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Parsaei M, Taebi M, Arvin A, Moghaddam HS. Brain structural and functional abnormalities in patients with tension-type headache: A systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging studies. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25294. [PMID: 38284839 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Tension-type headache (TTH) stands as the most prevalent form of headache, yet an adequate understanding of its underlying mechanisms remains elusive. This article endeavors to comprehensively review structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies investigating TTH patients, to gain valuable insights into the pathophysiology of TTH, and to explore new avenues for enhanced treatment strategies. We conducted a systematic search to identify relevant articles examining brain MRI disparities between TTH individuals and headache-free controls (HFC). Fourteen studies, encompassing 312 diagnosed TTH patients, were selected for inclusion. Among these, eight studies utilized conventional MRI, one employed diffusion tensor imaging, and five implemented various functional MRI modalities. Consistent findings across these studies revealed a notable increase in white matter hyperintensity (WMH) in TTH patients. Furthermore, the potential involvement of the specific brain areas recognized to be involved in different dimensions of pain perception including cortical regions (anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, prefrontal cortex, anterior and posterior insular cortex), subcortical regions (thalamus, caudate, putamen, and parahippocampus), cerebellum in TTH pathogenesis was identified. However, no significant association was established between TTH and intracranial abnormalities or total intracranial volume. In conclusion, these findings support the hypotheses regarding the role of central mechanisms in TTH pathophysiology and offer probable brain regions implicated in these mechanisms. Due to the scarce data on the precise role of these regions in the TTH, further preclinical and clinical investigations should be done to advance our knowledge and enhance targeted therapeutic options of TTH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadamin Parsaei
- Maternal, Fetal & Neonatal Research Center, Family Health Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morvarid Taebi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Arvin
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Sanjari Moghaddam
- Psychiatry and Psychology Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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2
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Medeiros P, de Freitas RL, Boccella S, Iannotta M, Belardo C, Mazzitelli M, Romano R, De Gregorio D, Coimbra NC, Palazzo E, Maione S. Characterization of the sensory, affective, cognitive, biochemical, and neuronal alterations in a modified chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain in mice. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:338-352. [PMID: 31396990 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve is a nerve injury-based model of neuropathic pain (NP). Comorbidities of NP such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive deficits are associated with a functional reorganization of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Here, we have employed an adapted model of CCI by placing one single loose ligature around the sciatic nerve in mice for investigating the alterations in sensory, motor, affective, and cognitive behavior and in electrophysiological and biochemical properties in the prelimbic division (PrL) of the mPFC. Our adapted model of CCI induced mechanical allodynia, motor, and cognitive impairments and anxiety- and depression-like behavior. In the PrL division of mPFC was observed an increase in GABA and a decrease in d-aspartate levels. Moreover an increase in the activity of neurons responding to mechanical stimulation with an excitation, mPFC (+), and a decrease in those responding with an inhibition, mPFC (-), was found. Altogether these findings demonstrate that a single ligature around the sciatic nerve was able to induce sensory, affective, cognitive, biochemical, and functional alterations already observed in other neuropathic pain models and it may be an appropriate and easily reproducible model for studying neuropathic pain mechanisms and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Medeiros
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.,Laboratory of Neurosciences of Pain & Emotions and Multi-User Centre of Neuroelectrophysiology, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, FMRP-USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Renato Leonardo de Freitas
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.,Laboratory of Neurosciences of Pain & Emotions and Multi-User Centre of Neuroelectrophysiology, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, FMRP-USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), Alfenas (MG), Brazil
| | - Serena Boccella
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Iannotta
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Belardo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Mazzitelli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Romano
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Norberto Cysne Coimbra
- Laboratory of Neurosciences of Pain & Emotions and Multi-User Centre of Neuroelectrophysiology, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, FMRP-USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Enza Palazzo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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3
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Ahn S, Prim JH, Alexander ML, McCulloch KL, Fröhlich F. Identifying and Engaging Neuronal Oscillations by Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Pilot Study. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2018; 20:277.e1-277.e11. [PMID: 30268803 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain is associated with maladaptive reorganization of the central nervous system. Recent studies have suggested that disorganization of large-scale electrical brain activity patterns, such as neuronal network oscillations in the thalamocortical system, plays a key role in the pathophysiology of chronic pain. Yet, little is known about whether and how such network pathologies can be targeted with noninvasive brain stimulation as a nonpharmacological treatment option. We hypothesized that alpha oscillations, a prominent thalamocortical activity pattern in the human brain, are impaired in chronic pain and can be modulated with transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). We performed a randomized, crossover, double-blind, sham-controlled study in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) to investigate how alpha oscillations relate to pain symptoms for target identification and whether tACS can engage this target and thereby induce pain relief. We used high-density electroencephalography to measure alpha oscillations and found that the oscillation strength in the somatosensory region at baseline before stimulation was negatively correlated with pain symptoms. Stimulation with alpha-tACS compared to sham (placebo) stimulation significantly enhanced alpha oscillations in the somatosensory region. The stimulation-induced increase of alpha oscillations in the somatosensory region was correlated with pain relief. Given these findings of successful target identification and engagement, we propose that modulating alpha oscillations with tACS may represent a target-specific, nonpharmacological treatment approach for CLBP. This trial has been registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03243084). PERSPECTIVE: This study suggests that a rational design of transcranial alternating current stimulation, which is target identification, engagement, and validation, could be a nonpharmacological treatment approach for patients with CLBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangtae Ahn
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Julianna H Prim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Human Movement Science Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Morgan L Alexander
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Karen L McCulloch
- Human Movement Science Curriculum, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Division of Physical Therapy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Flavio Fröhlich
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599; Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599..
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4
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Xiao X, Zhang YQ. A new perspective on the anterior cingulate cortex and affective pain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 90:200-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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5
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Gu L, Uhelski ML, Anand S, Romero-Ortega M, Kim YT, Fuchs PN, Mohanty SK. Pain inhibition by optogenetic activation of specific anterior cingulate cortical neurons. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117746. [PMID: 25714399 PMCID: PMC4340873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cumulative evidence from both humans and animals suggests that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is important for pain-related perception, and thus a likely target for pain relief therapy. However, use of existing electrode based ACC stimulation has not significantly reduced pain, at least in part due to the lack of specificity and likely co-activation of both excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Herein, we report a dramatic reduction of pain behavior in transgenic mice by optogenetic stimulation of the inhibitory neural circuitry of the ACC expressing channelrhodopsin-2. Electrophysiological measurements confirmed that stimulation of ACC inhibitory neurons is associated with decreased neural activity in the ACC. Further, a distinct optogenetic stimulation intensity and frequency-dependent inhibition of spiking activity in the ACC was observed. Moreover, we confirmed specific electrophysiological responses from different neuronal units in the thalamus, in response to particular types of painful stimuli (i,e., formalin injection, pinch), which we found to be modulated by optogenetic control of the ACC inhibitory neurons. These results underscore the inhibition of the ACC as a clinical alternative in inhibiting chronic pain, and leads to a better understanding of the pain processing circuitry of the cingulate cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Gu
- Biophysics and Physiology Group, Department of Physics, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX-76019, United States of America
| | - Megan L. Uhelski
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX-76019, United States of America
| | - Sanjay Anand
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX-76019, United States of America
| | - Mario Romero-Ortega
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX-76019, United States of America
| | - Young-tae Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX-76019, United States of America
| | - Perry N. Fuchs
- Departments of Psychology and Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX-76019, United States of America
| | - Samarendra K. Mohanty
- Biophysics and Physiology Group, Department of Physics, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX-76019, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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6
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Up-regulation of PKMζ expression in the anterior cingulate cortex following experimental tooth movement in rats. Arch Oral Biol 2014; 59:749-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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7
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Wang H, Zhuo M. Group I metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated gene transcription and implications for synaptic plasticity and diseases. Front Pharmacol 2012; 3:189. [PMID: 23125836 PMCID: PMC3485740 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2012.00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimulation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) initiates a wide variety of signaling pathways. Group I mGluR activation can regulate gene expression at both translational and transcriptional levels, and induces translation or transcription-dependent synaptic plastic changes in neurons. The group I mGluR-mediated translation-dependent neural plasticity has been well reviewed. In this review, we will highlight group I mGluR-induced gene transcription and its role in synaptic plasticity. The signaling pathways (PKA, CaMKs, and MAPKs) which have been shown to link group I mGluRs to gene transcription, the relevant transcription factors (CREB and NF-κB), and target proteins (FMRP and ARC) will be documented. The significance and future direction for characterizing group I mGluR-mediated gene transcription in fragile X syndrome, schizophrenia, drug addiction, and other neurological disorders will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansen Wang
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
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8
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9
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Xu B, Descalzi G, Ye HR, Zhuo M, Wang YW. Translational investigation and treatment of neuropathic pain. Mol Pain 2012; 8:15. [PMID: 22400804 PMCID: PMC3320533 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-8-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain develops from a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system. Translational investigations of neuropathic pain by using different animal models reveal that peripheral sensitization, spinal and cortical plasticity may play critical roles in neuropathic pain. Furthermore, descending facilitatory or excitatory modulation may also act to enhance chronic pain. Current clinical therapy for neuropathic pain includes the use of pharmacological and nonpharmacological (psychological, physical, and surgical treatment) methods. However, there is substantial need to better medicine for treating neuropathic pain. Future translational researchers and clinicians will greatly facilitate the development of novel drugs for treating chronic pain including neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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10
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Descalzi G, Kim S, Zhuo M. Presynaptic and postsynaptic cortical mechanisms of chronic pain. Mol Neurobiol 2009; 40:253-9. [PMID: 19821080 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-009-8085-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2009] [Accepted: 09/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a cellular model for learning and memory and believed to be critical for plastic changes in the brain. Depending on the central nervous system region, LTP has been proposed to contribute to many key physiological functions and pathological conditions, such as learning/memory, chronic pain, and drug addiction. While the induction of LTP in general requires activation of postsynaptic glutamate receptors, the expression of LTP can be mediated by postsynaptic mechanisms and/or presynaptic enhancement of glutamate release. In this review, we will evaluate recent progress made in the mechanisms of LTP in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and explore its functional significance in synaptic changes after peripheral injury. Recent findings suggest that while ACC LTP in brain slice preparations is postsynaptically induced and expressed, injury triggered synaptic potentiation in the ACC contains both presynaptic enhancement of glutamate release and postsynaptic potentiation of AMPA receptor-mediated responses. Understanding presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms for ACC potentiation may help us to treat chronic pain in near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giannina Descalzi
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Roles of the AMPA receptor subunit GluA1 but not GluA2 in synaptic potentiation and activation of ERK in the anterior cingulate cortex. Mol Pain 2009; 5:46. [PMID: 19664265 PMCID: PMC2734546 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-5-46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2009] [Accepted: 08/10/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cortical areas including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) are important for pain and pleasure. Recent studies using genetic and physiological approaches have demonstrated that the investigation of basic mechanism for long-term potentiation (LTP) in the ACC may reveal key cellular and molecular mechanisms for chronic pain in the cortex. Glutamate N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the ACC are critical for the induction of LTP, including both NR2A and NR2B subunits. However, cellular and molecular mechanisms for the expression of ACC LTP have been less investigated. Here, we report that the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunit, GluA1 but not GluA2 contributes to LTP in the ACC using genetic manipulated mice lacking GluA1 or GluA2 gene. Furthermore, GluA1 knockout mice showed decreased extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in the ACC in inflammatory pain models in vivo. Our results demonstrate that AMPA receptor subunit GluA1 is a key mechanism for the expression of ACC LTP and inflammation-induced long-term plastic changes in the ACC.
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12
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Zhuo M. ACC Plasticity. Mol Pain 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-75269-3_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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13
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Mathews KA. Neuropathic pain in dogs and cats: if only they could tell us if they hurt. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2009; 38:1365-414, vii-viii. [PMID: 18954689 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2008.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is difficult to diagnose in veterinary patients because they are unable to verbalize their pain. By assuming that neuropathic pain may exist based on the history of events that each patient has experienced, a focused client history and neurologic examination may identify a lesion resulting in persistent or spontaneous pain. Once neuropathic pain is diagnosed, a trial analgesic or acupuncture session(s) should be prescribed with instructions for owners to observe behavior. Dosing of the analgesic can be titrated to the patient's needs while avoiding adverse effects. When a particular analgesic may be ineffectual, an alternate class should be tried. As research into the neurobiologic mechanisms of neuropathic pain continues, specific therapies for its management should eventually appear in the human clinical setting and subsequently be investigated for veterinary clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol A Mathews
- Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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14
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Molecular bases of caloric restriction regulation of neuronal synaptic plasticity. Mol Neurobiol 2008; 38:167-77. [PMID: 18759009 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-008-8040-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2008] [Accepted: 08/14/2008] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Aging is associated with the decline of cognitive properties. This situation is magnified when neurodegenerative processes associated with aging appear in human patients. Neuronal synaptic plasticity events underlie cognitive properties in the central nervous system. Caloric restriction (CR; either a decrease in food intake or an intermittent fasting diet) can extend life span and increase disease resistance. Recent studies have shown that CR can have profound effects on brain function and vulnerability to injury and disease. Moreover, CR can stimulate the production of new neurons from stem cells (neurogenesis) and can enhance synaptic plasticity, which modulate pain sensation, enhance cognitive function, and may increase the ability of the brain to resist aging. The beneficial effects of CR appear to be the result of a cellular stress response stimulating the production of proteins that enhance neuronal plasticity and resistance to oxidative and metabolic insults; they include neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitter receptors, protein chaperones, and mitochondrial biosynthesis regulators. In this review, we will present and discuss the effect of CR in synaptic processes underlying analgesia and cognitive improvement in healthy, sick, and aging animals. We will also discuss the possible role of mitochondrial biogenesis induced by CR in regulation of neuronal synaptic plasticity.
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15
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Cortical excitation and chronic pain. Trends Neurosci 2008; 31:199-207. [PMID: 18329111 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2008.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 404] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2007] [Revised: 01/24/2008] [Accepted: 01/28/2008] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Investigation of the basic mechanisms of chronic pain not only provides insights into how the brain processes and modulates sensory information but also provides the basis for designing novel treatments for currently intractable clinical conditions. Human brain imaging studies have revealed new roles of cortical neuronal networks in chronic pain, including its unpleasant quality, and mouse studies have provided molecular and synaptic mechanisms underlying relevant cortical plasticity. This review paper will critically examine the current literature and propose a cortical network model for chronic pain.
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16
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Fossella J, Fan J, Liu X, Guise K, Brocki K, Hof PR, Kittappa R, McKay R, Posner M. Provisional hypotheses for the molecular genetics of cognitive development: imaging genetic pathways in the anterior cingulate cortex. Biol Psychol 2007; 79:23-9. [PMID: 18261834 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2007.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2007] [Revised: 12/16/2007] [Accepted: 12/18/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Brain imaging genetic research involves a multitude of methods and spans many traditional levels of analysis. Given the vast permutations among several million common genetic variants with thousands of brain tissue voxels and a wide array of cognitive tasks that activate specific brain systems, we are prompted to develop specific hypotheses that synthesize converging evidence and state clear predictions about the anatomical sources, magnitude and direction (increases vs. decreases) of allele- and task-specific brain activity associations. To begin to develop a framework for shaping our imaging genetic hypotheses, we focus on previous results and the wider imaging genetic literature. Particular emphasis is placed on converging evidence that links system-level and biochemical studies with models of synaptic function. In shaping our own imaging genetic hypotheses on the development of Attention Networks, we review relevant literature on core models of synaptic physiology and development in the anterior cingulate cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Fossella
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, United States.
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17
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Toyoda H, Zhao MG, Xu H, Wu LJ, Ren M, Zhuo M. Requirement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase for long-term potentiation in adult mouse anterior cingulate cortex. Mol Pain 2007; 3:36. [PMID: 18053155 PMCID: PMC2245920 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-3-36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2007] [Accepted: 12/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term potentiation (LTP) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is believed to be critical for higher brain functions including emotion, learning, memory and chronic pain. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent LTP is well studied and is thought to be important for learning and memory in mammalian brains. As the downstream target of NMDA receptors, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade has been extensively studied for its involvement in synaptic plasticity, learning and memory in hippocampus. By contrast, the role of ERK in cingulate LTP has not been investigated. In this study, we examined whether LTP in ACC requires the activation of ERK. We found that P42/P44 MAPK inhibitors, PD98059 and U0126, suppressed the induction of cingulate LTP that was induced by presynaptic stimulation with postsynaptic depolarization (the pairing protocol). We also showed that cingulate LTP induced by two other different protocols was also blocked by PD98059. Moreover, we found that these two inhibitors had no effect on the maintenance of cingulate LTP. Inhibitors of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38, other members of MAPK family, SP600125 and SB203850, suppressed the induction of cingulate LTP generated by the pairing protocol. Thus, our study suggests that the MAPK signaling pathway is involved in the induction of cingulate LTP and plays a critical role in physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Toyoda
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
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18
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Abstract
Two major approaches have been employed for the development of novel drugs to treat chronic pain. The most traditional approach identifies molecules involved in pain as potential therapeutic targets and has focused mainly on the periphery and spinal cord. A more recent approach identifies molecules that are involved in long-term plasticity. Drugs developed through the latter approach are predicted to treat chronic, but not physiological or acute, pain. The TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid-1) receptor is involved in nociceptive processing, and is a candidate therapeutic target for pain. While most research on TRPV1 receptors has been conducted at the level of the spinal cord and peripheral structures, considerably less research has focused on supraspinal structures. This short paper summarizes progress made on TRPV1 receptors, and reviews research on the expression and function of TRPV1 receptors in supraspinal structures. We suggest that the TRPV1 receptor may be involved in pain processing in higher brain structures, such as the anterior cingulate cortex. In addition, some regions of the brain utilize the TRPV1 receptor for functions apparently unrelated to pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik W Steenland
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Shanelle W Ko
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Long-Jun Wu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Min Zhuo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Xu H, Wu LJ, Zhao MG, Toyoda H, Vadakkan KI, Jia Y, Pinaud R, Zhuo M. Presynaptic regulation of the inhibitory transmission by GluR5-containing kainate receptors in spinal substantia gelatinosa. Mol Pain 2006; 2:29. [PMID: 16948848 PMCID: PMC1570342 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-2-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2006] [Accepted: 09/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
GluR5-containing kainate receptors (KARs) are known to be involved in nociceptive transmission. Our previous work has shown that the activation of presynaptic KARs regulates GABAergic and glycinergic synaptic transmission in cultured dorsal horn neurons. However, the role of GluR5-containing KARs in the modulation of inhibitory transmission in the spinal substantia gelatinosa (SG) in slices remains unknown. In the present study, pharmacological, electrophysiological and genetic methods were used to show that presynaptic GluR5 KARs are involved in the modulation of inhibitory transmission in the SG of spinal slices in vitro. The GluR5 selective agonist, ATPA, facilitated the frequency but not amplitude of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) in SG neurons. ATPA increased sIPSC frequency in all neurons with different firing patterns as delayed, tonic, initial and single spike patterns. The frequency of either GABAergic or glycinergic sIPSCs was significantly increased by ATPA. ATPA could also induce inward currents in all SG neurons recorded. The frequency, but not amplitude, of action potential-independent miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) was also facilitated by ATPA in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the effect of ATPA on the frequency of either sIPSCs or mIPSCs was abolished in GluR5-/- mice. Deletion of the GluR5 subunit gene had no effect on the frequency or amplitude of mIPSCs in SG neurons. However, GluR5 antagonist LY293558 reversibly inhibited sIPSC and mIPSC frequencies in spinal SG neurons. Taken together, these results suggest that GluR5 KARs, which may be located at presynaptic terminals, contribute to the modulation of inhibitory transmission in the SG. GluR5-containing KARs are thus important for spinal sensory transmission/modulation in the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Long-Jun Wu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ming-Gao Zhao
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Hiroki Toyoda
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kunjumon I Vadakkan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Yongheng Jia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Raphael Pinaud
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Min Zhuo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
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Abstract
It is well known that peripheral sensory stimuli, including pain, trigger a series of neuronal activities along the somatosensory pathways as well as the neuronal network in the high brain structures. These neuronal activities not only produce appropriate physiological responses but also induce long-term plastic changes in some of the central synapses. It is believed that long-term synaptic changes help the brain to process and store new information. Such learning is critical for animals and humans to gain new knowledge of changing environment, generate appropriate emotional responses, and avoid dangerous stimuli in the future. In the case of permanent injury, however, the brain fails to distinguish the difference between "useful" and painful stimuli. Long-term synaptic changes work against the system and at least in part contribute to chronic pain. In this short article, the possible molecular mechanisms for long-term plasticity within the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) will be discussed and reviewed, and it is hypothesized that potentiation of excitatory responses within the ACC contributes to chronic pain and pain-related mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhuo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Wu MF, Pang ZP, Zhuo M, Xu ZC. Prolonged membrane potential depolarization in cingulate pyramidal cells after digit amputation in adult rats. Mol Pain 2005; 1:23. [PMID: 16111486 PMCID: PMC1198253 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-1-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2005] [Accepted: 08/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays an important role in higher brain functions including learning, memory, and persistent pain. Long-term potentiation of excitatory synaptic transmission has been observed in the ACC after digit amputation, which might contribute to plastic changes associated with the phantom pain. Here we report a long-lasting membrane potential depolarization in ACC neurons of adult rats after digit amputation in vivo. Shortly after digit amputation of the hind paw, the membrane potential of intracellularly recorded ACC neurons quickly depolarized from approximately -70 mV to approximately -15 mV and then slowly repolarized. The duration of this amputation-induced depolarization was about 40 min. Intracellular staining revealed that these neurons were pyramidal neurons in the ACC. The depolarization is activity-dependent, since peripheral application of lidocaine significantly reduced it. Furthermore, the depolarization was significantly reduced by a NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801. Our results provide direct in vivo electrophysiological evidence that ACC pyramidal cells undergo rapid and prolonged depolarization after digit amputation, and the amputation-induced depolarization in ACC neurons might be associated with the synaptic mechanisms for phantom pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- MF Wu
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - ZP Pang
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - M Zhuo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - ZC Xu
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
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22
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhuo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Centre for the Study of Pain, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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