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Palmaers NE, Wiegand SB, Herzog C, Echtermeyer FG, Eberhardt MJ, Leffler A. Distinct Mechanisms Account for In Vitro Activation and Sensitization of TRPV1 by the Porphyrin Hemin. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910856. [PMID: 34639197 PMCID: PMC8509749 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
TRPV1 mediates pain occurring during sickling episodes in sickle cell disease (SCD). We examined if hemin, a porphyrin released during intravascular hemolysis modulates TRPV1. Calcium imaging and patch clamp were employed to examine effects of hemin on mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and HEK293t cells expressing TRPV1 and TRPA1. Hemin induced a concentration-dependent calcium influx in DRG neurons which was abolished by the unspecific TRP-channel inhibitor ruthenium red. The selective TRPV1-inhibitor BCTC or genetic deletion of TRPV1 only marginally impaired hemin-induced calcium influx in DRG neurons. While hTRPV1 expressed in HEK293 cells mediated a hemin-induced calcium influx which was blocked by BCTC, patch clamp recordings only showed potentiated proton- and heat-evoked currents. This effect was abolished by the PKC-inhibitor chelerythrine chloride and in protein kinase C (PKC)-insensitive TRPV1-mutants. Hemin-induced calcium influx through TRPV1 was only partly PKC-sensitive, but it was abolished by the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT). In contrast, hemin-induced potentiation of inward currents was not reduced by DTT. Hemin also induced a redox-dependent calcium influx, but not inward currents on hTRPA1. Our data suggest that hemin induces a PKC-mediated sensitization of TRPV1. However, it also acts as a photosensitizer when exposed to UVA-light used for calcium imaging. The resulting activation of redox-sensitive ion channels such as TRPV1 and TRPA1 may be an in vitro artifact with limited physiological relevance.
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Heme oxygenase-1 inducer and carbon monoxide-releasing molecule enhance the effects of gabapentinoids by modulating glial activation during neuropathic pain in mice. Pain Rep 2018; 3:e677. [PMID: 30534628 PMCID: PMC6181470 DOI: 10.1097/pr9.0000000000000677] [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] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neuropathic pain is one of the most difficult-to-treat symptoms. Although gabapentinoids are classified as first-line drugs, they have only modest efficacy. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate whether treatment with the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inducer cobalt protoporphyrin IX (CoPP) or the carbon monoxide-releasing molecule tricarbonyldichlororuthenium (II) dimer (CORM-2) can enhance the antinociceptive effects produced by gabapentinoids in mice with neuropathic pain. Methods Neuropathic pain was induced by spared nerve injury (SNI) of the sciatic nerve. The mechanical threshold was tested using von Frey filaments. The expression of spinal HO-1, HO-2, the Ca2+ channel α2δ1 subunit, microglial markers, and M1 or M2 microglial markers was examined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results Treatment with CoPP or CORM-2 alleviated mechanical allodynia induced by SNI. CoPP or CORM-2 enhanced the antiallodynic effects of gabapentinoids (pregabalin or gabapentin) during SNI-induced mechanical allodynia. HO-1 inhibitor tin protoporphyrin IX (SnPP) prevented the antiallodynic effects of gabapentinoids (pregabalin or gabapentin) during SNI-induced mechanical allodynia. CoPP or CORM-2 increased HO-1 and Ca2+ channel α2δ1 subunit gene expression and the decreased gene expression of microglial markers, M1 microglial marker, or tumor necrosis factor in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn of mice with SNI. SnPP prevented HO-1 induction and glial inhibition, which were produced by gabapentinoids during SNI-induced mechanical allodynia. Conclusions This study suggests that HO-1 plays crucial roles in the antiallodynic effects of gabapentinoids. Gabapentinoids attenuate the glial activation induced by SNI and some of these effects are mediated by HO-1.
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Che X, Fang Y, Si X, Wang J, Hu X, Reis C, Chen S. The Role of Gaseous Molecules in Traumatic Brain Injury: An Updated Review. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:392. [PMID: 29937711 PMCID: PMC6002502 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects millions of people in China each year. TBI has a high mortality and often times a serious prognosis. The causative mechanisms of TBI during development and recovery from an injury remain vague, leaving challenges for the medical community to provide treatment options that improve prognosis and provide an optimal recovery. Biological gaseous molecules including nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and molecular hydrogen (H2) have been found to play critical roles in physiological and pathological conditions in mammals. Accumulating evidence has found that these gaseous molecules can execute neuroprotection in many central nervous system (CNS) conditions due to their highly permeable properties allowing them to enter the brain. Considering the complicated mechanisms and the serious prognosis of TBI, effective and adequate therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. These four gaseous molecules can be potential attractive therapeutic intervention on TBI. In this review, we will present a comprehensive overview on the role of these four biological gasses in the development of TBI and their potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoru Che
- Department of Cardiology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuanjian Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Si
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianfeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taizhou Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Xiaoming Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taizhou Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Cesar Reis
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Taizhou Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
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Liu X, Zhang Z, Cheng Z, Zhang J, Xu S, Liu H, Jia H, Jin Y. Spinal Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) Exerts Antinociceptive Effects Against Neuropathic Pain in a Mouse Model of L5 Spinal Nerve Ligation. PAIN MEDICINE 2015; 17:220-9. [PMID: 26361083 DOI: 10.1111/pme.12906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Management Center; Nanjing Jinling Hospital; Nanjing 210003 China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- Pain Research Laboratory, Institute of Nautical Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration; Nantong University; Nantong 226001 China
| | - Zhuqiang Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Management Center; Nanjing Jinling Hospital; Nanjing 210003 China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Management Center; Nanjing Jinling Hospital; Nanjing 210003 China
| | - Shuangshuang Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Management Center; Nanjing Jinling Hospital; Nanjing 210003 China
| | - Hongjun Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Management Center; Nanjing Jinling Hospital; Nanjing 210003 China
| | - Hongbin Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Management Center; Nanjing Jinling Hospital; Nanjing 210003 China
| | - Yi Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Management Center; Nanjing Jinling Hospital; Nanjing 210003 China
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Guo Y, Yao FR, Cao DY, Li L, Wang HS, Xie W, Zhao Y. The major histocompatibility complex genes impact pain response in DA and DA.1U rats. Physiol Behav 2015; 147:30-7. [PMID: 25861730 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Our recent studies have shown that the difference in basal pain sensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimulation between Dark-Agouti (DA) rats and a novel congenic DA.1U rats is major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes dependent. In the present study, we further used DA and DA.1U rats to investigate the role of MHC genes in formalin-induced pain model by behavioral, electrophysiological and immunohistochemical methods. Behavioral results showed biphasic nociceptive behaviors increased significantly following the intraplantar injection of formalin in the hindpaw of DA and DA.1U rats. The main nociceptive behaviors were lifting and licking, especially in DA rats (P<0.001 and P<0.01). The composite pain scores (CPS) in DA rats were significantly higher than those in DA.1U rats in both phases of the formalin test (P<0.01). Electrophysiological results also showed the biphasic increase in discharge rates of C and Aδ fibers of L5 dorsal root in the two strains, and the net change of the discharge rate of DA rats was significantly higher than that of DA.1U rats (P<0.05). The mechanical thresholds decreased after formalin injection in both strains (P<0.01), and the net change in the mechanical threshold in DA was greater than that in DA.1U rats (P<0.05). The expression of RT1-B, representation of MHC class II molecule, in laminae I-II of L4/5 spinal cord in DA rats was significantly higher than that in DA.1U rats in the respective experimental group (P<0.05). These results suggested that both DA and DA.1U rats exhibited nociceptive responses in formalin-induced pain model and DA rats were more sensitive to noxious chemical stimulus than DA.1U rats, indicating that MHC genes might contribute to the difference in pain sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Guo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basal Medical Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Fan-Rong Yao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology in the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Dong-Yuan Cao
- Research Center, Stomatological Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, PR China; Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland Dental School, 650 West, Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Li Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basal Medical Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Hui-Sheng Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basal Medical Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Wen Xie
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basal Medical Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basal Medical Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China.
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Arngrim N, Schytz HW, Hauge MK, Ashina M, Olesen J. Carbon monoxide may be an important molecule in migraine and other headaches. Cephalalgia 2014; 34:1169-80. [DOI: 10.1177/0333102414534085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Carbon monoxide was previously considered to just be a toxic gas. A wealth of recent information has, however, shown that it is also an important endogenously produced signalling molecule involved in multiple biological processes. Endogenously produced carbon monoxide may thus play an important role in nociceptive processing and in regulation of cerebral arterial tone. Discussion Carbon monoxide-induced headache shares many characteristics with migraine and other headaches. The mechanisms whereby carbon monoxide causes headache may include hypoxia, nitric oxide signalling and activation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathways. Here, we review the literature about carbon monoxide-induced headache and its possible mechanisms. Conclusion We suggest, for the first time, that carbon monoxide may play an important role in the mechanisms of migraine and other headaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Arngrim
- Danish Headache Center and Department of Neurology, Glostrup Hospital, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik W Schytz
- Danish Headache Center and Department of Neurology, Glostrup Hospital, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette K Hauge
- Danish Headache Center and Department of Neurology, Glostrup Hospital, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Messoud Ashina
- Danish Headache Center and Department of Neurology, Glostrup Hospital, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jes Olesen
- Danish Headache Center and Department of Neurology, Glostrup Hospital, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Fan W, Huang F, Wu Z, Zhu X, Li D, He H. Carbon monoxide: A gas that modulates nociception. J Neurosci Res 2011; 89:802-7. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2010] [Revised: 12/25/2010] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Fan W, Huang F, Dong W, Gao Z, Li C, Zhu X, Li D, He H. Distribution of heme oxygenase-2 and NADPH-diaphorase in the spinal trigeminal nucleus of the rat. J Mol Histol 2009; 40:209-15. [DOI: 10.1007/s10735-009-9232-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2009] [Accepted: 09/29/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Kinobe RT, Dercho RA, Nakatsu K. Inhibitors of the heme oxygenase - carbon monoxide system: on the doorstep of the clinic? Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2008; 86:577-99. [PMID: 18758507 DOI: 10.1139/y08-066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The past decade has seen substantial developments in our understanding of the physiology, pathology, and pharmacology of heme oxygenases (HO), to the point that investigators in the field are beginning to contemplate therapies based on administration of HO agonists or HO inhibitors. A significant amount of our current knowledge is based on the judicious application of metalloporphyrin inhibitors of HO, despite their limitations of selectivity. Recently, imidazole-based compounds have been identified as potent and more selective HO inhibitors. This 'next generation' of HO inhibitors offers a number of desirable characteristics, including isozyme selectivity, negligible effects on HO protein expression, and physicochemical properties favourable for in vivo distribution. Some of the applications of HO inhibitors that have been suggested are treatment of hyperbilirubinemia, neurodegenerative disorders, certain types of cancer, and bacterial and fungal infections. In this review, we address various approaches to altering HO activity with a focus on the potential applications of second-generation inhibitors of HO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T Kinobe
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON Canada
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10
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Abstract
This review is intended to stimulate interest in the effect of increased expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein and increased levels of HO activity on normal and pathological states. The HO system includes the heme catabolic pathway, comprising HO and biliverdin reductase, and the products of heme degradation, carbon monoxide (CO), iron, and biliverdin/bilirubin. The role of the HO system in diabetes, inflammation, heart disease, hypertension, neurological disorders, transplantation, endotoxemia and other pathologies is a burgeoning area of research. This review focuses on the clinical potential of increased levels of HO-1 protein and HO activity to ameliorate tissue injury. The use of pharmacological and genetic probes to manipulate HO, leading to new insights into the complex relationship of the HO system with biological and pathological phenomena under investigation, is reviewed. This information is critical in both drug development and the implementation of clinical approaches to moderate and to alleviate the numerous chronic disorders in humans affected by perturbations in the HO system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader G Abraham
- New York Medical College, Basic Science Building, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA.
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Nascimento CGO, Branco LGS. Role of the peripheral heme oxygenase-carbon monoxide pathway on the nociceptive response of rats to the formalin test: evidence for a cGMP signaling pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2006; 556:55-61. [PMID: 17182031 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2006.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2006] [Revised: 09/28/2006] [Accepted: 10/05/2006] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the peripheral heme oxygenase (HO)-carbon monoxide (CO) pathway on nociceptive response of rats to the formalin experimental model of pain. Animals were handled and adapted to the experimental environment for a few days before the formalin test was applied. For the formalin test, 50 microl of a 1% formalin solution was used and injected subcutaneously in the dorsal surface of the right hind paw. Following injections, animals were observed for 1 h, and flinching behavior was measured as the nociceptive response. Twenty minutes before the test rats were pretreated with podal injections with the HO inhibitor, zinc deuteroporphyrin 2,4-bis glycol (ZnDPBG) or heme-lysinate, which is known to induce the HO pathway. Control animals were treated with vehicles. We observed a significant increase on nociceptive response of rats treated with ZnDPBG, and a drastic reduction of flinching nociceptive behavioral response in the heme-lysinate and CO treated animals. Among the three different HO products, CO seems to account for the heme-lysinate effect because the injection of the gas attenuated the flinching response whereas biliverdine and deferoxanine (an iron chelator) failed to cause any significant change. Furthermore, CO seems to act via cGMP, since methylene blue (a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor) prevented the reduction of the flinching nociceptive behavioral response caused by heme-lysinate. These findings strongly indicate that CO is the HO pathway product that plays an antinociceptive role during the formalin test, acting via cGMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos G O Nascimento
- Department of Physiology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, and Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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Shi X, Li X, Clark JD. Formalin injection causes a coordinated spinal cord CO/NO-cGMP signaling system response. Mol Pain 2005; 1:33. [PMID: 16297238 PMCID: PMC1310513 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-1-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2005] [Accepted: 11/18/2005] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The CO/NO-cGMP signalling system participates in the regulation of many physiological processes. The roles this system plays in spinal cord nociceptive signalling are particularly important. While individual components have been examined in isolation, little study has been dedicated to understanding the regulation and functioning of the system as a whole. Results In these studies we examined the time course of expression of 13 genes coding for components of this system including isoforms of the heme oxygenase (HO), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), cGMP dependent protein kinase (PKG) and phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzyme systems. Of the 13 genes studied, 11 had spinal cord mRNA levels elevated at one or more time points up to 48 hours after hindpaw formalin injection. Of the 11 with elevated mRNA, 8 had elevated protein levels 48 hours after formalin injection when mechanical allodynia was maximal. No component had an increased protein level which did not have an increased mRNA level at one or more time points. Injection of morphine 10 mg/kg prior to formalin completely abolished the acute nociceptive behaviours, but did not alter the degree of sensitivity which developed in the formalin treated hind paws during the subsequent 48 hours. Morphine treatment did, however, eliminate formalin induced increases in enzyme protein levels. Conclusion Our results indicate that the expression of the components of the CO/NO-cGMP signalling system seems to be coordinated in such a way that a generalized multi-level enhancement rather than a tightly limited step specific response occurs with noxious stimulation. Furthermore, the analgesic morphine administered prior to noxious stimulation can prevent long-term changes in gene expression though not necessarily nociceptive sensitisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyou Shi
- Stanford University Department of Anesthesiology, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xiangqi Li
- Stanford University Department of Anesthesiology, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - J David Clark
- Stanford University Department of Anesthesiology, Stanford, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Li X, Shi X, Liang DY, Clark JD. Spinal CK2 regulates nociceptive signaling in models of inflammatory pain. Pain 2005; 115:182-90. [PMID: 15836981 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2005.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2004] [Revised: 02/15/2005] [Accepted: 02/22/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a widely expressed protein kinase. Over the last several years a long list of protein substrates has evolved, many of which have proven or hypothesized roles in nociceptive signal transmission. However, CK2 has not itself been demonstrated to participate in nociception prior to this time. We set out to test the hypothesis that spinal CK2 regulates nociception using several pain models. Our first studies focused on the ability of the selective CK2 inhibitors 4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzotriazole (TBBT) and 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole (DRB) to reduce formalin-stimulated pain behaviors in mice. Both phases of the response to subcutaneous formalin were strongly inhibited by intrathecal administration of TBBT or DRB in dose-dependent fashion. Likewise, using the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) model of chronic inflammatory pain, TBBT was observed to strongly reduce mechanical allodynia. The inhibition of spinal CK2 with either inhibitor did not, however, alter withdrawal latencies in the hotplate thermal pain model while intrathecal morphine was very effective. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated all three known CK2 subunits, alpha, alpha' and beta to be expressed in spinal cord tissue as did real-time PCR experiments. While mRNA levels for each of the subunits was transiently enhanced after formalin or CFA hindpaw injection, overall spinal cord protein levels were not elevated in a sustained fashion. Our results indicate that CK2 participates in inflammatory nociception both in the acute and chronic phases. Simple changes in the abundance of spinal CK2 subunits do not likely underlie these phenomena, however.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqi Li
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University Department of Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology, 112A, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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Li X, Lighthall G, Liang DY, Clark JD. Alterations in spinal cord gene expression after hindpaw formalin injection. J Neurosci Res 2004; 78:533-41. [PMID: 15389827 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.20274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Heme oxygenase type 2 (HO-2) is an enzyme that uses heme as a substrate to produce iron, biliverdin, and carbon monoxide (CO). This enzyme participates in regulation of nociceptive signal transmission in spinal cord tissue. We set out to identify genes undergoing alterations in expression in a model of inflammatory pain and to determine whether HO-2 participates in that regulation. After the hindpaw injection of formalin in mice, we measured changes in expression of immediate early genes including c-fos, c-jun, jun B, nerve growth factor induced genes (NGFI-A and NGFI-B) and activity-related cytoskeletal protein (ARC) using real-time PCR. The mRNA corresponding to these genes increased in abundance in the first hour after formalin injection and then slowly declined. Changes in the abundance of prodynorphin, extracellular signal related kinases (ERK1 and ERK2) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor R1 subunit mRNA generally peaked between 8 and 12 hr after formalin injection. In HO-2 null mutant mice, the enhancement of expression was less for all genes studied. We went on to quantify gene expression in superficial dorsal horn tissue using laser capture microdissection followed by RNA amplification and real-time PCR. The results confirmed that the changes in gene expression were occurring in regions of the spinal cord involved in nociceptive processing. We conclude that the hindpaw injection of formalin leads to enhanced early and late expression of many genes in spinal cord dorsal horn tissue, and that this enhancement of expression relies to a degree on the presence of HO-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqi Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94304, USA
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Liang DY, Li X, Clark JD. Formalin-induced spinal cord calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha expression is modulated by heme oxygenase in mice. Neurosci Lett 2004; 360:61-4. [PMID: 15082179 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2004.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2004] [Revised: 02/10/2004] [Accepted: 02/13/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The injection of formalin into the hindpaws of rats and mice is widely used as a model of inflammatory pain. The allodynia observed in this model is due in part to sensitization of spinal cord dorsal horn neurons, a form of neuroplasticity similar to long-term potentiation in the hippocampus. Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase type IIalpha (CaMKIIalpha) is a key component of long-term potentiation. Here we report alterations in CaMKIIalpha mRNA and protein expression in spinal cord tissue from wild-type and heme oxygenase type 2 (HO-2) null mutant mice after formalin injection. Behavioral experiments demonstrated a long lived allodynia in wild-type C57Bl/6J mice after hindpaw formalin injection, but less in null mutant mice. Both CaMKIIalpha mRNA and protein expression were increased in a time-dependent manner in the spinal cords of wild-type mice after formalin injection. Confocal microscopy localized the increased expression to the superficial laminae of the spinal cord dorsal horn. In the HO-2 null mutant mice no significant change in CaMKIIalpha mRNA expression and only a small increase in protein were noted. These findings suggest that time-dependent CaMKIIalpha expression may underlie central sensitization and allodynia induced by hindpaw formalin injection, and that this process is modulated by HO-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Yong Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stanford University and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, 112A, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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Liang D, Li X, Lighthall G, Clark JD. Heme oxygenase type 2 modulates behavioral and molecular changes during chronic exposure to morphine. Neuroscience 2004; 121:999-1005. [PMID: 14580950 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4522(03)00483-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The heme oxygenase (HO) enzyme system has been shown to participate in nociceptive signaling in a number of different models of pain. In these experiments we investigated the role of the HO type 2 (HO-2) isozyme in tolerance to the analgesic effects of morphine, and the hyperalgesia and allodynia which are measurable upon cessation of administration. Wild type C57Bl/6 wild type mice or HO-2 null mutants in that background strain were treated with morphine for 5 days. The morphine administration protocol consisted of either twice daily repeated s.c. boluses of 15 mg/kg or s.c. implantation of a morphine pellet. At the end of the treatment period wild type mice treated by either protocol exhibited tolerance, but the HO-2 null mutants did not. The HO-2 null mutants also exhibited less mechanical allodynia following cessation of morphine administration, though only modest differences in thermal hyperalgesia were noted. There was no correlation between the degree of tolerance obtained in the bolus and pellet protocols and the degree of hyperalgesia and allodynia observed after cessation of morphine administration in the wild type mice. Our final experiments analyzed increases in expression of mRNA for nitric oxide synthase type 1, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor NMDAR1 subunit and prodynorphin in spinal cord tissue. In pellet-treated mice two- to three-fold increases were observed in the abundance of these species, but very little change was observed in the null-mutant mice. Taken together our results indicate that HO-2 participates in the acquisition of opioid tolerance, the expression of mechanical allodynia after cessation of opioid administration and in gene regulation occurring in the setting of treatment with morphine. Furthermore, these studies suggest that the mechanisms underlying analgesic tolerance and opioid-induced hypersensitivity are at least somewhat distinct.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Liang
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University Department of Anesthesiology, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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Heme oxygenase-2 protects against lipid peroxidation-mediated cell loss and impaired motor recovery after traumatic brain injury. J Neurosci 2003. [PMID: 12736340 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.23-09-03689.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
After traumatic brain injury (TBI), substantial extracellular heme is released from hemoproteins during hemorrhage and cell injury. Heme oxygenase (HO) isozymes are thought to detoxify the pro-oxidant heme to the potent antioxidant, bilirubin. HO-1, the inducible isozyme, is expressed in glial populations after injury and may play a protective role. However, the role of HO-2, the predominant and constitutively expressed isozyme in the brain, remains unclear after TBI. We used a controlled cortical impact injury model to determine the extent and mechanism of damage between HO-2 knock-out (KO) (-/-) and wild-type (WT) (+/+) mice. The specific cellular and temporal expressions of HO-2 and HO-1 were characterized by immunocytochemistry and Western blots. HO-2 was immunolocalized in neurons both before and after TBI, whereas HO-1 was highly upregulated in glia only after TBI. HO activity determined by gas chromatography using brain sonicates from injured HO-2 KO mice was significantly less than that of HO-2 wild types, despite the induction of HO-1 expression after TBI. Cell loss was significantly greater in KO mice in areas including the cortex, the CA3 region of hippocampus, and the lateral dorsal thalamus. Furthermore, motor recovery after injury, as measured by the rotarod assay and an inclined beam-walking task, was compromised in the KO mice. Finally, brain tissue from injured HO-2 KO mice exhibited decreased ability to reduce oxidative stress, as measured with an Fe(2+)/ascorbic acid-mediated carbon monoxide generation assay for lipid peroxidation susceptibility. These findings demonstrate that HO-2 expression protects neurons against TBI by reducing lipid peroxidation via the catabolism of free heme.
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Abstract
The discovery that nitric oxide (NO) is produced by neurons and regulates synaptic activity has challenged the definition of a neurotransmitter. NO is not stored in synaptic vesicles and does not act at conventional receptors on the surface of adjacent neurons. The toxic gases carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) are also produced by neurons and modulate synaptic activity. D-serine synthesis and release by astrocytes as an endogenous ligand for the "glycine" site of N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors defy the concept that a neurotransmitter must be synthesized by neurons. We review the properties of these "atypical" neural modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Boehning
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
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19
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Li X, Clark JD. Spinal cord heme oxygenase participates in glutamate-induced pain-related behaviors. Eur J Pharmacol 2002; 450:43-8. [PMID: 12176107 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(02)02051-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Heme oxygenase catalyzes the formation of CO, Fe(2+) and biliverdin from the substrate heme. In these studies, we attempted to define the roles heme oxygenase play in pain-related behaviors induced by intrathecal injection of the spinal neurotransmitter glutamate. The intrathecal injection of glutamate or the more selective agonists N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) in C57Bl/6 mice lead to caudally directed pain behaviors which were sensitive to the heme oxygenase inhibitors tin protoporphyrin (Sn-protoporphyrin) and chromium mesoporphyrin (Cr-mesoporphyrin). Intrathecal injections of glutamate in heme oxygenase type 2 (HO-2) null-mutant animals resulted in reduced pain-related behaviors when compared with wild type animals. Glutamate, NMDA and AMPA stimulated cGMP accumulation in mouse spinal cord slices, which was blocked by heme oxygenase inhibitors. Glutamate did not stimulate cGMP production in HO-2 null-mutant animals. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that pain-related behaviors induced by spinal glutamate rely on the activation of HO-2 and subsequent production of cGMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqi Li
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University Department of Anesthesiology, 112A, 3801 Miranda Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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20
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Li X, Clark JD. Heme oxygenase inhibitors reduce formalin-induced Fos expression in mouse spinal cord tissue. Neuroscience 2002; 105:949-56. [PMID: 11530233 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4522(01)00207-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent work from our laboratory and others supports a role for heme oxygenase in nociception and pain of several etiologies including inflammatory, incisional and neuropathic. Since it has been observed that heme oxygenase inhibitors reduce formalin-induced pain behaviors in mice and rats, we attempted to determine if this analgesic effect was reflected in a reduction in formalin-induced spinal cord Fos expression, an index of neuronal activation. To perform these studies, it was necessary to first examine the cytoarchitecture of the mouse lumbar spinal cord so that histological sections from known segmental levels could be chosen, and Fos-positive nuclei could be assigned to established dorsal horn laminae. After documenting the segmental and laminar distribution of Fos-positive nuclei following a 5% formalin injection, we went on to determine that the heme oxygenase inhibitor tin-protoporphyrin or morphine reduced this Fos expression as analyzed using confocal fluorescence microscopy. It was also observed that mice lacking expression of heme oxygenase type 2, an isozyme of heme oxygenase found in high abundance in the spinal cord, had lowered Fos expression after the formalin injection. Additional confocal microscopy studies demonstrated widespread expression of heme oxygenase type 2 in spinal cord neuron cell bodies. Double-labeling experiments showed that a high percentage of Fos-positive nuclei identified after administration of formalin were located within heme oxygenase type 2-positive cell profiles. Our studies support the hypothesis that heme oxygenase type 2 plays a role in formalin-induced nociception. Furthermore, from these results we suggest that the heme oxygenase type 2 located in spinal cord dorsal horn neurons participates in this nociceptive pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Li
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) and Stanford University Department of Anesthesiology, 112A, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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21
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Li X, Clark JD. Spinal cord nitric oxide synthase and heme oxygenase limit morphine induced analgesia. BRAIN RESEARCH. MOLECULAR BRAIN RESEARCH 2001; 95:96-102. [PMID: 11687280 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-328x(01)00251-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord tissue contains two enzyme systems capable of producing monoxide gases which in turn are linked to the stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) which produces NO and heme oxygenase (HO) which produces CO. Reports from several laboratories link these two enzyme systems to pain of inflammatory and neuropathic etiologies. Additional studies have demonstrated that the activation of the NOS system by morphine limits the spinal analgesic action of this drug. In this study we first employed the hot plate model of pain to demonstrate that the NOS inhibitor L-NAME and the HO inhibitor Sn-P potentiate the analgesic actions of intrathecally administered morphine while having no intrinsic analgesic action at the doses used. We then determined that L-NAME loses its ability to potentiate morphine in nNOS null-mutant mice, while Sn-P no longer potentiates morphine in mice lacking a functional HO-2 gene. The intrathecal injection of the cGMP analog 8-Br cGMP caused hyperalgesia in the hot plate assay. Focusing on the possible involvement of cGMP metabolism, we documented that morphine stimulates cGMP production in a spinal cord slice model in a concentration dependent and naloxone reversible manner. Both L-NAME and Sn-P were potent inhibitors of morphine-stimulated cGMP production. Buffer containing either CO or the NO donor compound SNAP stimulated cGMP production as well. In spinal cord slices from either nNOS or HO-2 null-mutant animals morphine did not stimulate cGMP production. Taken together our data suggest that spinal monoxide generation modifies the acute analgesic actions of morphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Li
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System and Stanford University Department of Anesthesiology, 112a VAPAHCS 3801 Miranda Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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22
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Li X, Angst MS, Clark JD. A murine model of opioid-induced hyperalgesia. BRAIN RESEARCH. MOLECULAR BRAIN RESEARCH 2001; 86:56-62. [PMID: 11165371 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-328x(00)00260-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Controversies surround the possible long-term physiological and psychological consequences of opioid use. Analgesic tolerance and addiction are commonly at the center of these controversies, but other concerns exist as well. A growing body of evidence suggests that hyperalgesia caused by the chronic administration of opioids can occur in laboratory animals and in humans. In these studies we describe a murine model of opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH). After the treatment of mice for 6 days with implanted morphine pellets followed by their removal, both thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were documented. Additional experiments demonstrated that prior morphine treatment also increased formalin-induced licking behavior. These effects were intensified by intermittent abstinence accomplished through administration of naloxone during morphine treatment. Experiments designed to determine if the mu-opioid receptor mediated OLH in our model revealed that the relatively-selective mu-opioid receptor agonist fentanyl induced the thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia characteristic of OIH when administered in intermittent boluses over 6 days. In complimentary experiments we found that CXBK mice which have reduced mu-opioid receptor binding displayed no significant OIH after morphine treatment. Finally, we explored the pharmacological sensitivities of OIH. We found that the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801, the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and the heme oxygenase (HO) inhibitor tin protoporphyrin (Sn-P) dose-dependently reduced OIH in this model while the NSAID indomethacin had no effect. Thus we have characterized a murine model of OIH which will be useful in the pursuit of the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon.
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MESH Headings
- Analgesics, Opioid/pharmacology
- Animals
- Disease Models, Animal
- Fentanyl/pharmacology
- Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing)/metabolism
- Hyperalgesia/chemically induced
- Injections, Subcutaneous
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Morphine/pharmacology
- Naloxone/pharmacology
- Narcotic Antagonists/pharmacology
- Nitric Oxide Synthase/metabolism
- Pain Measurement
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/physiology
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/agonists
- Receptors, Opioid, mu/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- X Li
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University Department of Anesthesiology, 3801 Miranda Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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23
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Abstract
Neural tissues generate carbon monoxide. Although neuronal carbon monoxide does not appear to be released in a directed manner, heme-derived carbon monoxide affects neuronally mediated activities. This rather suggests that endogenously formed carbon monoxide is an important neuromodulator. In addition, it appears that carbon monoxide may contribute to various neuropathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Johnson
- Department of Physiology, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA.
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