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Wu H, Xie L, Chen Q, Xu F, Dai A, Ma X, Xie S, Li H, Zhu F, Jiao C, Sun L, Xu Q, Zhou Y, Shen Y, Chen X. Activation of GABAergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus alleviates hyperalgesia induced by ovarian hormone withdrawal. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00678. [PMID: 39106454 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Menopausal and postmenopausal women, characterized by a significant reduction in ovarian hormones, have a high prevalence of chronic pain with great pain intensity. However, the underlying mechanism of hyperalgesia induced by ovarian hormone withdrawal remains poorly understood. Here, we report that decreases in the activity and excitability of GABAergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) are associated with hyperalgesia induced by ovariectomy in mice. Supplementation with 17β-estradiol, but not progesterone, is sufficient to increase the mechanical pain threshold in ovariectomized (OVX) mice and the excitability of DRN GABAergic (DRNGABA) neurons. Moreover, activation of the DRNGABA neurons projecting to the lateral parabrachial nucleus was critical for alleviating hyperalgesia in OVX mice. These findings show the essential role of DRNGABA neurons and their modulation by estrogen in regulating hyperalgesia induced by ovarian hormone withdrawal, providing therapeutic basis for the treatment of chronic pain in physiological or surgical menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wu
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linghua Xie
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fang Xu
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ange Dai
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Ma
- School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shulan Xie
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Zhu
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cuicui Jiao
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lihong Sun
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yudong Zhou
- School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Shen
- School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinzhong Chen
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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2
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Akotkar L, Aswar U, Ganeshpurkar A, Rathod K, Bagad P, Gurav S. Phytoconstituents Targeting the Serotonin 5-HT 3 Receptor: Promising Therapeutic Strategies for Neurological Disorders. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1694-1710. [PMID: 38898946 PMCID: PMC11184608 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00084] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor (5-HT3R), a subtype of serotonin receptor, is a ligand-gated ion channel crucial in mediating fast synaptic transmission in the central and peripheral nervous systems. This receptor significantly influences various neurological activities, encompassing neurotransmission, mood regulation, and cognitive processing; hence, it may serve as an innovative target for neurological disorders. Multiple studies have revealed promising results regarding the beneficial effects of these phytoconstituents and extracts on conditions such as nausea, vomiting, neuropathic pain depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, cognition, epilepsy, sleep, and dyskinesia via modulation of 5-HT3R in the pathophysiology of neurological disorder. The review delves into a detailed exploration of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies and clinical studies that discussed phytoconstituents acting on 5-HT3R and attenuates difficulties in neurological diseases. The diverse mechanisms by which plant-derived phytoconstituents influence 5-HT3R activity offer exciting avenues for developing innovative therapeutic interventions. Besides producing an agonistic or antagonistic effect, some phytoconstituents exert modulatory effects on 5-HT3R activity through multifaceted mechanisms. These include γ-aminobutyric acid and cholinergic neuronal pathways, interactions with neurokinin (NK)-1, NK2, serotonergic, and γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)ergic systems, dopaminergic influences, and mediation of calcium ions release and inflammatory cascades. Notably, the phytoconstituent's capacity to reduce oxidative stress has also emerged as a significant factor contributing to their modulatory role. Despite the promising implications, there is currently a dearth of exploration needed to understand the effect of phytochemicals on the 5-HT3R. Comprehensive preclinical and clinical research is of the utmost importance to broaden our knowledge of the potential therapeutic benefits associated with these substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Likhit Akotkar
- Department
of Pharmacology, Poona College of Pharmacy,
Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune 411038, India
| | - Urmila Aswar
- Department
of Pharmacology, Poona College of Pharmacy,
Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune 411038, India
| | - Ankit Ganeshpurkar
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Poona College
of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune411038, India
| | - Kundlik Rathod
- Department
of Pharmacology, Poona College of Pharmacy,
Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune 411038, India
| | - Pradnya Bagad
- Department
of Pharmacology, Poona College of Pharmacy,
Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune 411038, India
| | - Shailendra Gurav
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, Goa College of Pharmacy, Goa University, Goa 403001, India
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3
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Hebert SV, Green MA, Mashaw SA, Brouillette WD, Nguyen A, Dufrene K, Shelvan A, Patil S, Ahmadzadeh S, Shekoohi S, Kaye AD. Assessing Risk Factors and Comorbidities in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2024; 28:525-534. [PMID: 38558165 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-024-01249-z] [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] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chronic pain affects a significant portion of the population globally, making it a leading cause of disability. Understanding the multifaceted nature of chronic pain, its various types, and the intricate relationship it shares with risk factors, comorbidities, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety is critical for comprehensive patient care. Factors such as socioeconomic status (SES), age, gender, and obesity collectively add layers of complexity to chronic pain experiences and pose management challenges. RECENT FINDINGS Low SES presents barriers to effective pain care, while gender differences and the prevalence of chronic pain in aging adults emphasize the need for tailored approaches. The association between chronic pain and physical comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes mellitus reveals shared risk factors and further highlights the importance of integrated treatment strategies. Chronic pain and mental health are intricately linked through biochemical mechanisms, profoundly affecting overall quality of life. This review explores pharmacologic treatment for chronic pain, particularly opioid analgesia, with attention to the risk of substance misuse and the ongoing opioid epidemic. We discuss the potential role of medical cannabis as an alternative treatment with a nuanced perspective on its impact on opioid use. Addressing the totality and complexity of pain states is crucial to individualizing chronic pain management. With different types of pain having different underlying mechanisms, considerations should be made when approaching their treatment. Moreover, the synergistic relationship that pain states can have with other comorbidities further complicates chronic pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sage V Hebert
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Melanie A Green
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Sydney A Mashaw
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - William D Brouillette
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Angela Nguyen
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Kylie Dufrene
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Anitha Shelvan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Shilpadevi Patil
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Shahab Ahmadzadeh
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Sahar Shekoohi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA.
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Toxicology, and Neurosciences, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
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Liu D, Hu SW, Wang D, Zhang Q, Zhang X, Ding HL, Cao JL. An Ascending Excitatory Circuit from the Dorsal Raphe for Sensory Modulation of Pain. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0869232023. [PMID: 38124016 PMCID: PMC10860493 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0869-23.2023] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is an important nucleus in pain regulation. However, the underlying neural pathway and the function of specific cell types remain unclear. Here, we report a previously unrecognized ascending facilitation pathway, the DRN to the mesoaccumbal dopamine (DA) circuit, for regulating pain. Chronic pain increased the activity of DRN glutamatergic, but not serotonergic, neurons projecting to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) (DRNGlu-VTA) in male mice. The optogenetic activation of DRNGlu-VTA circuit induced a pain-like response in naive male mice, and its inhibition produced an analgesic effect in male mice with neuropathic pain. Furthermore, we discovered that DRN ascending pathway regulated pain through strengthened excitatory transmission onto the VTA DA neurons projecting to the ventral part of nucleus accumbens medial shell (vNAcMed), thereby activated the mesoaccumbal DA neurons. Correspondingly, optogenetic manipulation of this three-node pathway bilaterally regulated pain behaviors. These findings identified a DRN ascending excitatory pathway that is crucial for pain sensory processing, which can potentially be exploited toward targeting pain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Su-Wan Hu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Di Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Hai-Lei Ding
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
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5
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Xu Y, Zhu X, Chen Y, Chen Y, Zhu Y, Xiao S, Wu M, Wang Y, Zhang C, Wu Z, He X, Liu B, Shen Z, Shao X, Fang J. Electroacupuncture alleviates mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors induced by chronic neuropathic pain via regulating rostral anterior cingulate cortex-dorsal raphe nucleus neural circuit. CNS Neurosci Ther 2023; 29:4043-4058. [PMID: 37401033 PMCID: PMC10651964 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Epidemiological studies in patients with neuropathic pain have demonstrated a strong association between neuropathic pain and psychiatric conditions such as anxiety. Preclinical and clinical work has demonstrated that electroacupuncture (EA) effectively alleviates anxiety-like behaviors induced by chronic neuropathic pain. In this study, a potential neural circuitry underlying the therapeutic action of EA was investigated. METHODS The effects of EA stimulation on mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors in animal models of spared nerve injury (SNI) were examined. EA plus chemogenetic manipulation of glutamatergic (Glu) neurons projecting from the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACCGlu ) to the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) was used to explore the changes of mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors in SNI mice. RESULTS Electroacupuncture significantly alleviated both mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors with increased activities of glutamatergic neurons in the rACC and serotoninergic neurons in the DRN. Chemogenetic activation of the rACCGlu -DRN projections attenuated both mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors in mice at day 14 after SNI. Chemogenetic inhibition of the rACCGlu -DRN pathway did not induce mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors under physiological conditions, but inhibiting this pathway produced anxiety-like behaviors in mice at day 7 after SNI; this effect was reversed by EA. EA plus activation of the rACCGlu -DRN circuit did not produce a synergistic effect on mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors. The analgesic and anxiolytic effects of EA could be blocked by inhibiting the rACCGlu -DRN pathway. CONCLUSIONS The role of rACCGlu -DRN circuit may be different during the progression of chronic neuropathic pain and these changes may be related to the serotoninergic neurons in the DRN. These findings describe a novel rACCGlu -DRN pathway through which EA exerts analgesic and anxiolytic effects in SNI mice exhibiting anxiety-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingling Xu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain‐Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain MedicineZhejiang UniversityHangzhouChina
- Liangzhu LaboratoryZhejiang University Medical CenterHangzhouChina
| | - Xixiao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yuerong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yeqing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Siqi Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Mengwei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yifang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Chi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Zenmin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaofen He
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Boyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Zui Shen
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xiaomei Shao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang ProvinceThe Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhouChina
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Pereira AR, Alemi M, Cerqueira-Nunes M, Monteiro C, Galhardo V, Cardoso-Cruz H. Dynamics of Lateral Habenula-Ventral Tegmental Area Microcircuit on Pain-Related Cognitive Dysfunctions. Neurol Int 2023; 15:1303-1319. [PMID: 37987455 PMCID: PMC10660716 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint15040082] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a health problem that affects the ability to work and perform other activities, and it generally worsens over time. Understanding the complex pain interaction with brain circuits could help predict which patients are at risk of developing central dysfunctions. Increasing evidence from preclinical and clinical studies suggests that aberrant activity of the lateral habenula (LHb) is associated with depressive symptoms characterized by excessive negative focus, leading to high-level cognitive dysfunctions. The primary output region of the LHb is the ventral tegmental area (VTA), through a bidirectional connection. Recently, there has been growing interest in the complex interactions between the LHb and VTA, particularly regarding their crucial roles in behavior regulation and their potential involvement in the pathological impact of chronic pain on cognitive functions. In this review, we briefly discuss the structural and functional roles of the LHb-VTA microcircuit and their impact on cognition and mood disorders in order to support future studies addressing brain plasticity during chronic pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Raquel Pereira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde—Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.R.P.); (M.A.); (M.C.-N.); (C.M.); (V.G.)
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biomedicina—Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mobina Alemi
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde—Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.R.P.); (M.A.); (M.C.-N.); (C.M.); (V.G.)
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biomedicina—Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Cerqueira-Nunes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde—Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.R.P.); (M.A.); (M.C.-N.); (C.M.); (V.G.)
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biomedicina—Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Programa Doutoral em Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Clara Monteiro
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde—Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.R.P.); (M.A.); (M.C.-N.); (C.M.); (V.G.)
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biomedicina—Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Vasco Galhardo
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde—Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.R.P.); (M.A.); (M.C.-N.); (C.M.); (V.G.)
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biomedicina—Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Helder Cardoso-Cruz
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde—Pain Neurobiology Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (A.R.P.); (M.A.); (M.C.-N.); (C.M.); (V.G.)
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Biomedicina—Unidade de Biologia Experimental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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7
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Flores-García M, Rizzo A, Garçon-Poca MZ, Fernández-Dueñas V, Bonaventura J. Converging circuits between pain and depression: the ventral tegmental area as a therapeutic hub. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1278023. [PMID: 37849731 PMCID: PMC10577189 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1278023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain and depression are highly prevalent pathologies and cause a major socioeconomic burden to society. Chronic pain affects the emotional state of the individuals suffering from it, while depression worsens the prognosis of chronic pain patients and may diminish the effectiveness of pain treatments. There is a high comorbidity rate between both pathologies, which might share overlapping mechanisms. This review explores the evidence pinpointing a role for the ventral tegmental area (VTA) as a hub where both pain and emotional processing might converge. In addition, the feasibility of using the VTA as a possible therapeutic target is discussed. The role of the VTA, and the dopaminergic system in general, is highly studied in mood disorders, especially in deficits in reward-processing and motivation. Conversely, the VTA is less regarded where it concerns the study of central mechanisms of pain and its mood-associated consequences. Here, we first outline the brain circuits involving central processing of pain and mood disorders, focusing on the often-understudied role of the dopaminergic system and the VTA. Next, we highlight the state-of-the-art findings supporting the emergence of the VTA as a link where both pathways converge. Thus, we envision a promising part for the VTA as a putative target for innovative therapeutic approaches to treat chronic pain and its effects on mood. Finally, we emphasize the urge to develop and use animal models where both pain and depression-like symptoms are considered in conjunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montse Flores-García
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
- Neuropharmacology and Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, IDIBELL-Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Arianna Rizzo
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
- Neuropharmacology and Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, IDIBELL-Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Maria Zelai Garçon-Poca
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
- Neuropharmacology and Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, IDIBELL-Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Víctor Fernández-Dueñas
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
- Neuropharmacology and Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, IDIBELL-Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Bonaventura
- Unitat de Farmacologia, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
- Neuropharmacology and Pain Group, Neuroscience Program, IDIBELL-Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
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8
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Wang J, Li Z, Tu Y, Gao F. The Dopaminergic System in the Ventral Tegmental Area Contributes to Morphine Analgesia and Tolerance. Neuroscience 2023; 527:74-83. [PMID: 37286162 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.05.026] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Morphine has a strong analgesic effect and is suitable for various types of pain, so it is widely used. But long-term usage of morphine can lead to drug tolerance, which limits its clinical application. The complex mechanisms underlying the development of morphine analgesia into tolerance involve multiple nuclei in the brain. Recent studies reveal the signaling at the cellular and molecular levels as well as neural circuits contributing to morphine analgesia and tolerance in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which is traditionally considered a critical center of opioid reward and addiction. Existing studies show that dopamine receptors and μ-opioid receptors participate in morphine tolerance through the altered activities of dopaminergic and/or non-dopaminergic neurons in the VTA. Several neural circuits related to the VTA are also involved in the regulation of morphine analgesia and the development of drug tolerance. Reviewing specific cellular and molecular targets and related neural circuits may provide novel precautionary strategies for morphine tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye Tu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Huang Y, Zhang Y, Hodges S, Li H, Yan Z, Liu X, Hou X, Chen W, Chai-Zhang T, Kong J, Liu B. The modulation effects of repeated transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on the functional connectivity of key brainstem regions along the vagus nerve pathway in migraine patients. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1160006. [PMID: 37333617 PMCID: PMC10275573 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1160006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have shown a significant response to acute transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in regions of the vagus nerve pathway, including the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), raphe nucleus (RN) and locus coeruleus (LC) in both healthy human participants and migraine patients. This study aims to investigate the modulation effect of repeated taVNS on these brainstem regions by applying seed-based resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) analysis. Methods 70 patients with migraine were recruited and randomized to receive real or sham taVNS treatments for 4 weeks. fMRI data were collected from each participant before and after 4 weeks of treatment. The rsFC analyses were performed using NTS, RN and LC as the seeds. Results 59 patients (real group: n = 33; sham group: n = 29) completed two fMRI scan sessions. Compared to sham taVNS, real taVNS was associated with a significant reduction in the number of migraine attack days (p = 0.024) and headache pain intensity (p = 0.008). The rsFC analysis showed repeated taVNS modulated the functional connectivity between the brain stem regions of the vagus nerve pathway and brain regions associated with the limbic system (bilateral hippocampus), pain processing and modulation (bilateral postcentral gyrus, thalamus, and mPFC), and basal ganglia (putamen/caudate). In addition, the rsFC change between the RN and putamen was significantly associated with the reduction in the number of migraine days. Conclusion Our findings suggest that taVNS can significantly modulate the vagus nerve central pathway, which may contribute to the potential treatment effects of taVNS for migraine.Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.aspx?id=11101, identifier ChiCTR-INR-17010559.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sierra Hodges
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoxian Yan
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xian Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Hou
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weicui Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Thalia Chai-Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Jian Kong
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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He CB, Jin Y, Li Y, Zhang Q, Yang B, Xu M, Yang J, Yi XN, Dong YL, Wang J, Li YQ. Collateral projections from the ventral tegmental area/substantia nigra pars compacta to the nucleus accumbens and insular cortex in the rat. Anat Sci Int 2023:10.1007/s12565-023-00728-4. [PMID: 37160827 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-023-00728-4] [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: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Midbrain dopaminergic (DAergic) regions including ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) are involved in diverse brain functions. Previous studies demonstrated that the VTA/SNc to nucleus accumbens (NAc) pathway is critical in reward and motivation. Moreover, DAergic innervations within the insular cortex (IC) are reported to play important roles in pain regulation. To investigate whether VTA/SNc sends collateral projections to NAc and IC, we injected retrograde tracer Fluoro-Gold (FG) into the NAc and Fluorescent retrograde tracer beads (RetroBeads) into the ipsilateral IC in rats. Then, to detect whether collateral projection neurons participate in neuropathic pain, parts of the rats received the spare nerve injury (SNI) surgery. The immunofluorescence staining results showed that FG, RetroBeads, and FG/RetroBeads double-labeled neurons were distributed in the VTA/SNc bilaterally with an ipsilateral predominance. The proportion of FG/RetroBeads double-labeled neurons to the total number of FG and RetroBeads-labeled neurons was 16.7% and 30.3%, respectively. About 90.3% of FG/RetroBeads double-labeled neurons showed DAergic neuron marker tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive (IR), whereas, only 7.5% exhibited a subset of GABAergic inhibitory projection neuron marker parvalbumin (PV)-IR. One week after SNI, about 53.1% and 33.6% of FG- and RetroBeads-labeled neurons were FG/Fos- and RetroBeads/Fos-IR neurons, respectively. Finally, about 35.9% of the FG/RetroBeads double-labeled neurons showed Fos-IR. The present study indicates that parts of DAergic and PV-IR GABAergic neurons in the VTA/SNc send collateral projections to both NAc and IC, which are activated under SNI-induced neuropathic pain, and probably contribute to the regulation of nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Bo He
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
- Department of Anatomy & K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yuan Jin
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China
| | - Bai Yang
- Department of Anatomy & K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Mang Xu
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China
| | - Juan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science Research and Transformation in Tropical Environment of Hainan Province, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Xi-Nan Yi
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science Research and Transformation in Tropical Environment of Hainan Province, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Yu-Lin Dong
- Department of Anatomy & K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, 610083, China.
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Department of Anatomy & K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Dali University, Dali, 671000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Brain Science Research and Transformation in Tropical Environment of Hainan Province, Haikou, 571199, China.
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Kang JWM, Keay KA, Kendig MD, Corbit LH, Mor D. Serotonin and Dopamine Show Different Response Profiles to Acute Stress in the Nucleus Accumbens and Medial Prefrontal Cortex of Rats with Neuropathic Pain. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:2265-2280. [PMID: 36941432 PMCID: PMC10182167 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03906-y] [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: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The ability to adaptively guide behaviour requires the integration of external information with internal motivational factors. Decision-making capabilities can be impaired by acute stress and is often exacerbated by chronic pain. Chronic neuropathic pain patients often present with cognitive dysfunction, including impaired decision-making. The mechanisms underlying these changes are not well understood but may include altered monoaminergic transmission in the brain. In this study we investigated the relationships between dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites in key brain regions that regulate motivated behaviour and decision-making. The neurochemical profiles of the medial prefrontal cortex, orbital prefrontal cortex, and nucleus accumbens were analysed using HPLC in rats that received a chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the right sciatic nerve and an acute stress (15-min restraint), prior to an outcome devaluation task. CCI alone significantly decreased dopamine but not serotonin concentrations in the medial prefrontal cortex. By contrast, restraint stress acutely increased dopamine in the medial prefrontal cortex, and the nucleus accumbens; and increased serotonin in the medial prefrontal cortex 2 h later. The sustained dopaminergic and serotonergic responses to acute stress highlight the importance of an animal's ability to mount an effective coping response. In addition, these data suggest that the impact of nerve injury and acute stress on outcome-devaluation occurs independently of dopaminergic and serotonergic transmission in the medial prefrontal cortex, orbital prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W M Kang
- School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience], The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Kevin A Keay
- School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience], The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Michael D Kendig
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
| | - Laura H Corbit
- Department of Psychology, The University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G3, Canada
| | - David Mor
- School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience], The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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12
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TRPV1: A Common Denominator Mediating Antinociceptive and Antiemetic Effects of Cannabinoids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710016. [PMID: 36077412 PMCID: PMC9456209 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common medicinal claims for cannabis are relief from chronic pain, stimulation of appetite, and as an antiemetic. However, the mechanisms by which cannabis reduces pain and prevents nausea and vomiting are not fully understood. Among more than 450 constituents in cannabis, the most abundant cannabinoids are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabinoids either directly or indirectly modulate ion channel function. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is an ion channel responsible for mediating several modalities of pain, and it is expressed in both the peripheral and the central pain pathways. Activation of TRPV1 in sensory neurons mediates nociception in the ascending pain pathway, while activation of TRPV1 in the central descending pain pathway, which involves the rostral ventral medulla (RVM) and the periaqueductal gray (PAG), mediates antinociception. TRPV1 channels are thought to be implicated in neuropathic/spontaneous pain perception in the setting of impaired descending antinociceptive control. Activation of TRPV1 also can cause the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and other neuropeptides/neurotransmitters from the peripheral and central nerve terminals, including the vagal nerve terminal innervating the gut that forms central synapses at the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). One of the adverse effects of chronic cannabis use is the paradoxical cannabis-induced hyperemesis syndrome (HES), which is becoming more common, perhaps due to the wider availability of cannabis-containing products and the chronic use of products containing higher levels of cannabinoids. Although, the mechanism of HES is unknown, the effective treatment options include hot-water hydrotherapy and the topical application of capsaicin, both activate TRPV1 channels and may involve the vagal-NTS and area postrema (AP) nausea and vomiting pathway. In this review, we will delineate the activation of TRPV1 by cannabinoids and their role in the antinociceptive/nociceptive and antiemetic/emetic effects involving the peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal structures.
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13
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Exposure to chronic stressor upsurges the excitability of serotoninergic neurons and diminishes concentrations of circulating corticosteroids in rats two weeks thereafter. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:451-460. [DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00366-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Pramipexole treatment attenuates mechanical hypersensitivity in male rats experiencing chronic inflammatory pain. Neuropharmacology 2022; 208:108976. [PMID: 35085583 PMCID: PMC10171400 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.108976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Opioids are commonly prescribed for pain despite growing evidence of their low efficacy in the treatment of chronic inflammatory pain and the high potential for misuse. There is a clear need to investigate non-opioid alternatives for the treatment of pain. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that acute and repeated dopamine agonist treatment would attenuate mechanical hypersensitivity in male Long-Evans rats experiencing chronic inflammatory pain. We used two clinically available therapeutics, l-DOPA (precursor of dopamine biosynthesis) and pramipexole (dopamine D2/3 receptor agonist), to examine the functional role of dopamine signaling on mechanical hypersensitivity using an animal model of chronic inflammatory pain (complete Freund's adjuvant, CFA). We found that both acute and repeated pramipexole treatment attenuated hyperalgesia-like behavior in CFA-treated animals but exhibited no analgesic effects in control animals. In contrast, there was no effect of acute or repeated l-DOPA treatment on mechanical hypersensitivity in either CFA- or saline-treated animals. Notably, we discovered some extended effects of l-DOPA and pramipexole on decreasing pain-like behavior at three days and one week post-drug treatment. We also examined the effects of pramipexole treatment on glutamatergic and presynaptic signaling in pain- and reward-related brain regions including the nucleus accumbens (NAc), dorsal striatum (DS), ventral tegmental area (VTA), cingulate cortex (CC), central amygdala (CeA), and periaqueductal gray (PAG). We found that pramipexole treatment decreased AMPA receptor phosphorylation (pGluR1845) in the NAc and DS but increased pGluR1845 in the CC and CeA. A marker of presynaptic vesicle release, pSynapsin, was also increased in the DS, VTA, CC, CeA, and PAG following pramipexole treatment. Interestingly, pramipexole increased pSynapsin in the NAc of saline-treated animals, but not CFA-treated animals, suggesting blunted presynaptic vesicle release in the NAc of CFA-treated animals following pramipexole treatment. To examine the functional implications of impaired presynaptic signaling in the NAc of CFA animals, we used ex vivo electrophysiology to examine the effects of pramipexole treatment on the intrinsic excitability of NAc neurons in CFA- and saline-treated animals. We found that pramipexole treatment reduced NAc intrinsic excitability in saline-treated animals but produced no change in NAc intrinsic excitability in CFA-treated animals. These findings indicate alterations in dopamine D2/3 receptor signaling in the NAc of animals with a history of chronic pain in association with the anti-hyperalgesic effects of pramipexole treatment.
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15
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Central nervous system monoaminergic activity in hip osteoarthritis patients with disabling pain: associations with pain severity and central sensitization. Pain Rep 2022; 7:e988. [PMID: 35097309 PMCID: PMC8789209 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients with osteoarthritis undergoing total hip arthroplasty, higher cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of serotonin and dopamine metabolites are associated with increased pain severity and central sensitization. Introduction: Objectives: Methods: Results: Conclusions:
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16
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The Role of Mesostriatal Dopamine System and Corticostriatal Glutamatergic Transmission in Chronic Pain. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11101311. [PMID: 34679376 PMCID: PMC8533867 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11101311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing recognition of the involvement of the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopamine systems in the modulation of chronic pain. The first part of the present article reviews the evidence indicating that dopamine exerts analgesic effects during persistent pain by stimulating the D2 receptors in the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens (NAc). Thereby, dopamine inhibits striatal output via the D2 receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons (D2-MSN). Dopaminergic neurotransmission in the mesostriatal pathways is hampered in chronic pain states and this alteration maintains and exacerbates pain. The second part of this article focuses on the glutamatergic inputs from the medial prefrontal cortex to the NAc, their activity changes in chronic pain, and their role in pain modulation. Finally, interactions between dopaminergic and glutamatergic inputs to the D2-MSN are considered in the context of persistent pain. Studies using novel techniques indicate that pain is regulated oppositely by two independent dopaminergic circuits linking separate parts of the ventral tegmental area and of the NAc, which also interact with distinct regions of the medial prefrontal cortex.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain and depression have a high impact on caring for the people who need palliative care, but both of these are neglected compared with the approach for other symptoms encountered by these patients. AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY There are few studies in humans that support the existence of common neural circuits between depression and pain that also explore the use of drugs with effects in both conditions. More knowledge is needed about the relationship of these clinical entities that will lead to the optimization of the treatment and improvement of quality of life. DATA SOURCES We conducted a search in PubMed to identify relevant articles and reviews that have been published in the last 5 years, concerning the topic of common pathways between depression and pain (2014-April 2019). THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES The connections between the 2 clinical entities start at the level of the cortical regions. The hippocampus is the main site of neural changes, modification of the immune system, neuromodulators, neurotransmitters, and signaling pathways implicated in both conditions. Increased levels of peripheral proinflammatory cytokines and neuroinflammatory changes are related to the physiopathology of these entities. Inflammation links depression and pain by altering neural circuits and changes in their common cortical regions. Antidepressants are used to treat depression and chronic, pain but more experimental studies are needed to determine which antidepressant drugs are the most effective in treating the 2 entities. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions targeting cortical changes in pain and depression are promising, but more clinical studies are needed to validate their usefulness.
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Neural Plasticity in the Brain during Neuropathic Pain. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060624. [PMID: 34072638 PMCID: PMC8228570 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is an intractable chronic pain, caused by damage to the somatosensory nervous system. To date, treatment for neuropathic pain has limited effects. For the development of efficient therapeutic methods, it is essential to fully understand the pathological mechanisms of neuropathic pain. Besides abnormal sensitization in the periphery and spinal cord, accumulating evidence suggests that neural plasticity in the brain is also critical for the development and maintenance of this pain. Recent technological advances in the measurement and manipulation of neuronal activity allow us to understand maladaptive plastic changes in the brain during neuropathic pain more precisely and modulate brain activity to reverse pain states at the preclinical and clinical levels. In this review paper, we discuss the current understanding of pathological neural plasticity in the four pain-related brain areas: the primary somatosensory cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex, the periaqueductal gray, and the basal ganglia. We also discuss potential treatments for neuropathic pain based on the modulation of neural plasticity in these brain areas.
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Sun GL, Song ZJ, Peng XH, Chen PP, Song Y, Qin X, Hua R, Zhang YM. Projection-specific dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area participated in morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance in male mice. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:591-605. [PMID: 33749357 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120985183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term morphine use is associated with serious side effects, such as morphine-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance. Previous investigations have documented the association between dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and pain. However, whether VTA DA neurons are implicated in morphine-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance remains elusive. METHODS Initially, we observed behavioural effects of lidocaine administration into VTA or ablation of VTA DA neurons on morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance. Subsequently, c-Fos expression in nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell-projecting and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)-projecting VTA DA neurons after chronic morphine treatment was respectively investigated. Afterwards, the effects of chemogenetic manipulation of NAc shell-projecting or mPFC-projecting DA neurons on morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance were observed. Additionally, effects of chemogenetic manipulation of VTA GABA neurons on c-Fos expression in VTA DA neurons were investigated. RESULTS Lidocaine injection into VTA relieved established hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance whereas ablation of VTA DA neurons prevented the development of morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance. Chronic morphine treatment increased c-Fos expression in NAc shell-projecting DA neurons, rather than in mPFC-projecting DA neurons. Chemogenetic manipulation of NAc shell-projecting DA neurons had influence on morphine-induced hyperalgesia and tolerance. However, chemogenetic manipulation of mPFC-projecting DA neurons had no significant effects on morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance. Chemogenetic manipulation of VTA GABA neurons affected the c-Fos expression in VTA DA neurons. CONCLUSIONS These findings revealed the involvement of NAc shell-projecting VTA DA neurons in morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance, and may shed new light on the clinical management of morphine-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance. PERSPECTIVE This study demonstrated that NAc shell-projecting DA neurons rather than mPFC-projecting DA neurons in the VTA were implicated in morphine-induced hyperalgesia and anti-nociceptive tolerance. Our findings may pave the way for the discovery of novel therapies for morphine-induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Lin Sun
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anaesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Zhi-Jing Song
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anaesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, PR China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Xiao-Han Peng
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anaesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Pan-Pan Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anaesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Ying Song
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anaesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Xia Qin
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anaesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Rong Hua
- Emergency Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, PR China
| | - Yong-Mei Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anaesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, PR China
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A pain-induced tonic hypodopaminergic state augments phasic dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens. Pain 2021; 161:2376-2384. [PMID: 32453137 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Diseases and disorders such as Parkinson disease, schizophrenia, and chronic pain are characterized by altered mesolimbic dopaminergic neurotransmission. Dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens influences behavior through both tonic and phasic signaling. Tonic dopamine levels are hypothesized to inversely regulate phasic signals through dopamine D2 receptor feedback inhibition. We tested this hypothesis directly in the context of ongoing pain. Tonic and phasic dopamine signals were measured using fast-scan controlled-adsorption voltammetry and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, respectively, in the nucleus accumbens shell of male rats with standardized levels of anesthesia. Application of capsaicin to the cornea produced a transient decrease in tonic dopamine levels. During the pain-induced hypodopaminergic state, electrically evoked phasic dopamine release was significantly increased when compared to baseline, evoked phasic release. A second application of capsaicin to the same eye had a lessened effect on tonic dopamine suggesting desensitization of TRPV1 channels in that eye. Capsaicin treatment in the alternate cornea, however, again produced coincident decreased dopaminergic tone and increased phasic dopamine release. These findings occurred independently of stimulus lateralization relative to the hemisphere of dopamine measurement. Our data show that (1) the mesolimbic dopamine circuit reliably encodes acute noxious stimuli; (2) ongoing pain produces decreases in dopaminergic tone; and (3) pain-induced decreases in tonic dopamine correspond to augmented evoked phasic dopamine release. Enhanced phasic dopamine neurotransmission resulting from salient stimuli may contribute to increased impulsivity and cognitive deficits often observed in conditions associated with decreased dopaminergic tone, including Parkinson disease and chronic pain.
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21
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Chen P, Wang C, Ren YN, Ye ZJ, Jiang C, Wu ZB. Alterations in the gut microbiota and metabolite profiles in the context of neuropathic pain. Mol Brain 2021; 14:50. [PMID: 33750430 PMCID: PMC7941960 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00765-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the relationships among gut microbiota disturbances and serum and spinal cord metabolic disorders in neuropathic pain. 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing and serum and spinal cord metabolomics were used to identify alterations in the microbiota and metabolite profiles in the sham rats and the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model rats. Correlations between the abundances of gut microbiota components at the genus level, the levels of serum metabolites, and pain-related behavioural parameters were analysed. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was applied to analyse the interaction networks of the differentially expressed serum metabolites. First, we found that the composition of the gut microbiota was different between rats with CCI-induced neuropathic pain and sham controls. At the genus level, the abundances of Helicobacter, Phascolarctobacterium, Christensenella, Blautia, Streptococcus, Rothia and Lactobacillus were significantly increased, whereas the abundances of Ignatzschineria, Butyricimonas, Escherichia, AF12, and Corynebacterium were significantly decreased. Additionally, 72 significantly differentially expressed serum metabolites and 17 significantly differentially expressed spinal cord metabolites were identified between the CCI rats and the sham rats. Finally, correlation analysis showed that changes in the gut microbiota was significantly correlated with changes in serum metabolite levels, suggesting that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is an important factor in modulating metabolic disturbances in the context of neuropathic pain. In conclusion, our research provides a novel perspective on the potential roles of the gut microbiota and related metabolites in neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- Basic Medical School, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Chen Wang
- First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Na Ren
- Basic Medical School, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Zeng-Jie Ye
- First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Zhi-Bing Wu
- First Clinical Medical School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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22
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de Vrind VAJ, van ‘t Sant LJ, Rozeboom A, Luijendijk-Berg MCM, Omrani A, Adan RAH. Leptin Receptor Expressing Neurons in the Substantia Nigra Regulate Locomotion, and in The Ventral Tegmental Area Motivation and Feeding. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:680494. [PMID: 34276560 PMCID: PMC8281287 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.680494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin is an anorexigenic hormone, important in the regulation of body weight. Leptin plays a role in food reward, feeding, locomotion and anxiety. Leptin receptors (LepR) are expressed in many brain areas, including the midbrain. In most studies that target the midbrain, either all LepR neurons of the midbrain or those of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) were targeted, but the role of substantia nigra (SN) LepR neurons has not been investigated. These studies have reported contradicting results regarding motivational behavior for food reward, feeding and locomotion. Since not all midbrain LepR mediated behaviors can be explained by LepR neurons in the VTA alone, we hypothesized that SN LepR neurons may provide further insight. We first characterized SN LepR and VTA LepR expression, which revealed LepR expression mainly on DA neurons. To further understand the role of midbrain LepR neurons in body weight regulation, we chemogenetically activated VTA LepR or SN LepR neurons in LepR-cre mice and tested for motivational behavior, feeding and locomotion. Activation of VTA LepR neurons in food restricted mice decreased motivation for food reward (p=0.032) and food intake (p=0.020), but not locomotion. In contrast, activation of SN LepR neurons in food restricted mice decreased locomotion (p=0.025), but not motivation for food reward or food intake. Our results provide evidence that VTA LepR and SN LepR neurons serve different functions, i.e. activation of VTA LepR neurons modulated motivation for food reward and feeding, while SN LepR neurons modulated locomotor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronne A. J. de Vrind
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht and University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lisanne J. van ‘t Sant
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht and University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Rozeboom
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht and University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mieneke C. M. Luijendijk-Berg
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht and University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Azar Omrani
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht and University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roger A. H. Adan
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht and University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Roger A. H. Adan,
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An Investigation of the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Analgesic Effect of Jakyak-Gamcho Decoction: A Network Pharmacology Study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:6628641. [PMID: 33343676 PMCID: PMC7732394 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6628641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Herbal drugs have drawn substantial interest as effective analgesic agents; however, their therapeutic mechanisms remain to be fully understood. To address this question, we performed a network pharmacology study to explore the system-level mechanisms that underlie the analgesic activity of Jakyak-Gamcho decoction (JGd; Shaoyao-Gancao-Tang in Chinese and Shakuyaku-Kanzo-To in Japanese), an herbal prescription consisting of Paeonia lactiflora Pallas and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer. Based on comprehensive information regarding the pharmacological and chemical properties of the herbal constituents of JGd, we identified 57 active chemical compounds and their 70 pain-associated targets. The JGd targets were determined to be involved in the regulation of diverse biological activities as follows: calcium- and cytokine-mediated signalings, calcium ion concentration and homeostasis, cellular behaviors of muscle and neuronal cells, inflammatory response, and response to chemical, cytokine, drug, and oxidative stress. The targets were further enriched in various pain-associated signalings, including the PI3K-Akt, estrogen, ErbB, neurotrophin, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, HIF-1, serotonergic synapse, JAK-STAT, and cAMP pathways. Thus, these data provide a systematic basis to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the analgesic activity of herbal drugs.
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Cunha AM, Guimarães MR, Kokras N, Sotiropoulos I, Sousa N, Almeida A, Dalla C, Leite-Almeida H. Mesocorticolimbic monoamines in a rodent model of chronic neuropathic pain. Neurosci Lett 2020; 737:135309. [PMID: 32818589 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135309] [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: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain manifests in multiple disorders and is highly debilitating. While its pathophysiology is not fully understood, the involvement of the mesocorticolimbic monoaminergic systems have been shown to play a critical role in chronic pain emergence and/or maintenance. In this study, we analyzed the levels of monoamines dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5-HT) in mesocorticolimbic areas - medial prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, striatum, nucleus accumbens and amygdala - 1 month after a neuropathic lesion, Spared Nerve Injury (SNI). In SNI animals, were observed a marginal decrease of DA and 5-HT in the striatum and a rightward shift in the levels of NA in the nucleus accumbens. While mesocorticolimbic monoamines might be relevant for chronic pain pathophysiology its content appears to be relatively unaffected in our experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Marco Rafael Guimarães
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Sotiropoulos
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Armando Almeida
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Hugo Leite-Almeida
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Campus Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
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25
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Kuner R, Kuner T. Cellular Circuits in the Brain and Their Modulation in Acute and Chronic Pain. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:213-258. [PMID: 32525759 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00040.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic, pathological pain remains a global health problem and a challenge to basic and clinical sciences. A major obstacle to preventing, treating, or reverting chronic pain has been that the nature of neural circuits underlying the diverse components of the complex, multidimensional experience of pain is not well understood. Moreover, chronic pain involves diverse maladaptive plasticity processes, which have not been decoded mechanistically in terms of involvement of specific circuits and cause-effect relationships. This review aims to discuss recent advances in our understanding of circuit connectivity in the mammalian brain at the level of regional contributions and specific cell types in acute and chronic pain. A major focus is placed on functional dissection of sub-neocortical brain circuits using optogenetics, chemogenetics, and imaging technological tools in rodent models with a view towards decoding sensory, affective, and motivational-cognitive dimensions of pain. The review summarizes recent breakthroughs and insights on structure-function properties in nociceptive circuits and higher order sub-neocortical modulatory circuits involved in aversion, learning, reward, and mood and their modulation by endogenous GABAergic inhibition, noradrenergic, cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and peptidergic pathways. The knowledge of neural circuits and their dynamic regulation via functional and structural plasticity will be beneficial towards designing and improving targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini Kuner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; and Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Kuner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; and Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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26
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Faivre F, Sánchez-Catalán MJ, Dovero S, Bido S, Joshi A, Bezard E, Barrot M. Ablation of the tail of the ventral tegmental area compensates symptoms in an experimental model of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 139:104818. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.104818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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27
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Guida F, De Gregorio D, Palazzo E, Ricciardi F, Boccella S, Belardo C, Iannotta M, Infantino R, Formato F, Marabese I, Luongo L, de Novellis V, Maione S. Behavioral, Biochemical and Electrophysiological Changes in Spared Nerve Injury Model of Neuropathic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093396. [PMID: 32403385 PMCID: PMC7246983 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a pathological condition induced by a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system, with symptoms like allodynia and hyperalgesia. It has a multifaceted pathogenesis as it implicates several molecular signaling pathways involving peripheral and central nervous systems. Affective and cognitive dysfunctions have been reported as comorbidities of neuropathic pain states, supporting the notion that pain and mood disorders share some common pathogenetic mechanisms. The understanding of these pathophysiological mechanisms requires the development of animal models mimicking, as far as possible, clinical neuropathic pain symptoms. Among them, the Spared Nerve Injury (SNI) model has been largely characterized in terms of behavioral and functional alterations. This model is associated with changes in neuronal firing activity at spinal and supraspinal levels, and induces late neuropsychiatric disorders (such as anxious-like and depressive-like behaviors, and cognitive impairments) comparable to an advanced phase of neuropathy. The goal of this review is to summarize current findings in preclinical research, employing the SNI model as a tool for identifying pathophysiological mechanisms of neuropathic pain and testing pharmacological agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (F.R.); (S.B.); (C.B.); (M.I.); (R.I.); (F.F.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (V.d.N.)
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (S.M.)
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A1A1, Canada;
| | - Enza Palazzo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (F.R.); (S.B.); (C.B.); (M.I.); (R.I.); (F.F.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (V.d.N.)
| | - Flavia Ricciardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (F.R.); (S.B.); (C.B.); (M.I.); (R.I.); (F.F.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (V.d.N.)
| | - Serena Boccella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (F.R.); (S.B.); (C.B.); (M.I.); (R.I.); (F.F.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (V.d.N.)
| | - Carmela Belardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (F.R.); (S.B.); (C.B.); (M.I.); (R.I.); (F.F.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (V.d.N.)
| | - Monica Iannotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (F.R.); (S.B.); (C.B.); (M.I.); (R.I.); (F.F.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (V.d.N.)
| | - Rosmara Infantino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (F.R.); (S.B.); (C.B.); (M.I.); (R.I.); (F.F.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (V.d.N.)
| | - Federica Formato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (F.R.); (S.B.); (C.B.); (M.I.); (R.I.); (F.F.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (V.d.N.)
| | - Ida Marabese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (F.R.); (S.B.); (C.B.); (M.I.); (R.I.); (F.F.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (V.d.N.)
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (F.R.); (S.B.); (C.B.); (M.I.); (R.I.); (F.F.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (V.d.N.)
| | - Vito de Novellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (F.R.); (S.B.); (C.B.); (M.I.); (R.I.); (F.F.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (V.d.N.)
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (F.R.); (S.B.); (C.B.); (M.I.); (R.I.); (F.F.); (I.M.); (L.L.); (V.d.N.)
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (S.M.)
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Reker AN, Chen S, Etter K, Burger T, Caudill M, Davidson S. The Operant Plantar Thermal Assay: A Novel Device for Assessing Thermal Pain Tolerance in Mice. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0210-19.2020. [PMID: 32071073 PMCID: PMC7078811 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0210-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain is a multidimensional experience of sensory-discriminative, cognitive, and affective processes; however, current basic research methods rely heavily on response to threshold stimuli, bypassing the supraspinal processing that ultimately gives rise to the pain experience. We developed the operant plantar thermal assay (OPTA), which utilizes a novel, conflict-based operant task requiring evaluation and active decision-making to obtain reward under thermally aversive conditions to quantify thermal pain tolerance. In baseline measures, male and female mice exhibited similar temperature preferences, however in the OPTA, female mice exhibited greater temperature-dependent tolerance, as defined by choice time spent in an adverse thermal condition to obtain reward. Increasing reward salience (4% vs 10% sucrose solution) led to increased thermal tolerance for males but not females. To determine whether neuropathic and inflammatory pain models alter thermal tolerance, animals with chronic constriction injury (CCI) or complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), respectively, were tested in the OPTA. Surprisingly, neuropathic animals exhibited increased thermal tolerance, as shown by greater time spent in the reward zone in an adverse thermal condition, compared with sham animals. There was no effect of inflammation on thermal tolerance. Administration of clonidine in the CCI model led to increased thermal tolerance in both injured and sham animals. In contrast, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory meloxicam was anti-hyperalgesic in the CFA model, but reduced thermal pain tolerance. These data support the feasibility of using the OPTA to assess thermal pain tolerance to gain new insights into complex pain behaviors and to investigate novel aspects of analgesic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlie N Reker
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Sisi Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Katherine Etter
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Taylor Burger
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Makayla Caudill
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Steve Davidson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267
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29
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Hakim JD, Chami J, Keay KA. μ-Opioid and dopamine-D2 receptor expression in the nucleus accumbens of male Sprague-Dawley rats whose sucrose consumption, but not preference, decreases after nerve injury. Behav Brain Res 2020; 381:112416. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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30
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Guida F, Boccella S, Belardo C, Iannotta M, Piscitelli F, De Filippis F, Paino S, Ricciardi F, Siniscalco D, Marabese I, Luongo L, Ercolini D, Di Marzo V, Maione S. Altered gut microbiota and endocannabinoid system tone in vitamin D deficiency-mediated chronic pain. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 85:128-141. [PMID: 30953765 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence points to the gut microbiota as a regulator of brain and behavior, although it remains to be determined if gut bacteria play a role in chronic pain. The endocannabinoid system is implicated in inflammation and chronic pain processing at both the gut and central nervous system (CNS) levels. In the present study, we used low Vitamin D dietary intake in mice and evaluated possible changes in gut microbiota, pain processing and endocannabinoid system signaling. Vitamin D deficiency induced a lower microbial diversity characterized by an increase in Firmicutes and a decrease in Verrucomicrobia and Bacteroidetes. Concurrently, vitamin D deficient mice showed tactile allodynia associated with neuronal hyperexcitability and alterations of endocannabinoid system members (endogenous mediators and their receptors) at the spinal cord level. Changes in endocannabinoid (anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol) levels were also observed in the duodenum and colon. Remarkably, the anti-inflammatory anandamide congener, palmitoylethanolamide, counteracted both the pain behaviour and spinal biochemical changes in vitamin D deficient mice, whilst increasing the levels of Akkermansia, Eubacterium and Enterobacteriaceae, as compared with vehicle-treated mice. Finally, induction of spared nerve injury in normal or vitamin D deficient mice was not accompanied by changes in gut microbiota composition. Our data suggest the existence of a link between Vitamin D deficiency - with related changes in gut bacterial composition - and altered nociception, possibly via molecular mechanisms involving the endocannabinoid and related mediator signaling systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Serena Boccella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Belardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Iannotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Francesca De Filippis
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy; Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Paino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Ricciardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Siniscalco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Ida Marabese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Danilo Ercolini
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy; Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Quèbec Heart and Lung Institute and Institute for Nutrition and Functional Foods, Université Laval, 2325 Rue de l'Université, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
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31
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Neuropathic Pain Dysregulates Gene Expression of the Forebrain Opioid and Dopamine Systems. Neurotox Res 2020; 37:800-814. [PMID: 32026358 PMCID: PMC7085470 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00166-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Disturbances in the function of the mesostriatal dopamine system may contribute to the development and maintenance of chronic pain, including its sensory and emotional/cognitive aspects. In the present study, we assessed the influence of chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve on the expression of genes coding for dopamine and opioid receptors as well as opioid propeptides in the mouse mesostriatal system, particularly in the nucleus accumbens. We demonstrated bilateral increases in mRNA levels of the dopamine D1 and D2 receptors (the latter accompanied by elevated protein level), opioid propeptides proenkephalin and prodynorphin, as well as delta and kappa (but not mu) opioid receptors in the nucleus accumbens at 7 to 14 days after CCI. These results show that CCI-induced neuropathic pain is accompanied by a major transcriptional dysregulation of molecules involved in dopaminergic and opioidergic signaling in the striatum/nucleus accumbens. Possible functional consequences of these changes include opposite effects of upregulated enkephalin/delta opioid receptor signaling vs. dynorphin/kappa opioid receptor signaling, with the former most likely having an analgesic effect and the latter exacerbating pain and contributing to pain-related negative emotional states.
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32
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Attenuated dopamine receptor signaling in nucleus accumbens core in a rat model of chemically-induced neuropathy. Neuropharmacology 2020; 166:107935. [PMID: 31917153 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.107935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathy is major source of chronic pain that can be caused by mechanically or chemically induced nerve injury. Intraplantar formalin injection produces local necrosis over a two-week period and has been used to model neuropathy in rats. To determine whether neuropathy alters dopamine (DA) receptor responsiveness in mesolimbic brain regions, we examined dopamine D1-like and D2-like receptor (D1/2R) signaling and expression in male rats 14 days after bilateral intraplantar formalin injections into both rear paws. D2R-mediated G-protein activation and expression of the D2R long, but not short, isoform were reduced in nucleus accumbens (NAc) core, but not in NAc shell, caudate-putamen or ventral tegmental area of formalin- compared to saline-treated rats. In addition, D1R-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was also reduced in NAc core, but not in NAc shell or prefrontal cortex, of formalin-treated rats, whereas D1R expression was unaffected. Other proteins involved in dopamine neurotransmission, including dopamine uptake transporter and tyrosine hydroxylase, were unaffected by formalin treatment. In behavioral tests, the potency of a D2R agonist to suppress intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) was decreased in formalin-treated rats, whereas D1R agonist effects were not altered. The combination of reduced D2R expression and signaling in NAc core with reduced suppression of ICSS responding by a D2R agonist suggest a reduction in D2 autoreceptor function. Altogether, these results indicate that intraplantar formalin produces attenuation of highly specific DA receptor signaling processes in NAc core of male rats and suggest the development of a neuropathy-induced allostatic state in both pre- and post-synaptic DA receptor function.
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Serafini RA, Pryce KD, Zachariou V. The Mesolimbic Dopamine System in Chronic Pain and Associated Affective Comorbidities. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 87:64-73. [PMID: 31806085 PMCID: PMC6954000 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by sensory, cognitive, and affective symptoms. Over the past 2 decades, researchers have made significant progress toward understanding the impact of mesolimbic dopamine circuitry in acute and chronic pain. These efforts have provided insights into the circuits and intracellular pathways in the brain reward center that are implicated in sensory and affective manifestations of chronic pain. Studies have also identified novel therapeutic targets as well as factors that affect treatment responsiveness. Dysregulation of dopamine function in the brain reward center may further promote comorbid mood disorders and vulnerability to addiction. This review discusses recent clinical and preclinical findings on the neuroanatomical and neurochemical adaptations triggered by prolonged pain states in the brain reward pathway. Furthermore, this discussion highlights evidence of mechanisms underlying comorbidities among pain, depression, and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randal A Serafini
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Kerri D Pryce
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Venetia Zachariou
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
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Gemikonakli G, Keay KA, Kendig MD, Kang JWM, Corbit LH, Mor D. Altered monoamine levels in the dorsal striatum of the rat are associated with alterations in behavioural selection and motivation following peripheral nerve injury and acute stress. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 50:2786-2800. [PMID: 31325375 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain and psychological stress interact to compromise goal-directed control over behaviour following mild psychological stress. The dorsomedial (DMS) and dorsolateral (DLS) striatum in the rat are crucial for the expression of goal-directed and habitual behaviours, respectively. This study investigated whether changes in monoamine levels in the DMS and DLS following nerve injury and psychological stress reflect these behavioural differences. Neuropathic pain was induced by a chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in Sprague-Dawley rats. Acute stress was induced using a 15-min restraint. Behavioural flexibility was assessed using the outcome devaluation paradigm. Noradrenaline, serotonin, dopamine and associated metabolites were measured bilaterally from the DLS and DMS. In uninjured rats, restraint increased dopaminergic markers in the left and serotonergic markers in the right of both the DMS and DLS, indicating a possible left hemisphere-mediated dominance. CCI led to a slightly different lateralised effect, with a larger effect in the DMS than in the DLS. Individual differences in behavioural flexibility following CCI negatively correlated with dopaminergic markers in the right DLS, but positively correlated with these markers in the left DMS. A combination of CCI and restraint reduced behavioural flexibility, which was associated with the loss of the left/DMS dominance. These data suggest that behavioural flexibility following psychological stress or pain is associated with a left hemisphere dominance within the dorsal striatum. The loss of behavioural flexibility following the combined stressors is then associated with a transition from left to right, and DMS to DLS dominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Gemikonakli
- Discipline of Anatomy & Histology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kevin A Keay
- Discipline of Anatomy & Histology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael D Kendig
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James W M Kang
- Discipline of Anatomy & Histology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laura H Corbit
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Psychology, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Mor
- Discipline of Anatomy & Histology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain. Pain 2019; 160:136-150. [PMID: 30157131 PMCID: PMC6319597 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Low dose of cannabidiol ameliorates mechanical allodynia and anxious behavior and restores impaired serotonergic transmission in a neuropathic pain model in rats. Clinical studies indicate that cannabidiol (CBD), the primary nonaddictive component of cannabis that interacts with the serotonin (5-HT)1A receptor, may possess analgesic and anxiolytic effects. However, its effects on 5-HT neuronal activity, as well as its impact on models of neuropathic pain are unknown. First, using in vivo single-unit extracellular recordings in rats, we demonstrated that acute intravenous (i.v.) increasing doses of CBD (0.1-1.0 mg/kg) decreased the firing rate of 5-HT neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus, which was prevented by administration of the 5-HT1A antagonist WAY 100635 (0.3 mg/kg, i.v.) and the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine (1 mg/kg, i.v.) but not by the CB1 receptor antagonist AM 251 (1 mg/kg, i.v.). Repeated treatment with CBD (5 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously [s.c.], for 7 days) increased 5-HT firing through desensitization of 5-HT1A receptors. Rats subjected to the spared nerve injury model for 24 days showed decreased 5-HT firing activity, mechanical allodynia, and increased anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze test, open-field test, and novelty-suppressed feeding test. Seven days of treatment with CBD reduced mechanical allodynia, decreased anxiety-like behavior, and normalized 5-HT activity. Antiallodynic effects of CBD were fully prevented by capsazepine (10 mg/kg/day, s.c., for 7 days) and partially prevented by WAY 100635 (2 mg/kg/day, s.c., for 7 days), whereas the anxiolytic effect was blocked only by WAY. Overall, repeated treatment with low-dose CBD induces analgesia predominantly through TRPV1 activation, reduces anxiety through 5-HT1A receptor activation, and rescues impaired 5-HT neurotransmission under neuropathic pain conditions.
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Alterations in brain neurocircuitry following treatment with the chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel in rats. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN 2019; 6:100034. [PMID: 31223138 PMCID: PMC6565758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2019.100034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Imaging the reorganization of pain neural circuitry within 8 days of chemotherapy. Using rat model of neuropathy with multimodal MRI. Showing loss of anticorrelation between prefrontal cortex and PAG. Identifying the interaction between periaqueductal gray and brainstem raphe.
Human and animal studies suggest that both traumatic nerve injury and toxic challenge with chemotherapeutic agents involves the reorganization of neural circuits in the brain. However, there have been no prospective studies, human or animal, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify changes in brain neural circuitry that accompany the development of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (i.e. within days following cessation of chemotherapy treatment and without the confound cancer). To this end, different MRI protocols were used to ascertain whether a reorganization of brain neural circuits is observed in otherwise normal rats exposed to the taxane chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel. We conducted an imaging study to evaluate the impact of a well-established paclitaxel dosing regimen, validated to induce allodynia in control rats within eight days of treatment, on brain neural circuitry. Rats received either paclitaxel (2 mg/kg/day i.p; cumulative dose of 8 mg/kg) or its vehicle four times on alternate days (i.e. day 0, 2, 4, 6). Following the cessation of treatments (i.e. on day 8), all rats were tested for responsiveness to cold followed by diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging and assessment of resting state functional connectivity. Imaging data were analyzed using a 3D MRI rat with 173 segmented and annotated brain areas. Paclitaxel-treated rats were more sensitive to a cold stimulus compared to controls. Diffusion weighted imaging identified brain areas involved in the emotional and motivational response to chronic pain that were impacted by paclitaxel treatment. Affected brain regions included the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus and the striatum/nucleus accumbens. This putative reorganization of gray matter microarchitecture formed a continuum of brain areas stretching from the basal medial/lateral forebrain to the midbrain. Resting state functional connectivity showed reorganization between the periaqueductal gray, a key node in nociceptive neural circuitry, and connections to the brainstem. Our results, employing different imaging modalities to assess the central nervous system effects of chemotherapy, fit the theory that chronic pain is regulated by emotion and motivation and influences activity in the periaqueductal gray and brainstem to modulate pain perception.
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Mlost J, Wąsik A, Starowicz K. Role of endocannabinoid system in dopamine signalling within the reward circuits affected by chronic pain. Pharmacol Res 2019; 143:40-47. [PMID: 30831242 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The association between chronic pain, depression and anxiety has gained particular attention due to high rates of comorbidity. Recent data demonstrated that the mesolimbic reward circuitry is involved in the pathology of chronic pain. Interestingly, the mesolimbic reward circuit participates both in pain perception and in pain relief. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has emerged as a highly relevant player involved in both pain perception and reward processing. Targeting ECS could become a novel treatment strategy for chronic pain patients. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of action of cannabinoids at the intersection of neurochemical changes in reward circuits and chronic pain. Because understanding the benefits and risks of cannabinoids is paramount, the aim of this review is to evaluate the state-of-art knowledge about the involvement of the ECS in dopamine signalling within the reward circuits affected by chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Mlost
- Institute of Pharmacology, Department of Neurochemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wąsik
- Institute of Pharmacology, Department of Neurochemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Starowicz
- Institute of Pharmacology, Department of Neurochemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland.
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Humo M, Lu H, Yalcin I. The molecular neurobiology of chronic pain-induced depression. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 377:21-43. [PMID: 30778732 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03003-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The increasing number of individuals with comorbidities poses an urgent need to improve the management of patients with multiple co-existing diseases. Among these comorbidities, chronic pain and mood disorders, two long-lasting disabling conditions that significantly reduce the quality of life, could be cited first. The recent development of animal models accelerated the studies focusing on the underlying mechanisms of the chronic pain and depression/anxiety comorbidity. This review provides an overview of clinical and pre-clinical studies performed over the past two decades addressing the molecular aspects of the comorbid relationship of chronic pain and depression. We thus focused on the studies that investigated the molecular characteristics of the comorbid relationship between chronic pain and mood disorders, especially major depressive disorders, from the genetic and epigenetic point of view to key neuromodulators which have been shown to play an important role in this comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muris Humo
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Han Lu
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France.,Faculty of Biology and Bernstein Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ipek Yalcin
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Université de Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
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Sałat K, Furgała A, Sałat R. Interventional and preventive effects of aripiprazole and ceftriaxone used alone or in combination on oxaliplatin-induced tactile and cold allodynia in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 111:882-890. [PMID: 30841467 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a pharmacoresistant neurological complication induced by some antitumor drugs. This study aimed to assess antiallodynic properties of aripiprazole and ceftriaxone used alone or in combination to attenuate neuropathic pain related to CIPN caused by oxaliplatin. METHODS Neuropathic pain was induced in mice by a single intraperitoneal dose of oxaliplatin (10 mg/kg). Aripiprazole and ceftriaxone were used in a single- or repeated dosing protocol. Their antiallodynic activity was assessed using von Frey and cold plate tests on the day of oxaliplatin injection and after 7 days. The influence of aripiprazole and ceftriaxone on animals' locomotor activity and motor coordination was also assessed. RESULTS Single-dose and repeated-dose aripiprazole 10 mg/kg and ceftriaxone 200 mg/kg used alone and in combination attenuated early-phase and late-phase tactile allodynia in oxaliplatin-treated mice. Repeated administrations of ceftriaxone 200 mg/kg prevented the development of late-phase tactile allodynia. Both drugs showed no antiallodynic properties in the cold plate test. Single-dose aripiprazole 1 and 10 mg/kg but not its repeated administration significantly decreased locomotor activity of oxaliplatin-treated mice. Single-dose aripiprazole 1 and 10 mg/kg, aripiprazole 1 mg/kg + ceftriaxone 50 mg/kg and aripiprazole 1 mg/kg + ceftriaxone 200 mg/kg impaired motor coordination in the rotarod test. CONCLUSIONS In mice, neither ceftriaxone nor aripiprazole attenuated cold allodynia. Ceftriaxone alone could attenuate tactile allodynia caused by oxaliplatin without inducing motor adverse effects. Although the administration of aripiprazole reduced tactile allodynia, this effect seems to be limited considering severe motor deficits induced by this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Sałat
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Chair of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna St., 30-688 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Anna Furgała
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Chair of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna St., 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Robert Sałat
- Faculty of Production Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 164 Nowoursynowska St., 02-787 Warsaw, Poland
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Bravo L, Llorca-Torralba M, Berrocoso E, Micó JA. Monoamines as Drug Targets in Chronic Pain: Focusing on Neuropathic Pain. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1268. [PMID: 31942167 PMCID: PMC6951279 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoamines are involved in regulating the endogenous pain system and indeed, peripheral and central monoaminergic dysfunction has been demonstrated in certain types of pain, particularly in neuropathic pain. Accordingly, drugs that modulate the monaminergic system and that were originally designed to treat depression are now considered to be first line treatments for certain types of neuropathic pain (e.g., serotonin and noradrenaline (and also dopamine) reuptake inhibitors). The analgesia induced by these drugs seems to be mediated by inhibiting the reuptake of these monoamines, thereby reinforcing the descending inhibitory pain pathways. Hence, it is of particular interest to study the monoaminergic mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of chronic pain. Other analgesic drugs may also be used in combination with monoamines to facilitate descending pain inhibition (e.g., gabapentinoids and opioids) and such combinations are often also used to alleviate certain types of chronic pain. By contrast, while NSAIDs are thought to influence the monoaminergic system, they just produce consistent analgesia in inflammatory pain. Thus, in this review we will provide preclinical and clinical evidence of the role of monoamines in the modulation of chronic pain, reviewing how this system is implicated in the analgesic mechanism of action of antidepressants, gabapentinoids, atypical opioids, NSAIDs and histaminergic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Bravo
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz, INiBICA, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Meritxell Llorca-Torralba
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz, INiBICA, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Berrocoso
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz, INiBICA, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Micó
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz, INiBICA, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Juan Antonio Micó,
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Finan PH, Remeniuk B, Dunn KE. The risk for problematic opioid use in chronic pain: What can we learn from studies of pain and reward? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 87:255-262. [PMID: 28778406 PMCID: PMC5821601 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Problematic prescription opioid use is cited as a primary contributor to the current 'opioid epidemic' in the United States, which is characterized by recent rapid increases in individuals seeking treatment for opioid dependence and staggering rates of opioid overdose deaths. Individuals with chronic pain are commonly prescribed opioids to treat pain, and by this mere exposure are at increased risk for the development of problematic opioid use. However, the factors contributing to variation in risk across patients have only recently begun to be unraveled. In the present review, we describe the recent and expanding literature on interactions between pain and reward system function in an effort to inform our understanding of risk for problematic opioid use in chronic pain. To that end, we describe the limited experimental evidence regarding opioid abuse liability under conditions of pain, and offer suggestions for how to advance a research agenda that better informs clinicians about the factors contributing to opioid addiction risk in patients with chronic pain. We raise mechanistic hypotheses by highlighting the primary conclusions of several recent reviews on the neurobiology of pain and reward, with an emphasis on describing dopamine deficits in chronic pain, the role of the reward system in mediating the affective and motivational components of pain, and the role of opponent reward/anti-reward processes in the perpetuation of pain states and the development of problematic opioid use behaviors. Finally, we also argue that positive affect-which is directly regulated by the mesolimbic reward system-is a key pain inhibitory factor that, when deficient, may increase risk for problematic opioid use, and present a model that integrates the potential contributions of pain, reward system function, and positive affect to problematic opioid use risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick H Finan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Bethany Remeniuk
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Kelly E Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, United States
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Inhibition of N-acylethanolamine acid amidase reduces nicotine-induced dopamine activation and reward. Neuropharmacology 2018; 144:327-336. [PMID: 30439418 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco smoke is the leading preventable cause of death in the world and treatments aimed to increase success rate in smoking cessation by reducing nicotine dependence are sought. Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) by synthetic or endogenous agonists was shown to suppress nicotine-induced activation of mesolimbic dopamine system, one of the major neurobiological substrates of nicotine dependence, and nicotine-seeking behavior in rats and monkeys. An alternative indirect way to activate PPARα is inhibition of N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA), one of the major hydrolyzing enzyme for its endogenous agonists palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA). We synthetized a novel specific brain permeable NAAA inhibitor, AM11095. We administered AM11095 to rats and carried out brain lipid analysis, a functional observational battery (FOB) to assess toxicity, in vivo electrophysiological recording from dopamine cells in the ventral tegmental area, brain microdialysis in the nucleus accumbens shell and behavioral experiments to assess its effect on nicotine -induced conditioned place preference (CPP). AM11095 (5 and 25 mg/kg, i.p.) was devoid of neurotoxic and behavioral effects and did not affect motor behavior and coordination. This NAAA inhibitor (5 mg/kg i.p.) increased OEA and PEA levels in the hippocampus and cortex, prevented nicotine-induced activation of mesolimbic dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area, nicotine-induced elevation of dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens shell and decreased the expression of nicotine CPP. Our results indicate that NAAA inhibitors represent a new class of pharmacological tools to modulate brain PEA/PPARα signalling and show potential in the treatment of nicotine dependence.
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Namazbaeva Z, Battakova S, Ibrayeva L, Sabirov Z. Change in metabolic and cognitive state among people of the Aral zone of ecological disaster. Isr J Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.1163/22244662-20181035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Risk factors in Aral Sea region include toxic metals that competitively interact with essential elements influencing their metabolism, affecting metabolic and cognitive functions. According to epidemiological data, cerebrovascular disease and thyroid function abnormality are the leading disorders. Cognitive and metabolic disorders are considered as risk factors in cerebrovascular diseases. Thus, the objective of current work was to determine the metabolic and cognitive state of people in Aralsk, associated with an imbalance of essential trace elements and find correlation between toxic metals load and psychoemotional status. 275 people between the ages of 21 and 45 years were involved. In evaluating cognitive state, a decrease in short-term memory for numbers and an increase in depression among subjects was found. An inverse correlation between the copper level in blood and short-term memory for numbers, between depression and iodine level in blood, between the zinc level in blood and the “attentional capacity” was also found. The results showed a significant metabolic stress among subjects during adaptation to a high chemical load. Data represent a cross-sectional age-dependent review of metabolic and cognitive processes and microelement metabolism among population, living in the Aral Sea region for a long time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zulkiya Namazbaeva
- a Republican State Governmental Enterprise with the right of commercial activity “National Centre of Labour Hygiene and Occupational Diseases”, Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
| | - Sharbanu Battakova
- a Republican State Governmental Enterprise with the right of commercial activity “National Centre of Labour Hygiene and Occupational Diseases”, Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
| | - Lyazat Ibrayeva
- a Republican State Governmental Enterprise with the right of commercial activity “National Centre of Labour Hygiene and Occupational Diseases”, Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
- b Republican State Governmental Enterprise with the right of commercial activity, Karaganda State Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhanbol Sabirov
- a Republican State Governmental Enterprise with the right of commercial activity “National Centre of Labour Hygiene and Occupational Diseases”, Ministry of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
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Fu B, Wen SN, Wang B, Wang K, Zhang JY, Weng XC, Liu SJ. Gabapentin regulates dopaminergic neuron firing and theta oscillation in the ventral tegmental area to reverse depression-like behavior in chronic neuropathic pain state. J Pain Res 2018; 11:2247-2256. [PMID: 30349351 PMCID: PMC6186769 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s170167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine system plays an important role in depression and is also involved in pain experience. In this study, we investigated the VTA dopaminergic (DA) neuron firing and local field potential (LFP) in pain-related depression, and we try to explore the underlying relationship between pain and depression. Materials and methods We used neuropathic pain model [spare nerve injury (SNI)] to induce pain-related depression. The Dixon up–down method was used to test mechanical hypersensitivity. Behavioral changes like open field test, sucrose preference test, and forced swim test were used to test depression-like behaviors. Gabapentin (GBP) was used to explore the chronic analgesic treatment that could reverse pain-related depression. To investigate the in vivo variations of VTA DA neuron firing and LFP, multichannel acquisition processor system was used. Results We used SNI to induce depression-like behaviors. Repeated GBP treatment reversed these behaviors after 14 days of injection. An in vivo electrophysiological analysis of the firing characteristics of VTA DA neurons and LFP revealed that SNI increased the firing rate of DA neurons, but not the burst firing activity. Surprisingly, chronic GBP reversed the firing rate of DA neurons and reduced the burst firing activity. Moreover, SNI increased the LFP power in delta and theta oscillation and decreased it in beta oscillation. Repeated administration of GBP significantly suppressed theta oscillation. Above all, chronic GBP altered these characteristics to reverse depression-like behaviors. Conclusion The present study confirmed that the tonic firing activity of VTA DA neurons, but not the burst firing activity, was the key factor in peripheral neuropathy–induced depression. Chronic GBP regulated the firing pattern of DA neurons and decreased theta oscillation in VTA to treat pain-related depression. This variation tendency of electrophysiological characteristics of VTA DA neurons and theta oscillation in VTA might represent an attempt to cope with pain-related negative mood disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China, ;
| | - Shao-Nan Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China, ;
| | - Bin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China, ;
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Ji-Yan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xie-Chuan Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China, ;
| | - Shao-Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China, ;
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45
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Tracy ME, Tesic V, Stamenic TT, Joksimovic SM, Busquet N, Jevtovic-Todorovic V, Todorovic SM. Ca V3.1 isoform of T-type calcium channels supports excitability of rat and mouse ventral tegmental area neurons. Neuropharmacology 2018; 135:343-354. [PMID: 29578032 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent data have implicated voltage-gated calcium channels in the regulation of the excitability of neurons within the mesolimbic reward system. While the attention of most research has centered on high voltage L-type calcium channel activity, the presence and role of the low voltage-gated T-type calcium channel (T-channels) has not been well explored. Hence, we investigated T-channel properties in the neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) utilizing wild-type (WT) rats and mice, CaV3.1 knock-out (KO) mice, and TH-eGFP knock-in (KI) rats in acute horizontal brain slices of adolescent animals. In voltage-clamp experiments, we first assessed T-channel activity in WT rats with characteristic properties of voltage-dependent activation and inactivation, as well as characteristic crisscrossing patterns of macroscopic current kinetics. T-current kinetics were similar in WT mice and WT rats but T-currents were abolished in CaV3.1 KO mice. In ensuing current-clamp experiments, we observed the presence of hyperpolarization-induced rebound burst firing in a subset of neurons in WT rats, as well as dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic neurons in TH-eGFP KI rats. Following the application of a pan-selective T-channel blocker TTA-P2, rebound bursting was significantly inhibited in all tested cells. In a behavioral assessment, the acute locomotor increase induced by a MK-801 (Dizocilpine) injection in WT mice was abolished in CaV3.1 KO mice, suggesting a tangible role for 3.1 T-type channels in drug response. We conclude that pharmacological targeting of CaV3.1 isoform of T-channels may be a novel approach for the treatment of disorders of mesolimbic reward system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Tracy
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States
| | - Vesna Tesic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States
| | - Tamara Timic Stamenic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States
| | - Srdjan M Joksimovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States
| | - Nicolas Busquet
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States
| | - Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States
| | - Slobodan M Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, United States.
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46
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Siemian JN, Jia S, Liu JF, Zhang Y, Li JX. Neuroanatomical characterization of imidazoline I 2 receptor agonist-induced antinociception. Eur J Neurosci 2018. [PMID: 29514408 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a significant public health problem with a lack of safe and effective analgesics. The imidazoline I2 receptor (I2 R) is a promising analgesic target, but the neuroanatomical structures involved in mediating I2 R-associated behaviors are unknown. I2 Rs are enriched in the arcuate nucleus, dorsal raphe (DR), interpeduncular nucleus, lateral mammillary body, medial habenula, nucleus accumbens (NAc) and paraventricular nucleus; thus, this study investigated the antinociceptive and hypothermic effects of microinjections of the I2 R agonist 2-(2-benzofuranyl)-2-imidazoline hydrochloride (2-BFI). In rats, intra-DR microinjections produced antinociception in complete Freund's adjuvant- and chronic constriction injury-induced pain models. Intra-NAc microinjections produced antinociception and increased noxious stimulus-associated side time in a place escape/avoidance paradigm. Intra-NAc pretreatment with the I2 R antagonist idazoxan but not the D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 or the D2 receptor antagonist raclopride attenuated intra-NAc 2-BFI-induced antinociception. Intra-NAc idazoxan did not attenuate systemically administered 2-BFI-induced antinociception. Microinjections into the other regions did not produce antinociception, and in none of the regions produced hypothermia. These data suggest that I2 R activation in some but not all I2 R-enriched brain regions is sufficient to produce antinociception and supports the theory that different I2 R-associated effects are mediated via distinct receptor populations, which may in turn be distributed differentially throughout the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin N Siemian
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, 102 Farber Hall, 3435 Main St., Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - Shushan Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Jian-Feng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, 102 Farber Hall, 3435 Main St., Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Jun-Xu Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, 102 Farber Hall, 3435 Main St., Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
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47
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Palmisano M, Caputi FF, Mercatelli D, Romualdi P, Candeletti S. Dynorphinergic system alterations in the corticostriatal circuitry of neuropathic mice support its role in the negative affective component of pain. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2018; 18:e12467. [PMID: 29430855 PMCID: PMC7379183 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The dynorphinergic system is involved in pain transmission at spinal level, where dynorphin exerts antinociceptive or pronociceptive effects, based on its opioid or non‐opioid actions. Surprisingly, little evidence is currently available concerning the supraspinal role of the dynorphinergic system in pain conditions. The present study aimed to investigate whether neuropathic pain is accompanied by prodynorphin (Pdyn) and κ‐opioid receptor (Oprk1) gene expression alterations in selected mouse brain areas. To this end, mice were subjected to chronic constriction injury of the right sciatic nerve and neuropathic pain behavioral signs were ascertained after 14 days. At this interval, a marked increase in Pdyn mRNA in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) was observed. Oprk1 gene expression was increased in the PFC, and decreased in the ACC and nucleus accumbens (NAc). No changes were observed in the other investigated regions. Because of the relationship between dynorphin and the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, and the role of this neurotrophin in chronic pain‐related neuroplasticity, we investigated brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene (Bdnf) expression in the areas showing Pdyn or Oprk1 mRNAs changes. Bdnf mRNA levels were increased in both the ACC and PFC, whereas no changes were assessed in the NAc. Present data indicate that the dynorphinergic system undergoes quite selective alterations involving the corticostriatal circuitry during neuropathic pain, suggesting a contribution to the negative affective component of pain. Moreover, parallel increases in Pdyn and Bdnf mRNA at cortical level suggest the occurrence of likely interactions between these systems in neuropathic pain maladaptive neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Palmisano
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - F F Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - D Mercatelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - P Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - S Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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48
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Wang X, Ma S, Wu H, Shen X, Xu S, Guo X, Bolick ML, Wu S, Wang F. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor mediates peripheral nerve injury-induced hypersensitivity by curbing dopaminergic descending inhibition. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:e445. [PMID: 29504609 PMCID: PMC5903823 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2017.271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous works disclosed the contributing role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and dopaminergic inhibition by lysine dimethyltransferase G9a/Glp complex in peripheral nerve injury-induced hypersensitivity. We herein propose that the proinflammatory cytokine MIF participates in the regulation of neuropathic hypersensitivity by interacting with and suppressing the descending dopaminergic system. The lumbar spinal cord (L-SC) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are two major locations with significant upregulation of MIF after chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, and they display time-dependent changes, along with a behavioral trajectory. Correspondingly, dopamine (DA) content shows the reverse characteristic change to MIF with a time-dependent curve in post-surgical behavior. The levels of both MIF and DA are reversed by the MIF tautomerase inhibitor ISO-1, and a negative relationship exists between MIF and DA. The reversed role of ISO-1 also affects tyrosine hydroxylase expression. Furthermore, CCI induces Th promoter CpG site methylation in the L-SC and VTA areas, and this effect could be abated by ISO-1 administration. G9a/SUV39H1 and H3K9me2/H3K9me3 enrichment within the Th promoter region following CCI in the L-SC and VTA was also decreased by ISO-1. In cultured dopaminergic neurons, rMIF enhanced the recruitment of G9a and SUV39H1, followed by an increase in H3K9me2/H3K9me3. These molecular changes correspondingly exhibited alterations in Th promoter CpG site methylation and pain behaviors. In summary, MIF functions as a braking factor in curbing dopaminergic descending inhibition in peripheral nerve injury-induced hypersensitivity by mediating Th gene methylation through G9a/SUV39H1-associated H3K9 methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shaolei Ma
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haibo Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiqin Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xirong Guo
- Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Maria L Bolick
- Group of Neuropharmacology and Neurophysiology, Division of Neuroscience, The Bonoi Academy of Science and Education, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Shizheng Wu
- Department of Neurology, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining, China
| | - Fuzhou Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Group of Neuropharmacology and Neurophysiology, Division of Neuroscience, The Bonoi Academy of Science and Education, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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49
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Abstract
This chapter describes surgical procedures for the induction of neuropathic pain using an animal model (rat or mouse) of spared nerve injury. In addition to technical details of the surgical technique, details of anesthesia and perioperative care are also included.
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50
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Zhang H, Qian YL, Li C, Liu D, Wang L, Wang XY, Liu MJ, Liu H, Zhang S, Guo XY, Yang JX, Ding HL, Koo JW, Mouzon E, Deisseroth K, Nestler EJ, Zachariou V, Han MH, Cao JL. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Mesolimbic Reward Circuitry Mediates Nociception in Chronic Neuropathic Pain. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 82:608-618. [PMID: 28390647 PMCID: PMC5788809 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.02.1180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mesolimbic reward system plays a critical role in modulating nociception; however, its underlying molecular, cellular, and neural circuitry mechanisms remain unknown. METHODS Chronic constrictive injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve was used to model neuropathic pain. Projection-specific in vitro recordings in mouse brain slices and in vivo recordings from anesthetized animals were used to measure firing of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). The role of VTA-nucleus accumbens (NAc) circuitry in nociceptive regulation was assessed using optogenetic and pharmacological manipulations, and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated by Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and conditional knockdown techniques. RESULTS c-Fos expression in and firing of contralateral VTA-NAc dopaminergic neurons were elevated in CCI mice, and optogenetic inhibition of these neurons reversed CCI-induced thermal hyperalgesia. CCI increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein but not messenger RNA in the contralateral NAc. This increase was reversed by pharmacological inhibition of VTA dopaminergic neuron activity, which induced an antinociceptive effect that was neutralized by injecting exogenous BDNF into the NAc. Moreover, inhibition of BDNF synthesis in the VTA with anisomycin or selective knockdown of BDNF in the VTA-NAc pathway was antinociceptive in CCI mice. CONCLUSIONS These results reveal a novel mechanism of nociceptive modulation in the mesolimbic reward circuitry and provide new insight into the neural circuits involved in the processing of nociceptive information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxing Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA
| | - Yi-Ling Qian
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Chen Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Di Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Xiao-Yi Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Mei-Jun Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - He Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Department of Anesthesiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Guo
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Jun-Xia Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Hai-Lei Ding
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Ja Wook Koo
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA
| | - Ezekiell Mouzon
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Eric J Nestler
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA
| | - Venetia Zachariou
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA
| | - Ming-Hu Han
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Institute for Systems Biomedicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA,Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
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