical activity to the native toxin on mammalian voltage-gated sodium channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and induced thermal hyperalgesia in adult mice. The effect of MeuNaTxα-1 on sensory neurons was dose-dependent and tetrodotoxin-sensitive. Application of inhibitors and toxin mutants with altered sodium channel selectivity demonstrated that signaling activation in sensory neurons depends on NaV 1.2 isoform. Accordingly, the toxin was more potent in neurons from newborn rats, where NaV 1.2 is expressed at a higher level. Our results demonstrate that HCS microscopy-based monitoring of intracellular signaling is a novel and powerful tool to identify and characterize venoms and their toxins affecting sensory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne van Cann
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Translational Pain Research, University Hospital of Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexey Kuzmenkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jörg Isensee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Translational Pain Research, University Hospital of Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | - Georgii Khusainov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Antonina Berkut
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexander Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Tim Hucho
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Translational Pain Research, University Hospital of Cologne, Germany
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Zhou G, Wu J, Xia C, Liu S, Jiang F, Liu Z, Zhou Y, Ji Y. Identifying the toxins in hornet (Vespa basalis) venom that induce rat pain responses. Toxicon 2020; 179:33-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Up-regulation of P2X7 Receptors Contributes to Spinal Microglial Activation and the Development of Pain Induced by BmK-I. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:624-636. [PMID: 30820829 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00345-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous work has demonstrated that the sensitization of spinal neurons and microglia is important in the development of pain behaviors induced by BmK I, a Na+ channel activator and a major peptide component of the venom of the scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch (BmK). We found that the expression of P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) was up-regulated in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn after BmK I injection in rats. P2X7R was selectively localized in microglia but not astrocytes or neurons. Similarly, interleukin 1β (IL-1β) was selectively up-regulated in microglia in the spinal dorsal horn after BmK I injection. Intrathecal injection of P2X7R antagonists largely reduced BmK I-induced spontaneous and evoked pain behaviors, and the up-regulation of P2X7R and IL-1β in the spinal cord. These data suggested that the up-regulation of P2X7Rs mediates microglial activation in the spinal dorsal horn, and therefore contributes to the development of BmK I-induced pain.
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Zhou G, Jiao Y, Zhou Y, Qin S, Tao J, Jiang F, Tan ZY, Ji YH. Up-Regulation of Akt and Nav1.8 in BmK I-Induced Pain. Neurosci Bull 2018; 34:539-542. [PMID: 29582251 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-018-0222-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Guokun Zhou
- Lab of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Yunlu Jiao
- Lab of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - You Zhou
- Lab of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Shichao Qin
- Lab of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Jie Tao
- Lab of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Xinhua Translational Institute for Cancer Pain, Shanghai, 202150, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Tan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Yong-Hua Ji
- Lab of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China. .,Xinhua Translational Institute for Cancer Pain, Shanghai, 202150, China.
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Qin S, Jiang F, Zhou Y, Zhou G, Ye P, Ji Y. Local knockdown of Nav1.6 relieves pain behaviors induced by BmK I. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2017; 49:713-721. [PMID: 28655185 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmx064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) in peripheral nociceptive sensory neurons are critical to transmit pain signals. BmK I purified from the venom of scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch (BmK) has been demonstrated to be the primary contributor of envenomation-associated pain. However, the role of distinct VGSCs such as Nav1.6 in the induction and maintenance of pain behaviors induced by BmK I was ambiguous. Herein, using molecular and behavioral approaches we investigated the mRNA and protein expression profiles of Nav1.6 in rat DRG after intraplantar injection of BmK I and tested the pain behaviors after knockdown of Nav1.6 in BmK I-treated rats. It was shown that during induction and maintenance of pain responses induced by BmK I, the expression of Nav1.6 in DRG was found to be significantly increased at both mRNA and protein levels. The percentage of co-localization of Nav1.6 and Isolectin B4, a molecular marker of small diameter non-peptidergic DRG neurons, was increased at the maintenance phase of pain responses. Furthermore, spontaneous pain and mechanical allodynia, but not thermal hyperalgesia induced by BmK I, were significantly alleviated after knockdown of Nav1.6. These data strongly suggest that Nav1.6 plays an indispensable role in the peripheral pain hypersensitivity induced by BmK I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shichao Qin
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Shanghai Chongming Xinhua Translational Medical Institute for Cancer Pain, Shanghai 202150, China
| | - You Zhou
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Guokun Zhou
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Pin Ye
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Yonghua Ji
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- Shanghai Chongming Xinhua Translational Medical Institute for Cancer Pain, Shanghai 202150, China
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Li ZW, Wu B, Ye P, Tan ZY, Ji YH. Brain natriuretic peptide suppresses pain induced by BmK I, a sodium channel-specific modulator, in rats. J Headache Pain 2016; 17:90. [PMID: 27687165 PMCID: PMC5042912 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-016-0685-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A previous study found that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) inhibited inflammatory pain via activating its receptor natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA) in nociceptive sensory neurons. A recent study found that functional NPRA is expressed in almost all the trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons at membrane level suggesting a potentially important role for BNP in migraine pathophysiology. Methods An inflammatory pain model was produced by subcutaneous injection of BmK I, a sodium channel-specific modulator from venom of Chinese scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch. Quantitative PCR, Western Blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect mRNA and protein expression of BNP and NPRA in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and dorsal horn of spinal cord. Whole-cell patch clamping experiments were conducted to record large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) currents of membrane excitability of DRG neurons. Spontaneous and evoked pain behaviors were examined. Results The mRNA and protein expression of BNP and NPRA was up-regulated in DRG and dorsal horn of spinal cord after BmK I injection. The BNP and NPRA was preferentially expressed in small-sized DRG neurons among which BNP was expressed in both CGRP-positive and IB4-positive neurons while NPRA was preferentially expressed in CGRP-positive neurons. BNP increased the open probability of BKCa channels and suppressed the membrane excitability of small-sized DRG neurons. Intrathecal injection of BNP significantly inhibited BmK-induced pain behaviors including both spontaneous and evoked pain behaviors. Conclusions These results suggested that BNP might play an important role as an endogenous pain reliever in BmK I-induced inflammatory pain condition. It is also suggested that BNP might play a similar role in other pathophysiological pain conditions including migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Wei Li
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai, 200436, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Wu
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai, 200436, People's Republic of China
| | - Pin Ye
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai, 200436, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Yong Tan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Yong-Hua Ji
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai, 200436, People's Republic of China.
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Zhu H, Wang Z, Jin J, Pei X, Zhao Y, Wu H, Lin W, Tao J, Ji Y. Parkinson’s disease-like forelimb akinesia induced by BmK I, a sodium channel modulator. Behav Brain Res 2016; 308:166-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Ye P, Hua L, Jiao Y, Li Z, Qin S, Fu J, Jiang F, Liu T, Ji Y. Functional up-regulation of Nav1.8 sodium channel on dorsal root ganglia neurons contributes to the induction of scorpion sting pain. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2016; 48:132-44. [PMID: 26764239 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmv123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BmK I, purified from the venom of scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch (BmK), is a receptor site-3-specific modulator of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and can induce pain-related behaviors in rats. The tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) sodium channel Nav1.8 contributes to most of the sodium current underlying the action potential upstroke in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and may serve as a critical ion channel targeted by BmK I. Herein, using electrophysiological, molecular, and behavioral approaches, we investigated whether the aberrant expression of Nav1.8 in DRG contributes to generation of pain induced by BmK I. The expression of Nav1.8 was found to be significantly increased at both mRNA and protein levels following intraplantar injection of BmK I in rats. In addition, the current density of TTX-R Nav1.8 sodium channel is significantly increased and the gating kinetics of Nav1.8 is also altered in DRG neurons from BmK I-treated rats. Furthermore, spontaneous pain and mechanical allodynia, but not thermal hyperalgesia induced by BmK I, are significantly alleviated through either blockade of the Nav1.8 sodium channel by its selective blocker A-803467 or knockdown of the Nav1.8 expression in DRG by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS-ODN) targeting Nav1.8 in rats. Finally, BmK I was shown to induce enhanced pain behaviors in complete freund's adjuvant (CFA)-inflamed rats, which was partly due to the over-expression of Nav1.8 in DRG. Our results suggest that functional up-regulation of Nav1.8 channel on DRG neurons contributes to the development of BmK I-induced pain in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Ye
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200436, China
| | - Liming Hua
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200436, China
| | - Yunlu Jiao
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200436, China
| | - Zhenwei Li
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200436, China
| | - Shichao Qin
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200436, China
| | - Jin Fu
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200436, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200436, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215021, China
| | - Yonghua Ji
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200436, China
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Zou X, He Y, Qiao J, Zhang C, Cao Z. The natural scorpion peptide, BmK NT1 activates voltage-gated sodium channels and produces neurotoxicity in primary cultured cerebellar granule cells. Toxicon 2016; 109:33-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Feng YJ, Feng Q, Tao J, Zhao R, Ji YH. Allosteric interactions between receptor site 3 and 4 of voltage-gated sodium channels: a novel perspective for the underlying mechanism of scorpion sting-induced pain. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2015; 21:42. [PMID: 26491429 PMCID: PMC4612427 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-015-0043-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND BmK I, a site-3-specific modulator of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), causes pain and hyperalgesia in rats, while BmK IT2, a site-4-specific modulator of VGSCs, suppresses pain-related responses. A stronger pain-related effect has been previously attributed to Buthus martensi Karsch (BmK) venom, which points out the joint pharmacological effect in the crude venom. METHODS In order to detect the joint effect of BmK I and BmK IT2 on ND7-23 cells, the membrane current was measured by whole cell recording. BmK I and BmK IT2 were applied successively and jointly, and the synergistic modulations of VGSCs on ND7-23 cells were detected. RESULTS Larger peak INa and more negative half-activation voltage were elicited by joint application of BmK I and BmK IT2 than by application of BmK I or BmK IT2 alone. Compared to the control, co-applied BmK I and BmK IT2 also significantly prolonged the time constant of inactivation. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that site-4 toxin (BmK IT2) could enhance the pharmacological effect induced by site-3 toxin (BmK I), suggesting a stronger effect elicited by both toxins that alone usually exhibit opposite pharmacological effects, which is related to the allosteric interaction between receptor site 3 and site 4. Meanwhile, these results may bring a novel perspective for exploring the underlying mechanisms of scorpion sting-induced pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jun Feng
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai, 200444 China
| | - Qi Feng
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai, 200444 China
| | - Jie Tao
- Department of Nephrology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 164 Lanxi Road, Shanghai, 200062 China ; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Rong Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Yong-Hua Ji
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai, 200444 China
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Scorpion Toxin, BmP01, Induces Pain by Targeting TRPV1 Channel. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:3671-87. [PMID: 26389953 PMCID: PMC4591660 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7093671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The intense pain induced by scorpion sting is a frequent clinical manifestation. To date, there is no established protocol with significant efficacy to alleviate the pain induced by scorpion envenomation. One of the important reasons is that, little information on pain-inducing compound from scorpion venoms is available. Here, a pain-inducing peptide (BmP01) has been identified and characterized from the venoms of scorpion (Mesobuthus martensii). In an animal model, intraplantar injection of BmP01 in mouse hind paw showed significant acute pain in wild type (WT) mice but not in TRPV1 knock-out (TRPV1 KO) mice during 30 min recording. BmP01 evoked currents in WT dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons but had no effect on DRG neurons of TRPV1 KO mice. Furthermore, OPEN ACCESS Toxins 2015, 7 3672 BmP01 evoked currents on TRPV1-expressed HEK293T cells, but not on HEK293T cells without TRPV1. These results suggest that (1) BmP01 is one of the pain-inducing agents in scorpion venoms; and (2) BmP01 induces pain by acting on TRPV1. To our knowledge, this is the first report about a scorpion toxin that produces pain by targeting TRPV1. Identification of a pain-inducing compound may facilitate treating pain induced by scorpion envenomation.
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Scorpion toxin BmK I directly activates Nav1.8 in primary sensory neurons to induce neuronal hyperexcitability in rats. Protein Cell 2015; 6:443-52. [PMID: 25903152 PMCID: PMC4444811 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-015-0154-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) in primary sensory neurons play a key role in transmitting pain signals to the central nervous system. BmK I, a site-3 sodium channel-specific toxin from scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch, induces pain behaviors in rats. However, the subtypes of VGSCs targeted by BmK I were not entirely clear. We therefore investigated the effects of BmK I on the current amplitude, gating and kinetic properties of Nav1.8, which is associated with neuronal hyperexcitability in DRG neurons. It was found that BmK I dose-dependently increased Nav1.8 current in small-sized (<25 μm) acutely dissociated DRG neurons, which correlated with its inhibition on both fast and slow inactivation. Moreover, voltage-dependent activation and steady-state inactivation curves of Nav1.8 were shifted in a hyperpolarized direction. Thus, BmK I reduced the threshold of neuronal excitability and increased action potential firing in DRG neurons. In conclusion, our data clearly demonstrated that BmK I modulated Nav1.8 remarkably, suggesting BmK I as a valuable probe for studying Nav1.8. And Nav1.8 is an important target related to BmK I-evoked pain.
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Jiang F, Hua LM, Jiao YL, Ye P, Fu J, Cheng ZJ, Ding G, Ji YH. Activation of mammalian target of rapamycin contributes to pain nociception induced in rats by BmK I, a sodium channel-specific modulator. Neurosci Bull 2013; 30:21-32. [PMID: 24132796 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-013-1377-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2012] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is essential for maintenance of the sensitivity of certain adult sensory neurons. Here, we investigated whether the mTOR cascade is involved in scorpion envenomation-induced pain hypersensitivity in rats. The results showed that intraplantar injection of a neurotoxin from Buthus martensii Karsch, BmK I (10 μg), induced the activation of mTOR, as well as its downstream molecules p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase (p70 S6K) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), in lumbar 5-6 dorsal root ganglia neurons on both sides in rats. The activation peaked at 2 h and recovered 1 day after injection. Compared with the control group, the ratios of p-mTOR/p-p70 S6K/p-4EBP1 in three types of neurons changed significantly. The cell typology of p-mTOR/p-p70 S6K/p-4E-BP1 immuno-reactive neurons also changed. Intrathecal administration of deforolimus, a specific inhibitor of mTOR, attenuated BmK I-induced pain responses (spontaneous flinching, paroxysmal pain-like behavior, and mechanical hypersensitivity). Together, these results imply that the mTOR signaling pathway is mobilized by and contributes to experimental scorpion sting-induced pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Jiang
- Xinhua Hospital (Chongming) Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Chongming Xinhua Translational Medical Institute for Cancer Pain, Shanghai, 202150, China
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Jiang F, Pang XY, Niu QS, Hua LM, Cheng M, Ji YH. Activation of mammalian target of rapamycin mediates rat pain-related responses induced by BmK I, a sodium channel-specific modulator. Mol Pain 2013; 9:50. [PMID: 24099268 PMCID: PMC3842742 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-9-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is known to regulate cell proliferation and growth by controlling protein translation. Recently, it has been shown that mTOR signaling pathway is involved in long-term synaptic plasticity. However, the role of mTOR under different pain conditions is less clear. In this study, the spatiotemporal activation of mTOR that contributes to pain-related behaviors was investigated using a novel animal inflammatory pain model induced by BmK I, a sodium channel-specific modulator purified from scorpion venom. In this study, intraplantar injections of BmK I were found to induce the activation of mTOR, p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase (p70 S6K) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) in rat L5-L6 spinal neurons. In the spinal cord, mTOR, p70 S6K and 4E-BP1 were observed to be activated in the ipsilateral and contralateral regions, peaking at 1-2 h and recovery at 24 h post-intraplantar (i.pl.) BmK I administration. In addition, intrathecal (i.t.) injection of rapamycin - a specific inhibitor of mTOR - was observed to result in the reduction of spontaneous pain responses and the attenuation of unilateral thermal and bilateral mechanical hypersensitivity elicited by BmK I. Thus, these results indicate that the mTOR signaling pathway is mobilized in the induction and maintenance of pain-activated hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Jiang
- Lab of Neuropharmacology & Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, 200444 Shanghai, P,R, China.
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Niu QS, Jiang F, Hua LM, Fu J, Jiao YL, Ji YH, Ding G. Microglial activation of p38 contributes to scorpion envenomation-induced hyperalgesia. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 440:374-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.09.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Rowe AH, Xiao Y, Scales J, Linse KD, Rowe MP, Cummins TR, Zakon HH. Isolation and characterization of CvIV4: a pain inducing α-scorpion toxin. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23520. [PMID: 21887265 PMCID: PMC3160894 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Among scorpion species, the Buthidae produce the most deadly and painful venoms. However, little is known regarding the venom components that cause pain and their mechanism of action. Using a paw-licking assay (Mus musculus), this study compared the pain-inducing capabilities of venoms from two species of New World scorpion (Centruroides vittatus, C. exilicauda) belonging to the neurotoxin-producing family Buthidae with one species of non-neurotoxin producing scorpion (Vaejovis spinigerus) in the family Vaejovidae. A pain-inducing α-toxin (CvIV4) was isolated from the venom of C. vittatus and tested on five Na+ channel isoforms. Principal Findings C. vittatus and C. exilicauda venoms produced significantly more paw licking in Mus than V. spinigerus venom. CvIV4 produced paw licking in Mus equivalent to the effects of whole venom. CvIV4 slowed the fast inactivation of Nav1.7, a Na+ channel expressed in peripheral pain-pathway neurons (nociceptors), but did not affect the Nav1.8-based sodium currents of these neurons. CvIV4 also slowed the fast inactivation of Nav1.2, Nav1.3 and Nav1.4. The effects of CvIV4 are similar to Old World α-toxins that target Nav1.7 (AahII, BmK MI, LqhIII, OD1), however the primary structure of CvIV4 is not similar to these toxins. Mutant Nav1.7 channels (D1586A and E1589Q, DIV S3–S4 linker) reduced but did not abolish the effects of CvIV4. Conclusions This study: 1) agrees with anecdotal evidence suggesting that buthid venom is significantly more painful than non-neurotoxic venom; 2) demonstrates that New World buthids inflict painful stings via toxins that modulate Na+ channels expressed in nociceptors; 3) reveals that Old and New World buthids employ similar mechanisms to produce pain. Old and New World α-toxins that target Nav1.7 have diverged in sequence, but the activity of these toxins is similar. Pain-inducing toxins may have evolved in a common ancestor. Alternatively, these toxins may be the product of convergent evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee H Rowe
- Section of Neurobiology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America.
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