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Chen QY, Zhang Y, Ma Y, Zhuo M. Inhibition of cortical synaptic transmission, behavioral nociceptive, and anxiodepressive-like responses by arecoline in adult mice. Mol Brain 2024; 17:39. [PMID: 38886822 PMCID: PMC11184806 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-024-01106-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Areca nut, the seed of Areca catechu L., is one of the most widely consumed addictive substances in the world after nicotine, ethanol, and caffeine. The major effective constituent of A. catechu, arecoline, has been reported to affect the central nervous system. Less is known if it may affect pain and its related emotional responses. In this study, we found that oral application of arecoline alleviated the inflammatory pain and its induced anxiolytic and anti-depressive-like behavior. Arecoline also increased the mechanical nociceptive threshold and alleviated depression-like behavior in naïve mice. In the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which acts as a hinge of nociception and its related anxiety and depression, by using the multi-electrode field potential recording and whole-cell patch-clamp recording, we found that the evoked postsynaptic transmission in the ACC of adult mice has been inhibited by the application of arecoline. The muscarinic receptor is the major receptor of the arecoline in the ACC. Our results suggest that arecoline alleviates pain, anxiety, and depression-like behavior in both physiological and pathological conditions, and this new mechanism may help to treat patients with chronic pain and its related anxiety and disorder in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yu Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Interdisciplinary Center for Brain Information, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Zhuomin International Institute for Brain Research, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhang
- Zhuomin International Institute for Brain Research, Qingdao, China
- Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yujie Ma
- Zhuomin International Institute for Brain Research, Qingdao, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min Zhuo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China.
- Zhuomin International Institute for Brain Research, Qingdao, China.
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, Room #3342, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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2
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Zhuo M. Long-term plasticity of NMDA GluN2B (NR2B) receptor in anterior cingulate cortical synapses. Mol Pain 2024; 20:17448069241230258. [PMID: 38246915 PMCID: PMC10851716 DOI: 10.1177/17448069241230258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a key cortical area for pain perception, emotional fear and anxiety. Cortical excitation is thought to be the major mechanism for chronic pain and its related emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression. GluN2B (or called NR2B) containing NMDA receptors play critical roles for such excitation. Not only does the activation of GluN2B contributes to the induction of the postsynaptic form of LTP (post-LTP), long-term upregulation of GluN2B subunits through tyrosine phosphorylation were also detected after peripheral injury. In addition, it has been reported that presynaptic NMDA receptors may contribute to the modulation of the release of glutamate from presynaptic terminals in the ACC. It is believed that inhibiting subtypes of NMDA receptors and/or downstream signaling proteins may serve as a novel therapeutic mechanism for future treatment of chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhuo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Qingdao International Academician Park, Zhuomin Institute of Brain Research, Qingdao, China
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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3
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Liu L, Luo Z, Mai Y, Lu Y, Sun Z, Chen J, Zeng T, Chen L, Liu Z, Yang H, Xu Q, Lan L, Tang C. Dexmedetomidine relieves inflammatory pain by enhancing GABAergic synaptic activity in pyramidal neurons of the anterior cingulate cortex. Neuropharmacology 2023; 240:109710. [PMID: 37683885 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109710] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Pyramidal neuron (Pyn) hyperactivity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is involved in the modulation of pain. Previous studies indicate that the activation of α2 adrenoceptors (α2-ARs) by dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a safe and effective means of alleviating multiple types of pain. Here, we showed that systemically administered DEX can ameliorate the inflammatory pain induced by hindpaw injection of formalin (FA) and further examined the molecular and synaptic mechanisms of this DEX-elicited antinociceptive effect. We found that FA caused an increase in c-Fos expression in contralateral layer 2/3 (L2/3) ACC, and that intra-ACC infusion of DEX could also relieve phase 2 inflammatory pain behavior. DEX elicited an increase in the amplitude and frequency of miniature inhibitory post-synaptic currents (mIPSCs) and evoked IPSC amplitude, as well as a reduction in the hyperexcitability and both paired-pulse and excitation/inhibition ratios in contralateral L2/3 ACC Pyns of FA mice. These electrophysiological effects were associated with the upregulation of GABA A receptor (GABAAR) subunits. The interaction of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) with GABAAR subunits increased in the ACC following administration of DEX. These results suggest that DEX treatment reduces hyperactivity and enhances GABAergic inhibitory synaptic transmission in ACC Pyns, which produces analgesic effects by increasing GABAAR levels and activating the Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Liu
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China; Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China; South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhihao Luo
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China; South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yuanying Mai
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510130, China
| | - Zhaoxia Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jianfeng Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Tianyu Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Zihao Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Hanyu Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Qin Xu
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China; South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Lan Lan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Chunzhi Tang
- Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China; South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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4
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Li X, Xiong M, Gao Y, Xu X, Ke C. Upregulation of Calhm2 in the anterior cingulate cortex contributes to the maintenance of bilateral mechanical allodynia and comorbid anxiety symptoms in inflammatory pain conditions. Brain Res Bull 2023; 204:110808. [PMID: 37926398 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110808] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral inflammation-induced chronic pain tends to evoke concomitant anxiety disorders. It's common knowledge that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays a vital role in maintaining pain modulation and negative emotions. However, the potential mechanisms of chronic inflammation pain and pain-related anxiety remain elusive. Here, it was reported that injecting complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) unilaterally resulted in bilateral mechanical allodynia and anxiety-like symptoms in mice via behavioral tests. In addition, CFA induced the bilateral upregulation and activation of calcium homeostasis modulator 2 (Calhm2) in ACC pyramidal neurons by quantitative analysis and double immunofluorescence staining. The knockdown of Calhm2 in the bilateral ACC by a lentiviral vector harboring ribonucleic acid (RNA) interference sequence reversed CFA-induced pain behaviors and neuronal sensitization. Furthermore, the modulating of ACC pyramidal neuronal activities via a designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD)-hM4D(Gi) greatly changed Calhm2 expression, mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds (PWTs) and comorbid anxiety symptoms. Moreover, it was found that Calhm2 regulates inflammation pain promoting the upregulation of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor 2B (NR2B) subunits. Calhm2 knockdown in ACC exhibited a significant decrease in NR2B expression. These results demonstrated that Calhm2 in ACC pyramidal neurons modulates chronic inflammation pain and pain-related anxiety symptoms, which provides a novel underlying mechanism for the development of inflammation pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Li
- Institute of Anesthesiology & Pain (IAP), Department of Anesthesiology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province 442000, PR China.
| | - Mengyuan Xiong
- Institute of Anesthesiology & Pain (IAP), Department of Anesthesiology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province 442000, PR China.
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Anesthesiology & Pain (IAP), Department of Anesthesiology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province 442000, PR China.
| | - Xueqin Xu
- Institute of Anesthesiology & Pain (IAP), Department of Anesthesiology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province 442000, PR China.
| | - Changbin Ke
- Institute of Anesthesiology & Pain (IAP), Department of Anesthesiology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei Province 442000, PR China.
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Zhou JS, Peng GF, Liang WD, Chen Z, Liu YY, Wang BY, Guo ML, Deng YL, Ye JM, Zhong ML, Wang LF. Recent advances in the study of anesthesia-and analgesia-related mechanisms of S-ketamine. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1228895. [PMID: 37781698 PMCID: PMC10539608 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1228895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ketamine is a racemic mixture of equal amounts of R-ketamine and S-ketamine and is well known to anesthesiologists for its unique dissociative anesthetic properties. The pharmacological properties of ketamine, namely, its sympathetic excitation, mild respiratory depression, and potent analgesia, are still highly valued in its use as an anesthetic for some patients. In particular, since its advent, S-ketamine has been widely used as an anesthetic in many countries due to its increased affinity for NMDA receptors and its enhanced anesthetic and analgesic effects. However, the anesthetic and analgesic mechanisms of S-ketamine are not fully understood. In addition to antagonizing NMDA receptors, a variety of other receptors or channels may be involved, but there are no relevant mechanistic summaries in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to review the mechanisms of action of S-ketamine on relevant receptors and systems in the body that result in its pharmacological properties, such as anesthesia and analgesia, with the aim of providing a reference for its clinical applications and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-shun Zhou
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Guan-fa Peng
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Wei-dong Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Ganzhou, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Ying-ying Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Bing-yu Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Ming-ling Guo
- The First Clinical Medical College of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yun-ling Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jun-ming Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Ganzhou, China
| | - Mao-lin Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Ganzhou, China
| | - Li-feng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Ganzhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Ganzhou, China
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Guan R, Wang T, Dong X, Du K, Li J, Zhao F, Xu J, Li B, Zheng G, Shen X, Cao B, Wang J, Aschner M, Liu M, Chen R. Effects of co-exposure to lead and manganese on learning and memory deficits. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 121:65-76. [PMID: 35654517 PMCID: PMC9163452 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) and manganese (Mn) are common neurotoxins. However, individuals are subject to co-exposures in real life, and it is therefore important to study these metals in combination. Weaning Sprague-Dawley rats were given ad libitum access to drinking water solutions containing Pb (100 mg/L), Mn (2.5 mg/mL) or a mixture, and each treatment had its own minocycline (50 mg/(kg•day)) supplement group. The results showed a significant difference in spatial memory and induction levels of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) in all exposure groups when compared with controls. The combined-exposure group exhibited the most pronounced effect when compared with each of the single-metal exposure groups. Microglia displayed activation at day 3 after exposure alone or in combination, while astrocytes showed activation at day 5, accompanied by decreased expression levels of GLAST, GLT-1, and GS. Furthermore, the levels of glutamate in the synaptic cleft increased significantly. When microglial activation was inhibited by minocycline, the activation of astrocytes and the expression of GLAST, GLT-1, and GS were both reversed. In addition, upon minocycline treatment, hippocampal LTP impairment and cognitive injury were significantly alleviated in each of the exposure groups. These results suggest that combined exposure to Pb and Mn can cause greater effects on cognition and synaptic plasticity when compared to single-metal exposure groups. The reason may involve abnormal activation of microglia leading to excessive regulation of astrocytes, resulting in glutamate reuptake dysfunction in astrocytes and leading to perturbed cognition and synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruili Guan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health and the Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xiaoru Dong
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health and the Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Kejun Du
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health and the Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Physiology, National Key Discipline of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health and the Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Bin Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Gang Zheng
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health and the Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xuefeng Shen
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health and the Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Baohua Cao
- School of Nursing, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Nursing, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Michael Aschner
- School of Nursing, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mingchao Liu
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health and the Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; School of Nursing, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Rui Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Schnellbächer GJ, Rajkumar R, Veselinović T, Ramkiran S, Hagen J, Shah NJ, Neuner I. Structural alterations of the insula in depression patients - A 7-Tesla-MRI study. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 36:103249. [PMID: 36451355 PMCID: PMC9668670 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The insular cortex is part of a network of highly connected cerebral "rich club" - regions and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various psychiatric and neurological disorders, of which major depressive disease is one of the most prevalent. "Rich club" vulnerability can be a contributing factor in disease development. High-resolution structural subfield analysis of insular volume in combination with cortical thickness measurements and psychological testing might elucidate the way in which the insula is changed in depression. MATERIAL AND METHODS High-resolution structural images of the brain were acquired using a 7T-MRI scanner. The mean grey matter volume and cortical thickness within the insular subfields were analysed using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and surface analysis techniques respectively. Insular subfields were defined according to the Brainnetome Atlas for VBM - and the Destrieux-Atlas for cortical thickness - analysis. Thirty-three patients with confirmed major depressive disease, as well as thirty-one healthy controls matched for age and gender, were measured. The severity of depression in MDD patients was measured via a BDI-II score and objective clinical assessment (AMDP). Intergroup statistical analysis was performed using ANCOVA. An intragroup multivariate regression analysis of patient psychological test results was calculated. Corrections for multiple comparisons was performed using FDR. RESULTS Significant differences between groups were observed in the left granular dorsal insula according to VBM-analysis. AMDP-scores positively correlated with cortical thickness in the right superior segment of the circular insular sulcus. CONCLUSIONS The combination of differences in grey matter volume between healthy controls and patients with a positive correlation of cortical thickness with disease severity underscores the insula's role in the pathogeneses of MDD. The connectivity hub insular cortex seems vulnerable to disruption in context of affective disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gereon J. Schnellbächer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ravichandran Rajkumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4, INM-4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany,JARA-BRAIN, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Tanja Veselinović
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4, INM-4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany
| | - Shukti Ramkiran
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4, INM-4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany
| | - Jana Hagen
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - N. Jon Shah
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4, INM-4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany,JARA-BRAIN, 52074 Aachen, Germany,Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 11, INM-11, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany
| | - Irene Neuner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine 4, INM-4, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany,JARA-BRAIN, 52074 Aachen, Germany,Corresponding author.
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Liu YJ, Li YL, Fang ZH, Liao HL, Zhang YY, Lin J, Liu F, Shen JF. NMDARs mediate peripheral and central sensitization contributing to chronic orofacial pain. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:999509. [PMID: 36238833 PMCID: PMC9553029 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.999509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral and central sensitizations of the trigeminal nervous system are the main mechanisms to promote the development and maintenance of chronic orofacial pain characterized by allodynia, hyperalgesia, and ectopic pain after trigeminal nerve injury or inflammation. Although the pathomechanisms of chronic orofacial pain are complex and not well known, sufficient clinical and preclinical evidence supports the contribution of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs, a subclass of ionotropic glutamate receptors) to the trigeminal nociceptive signal processing pathway under various pathological conditions. NMDARs not only have been implicated as a potential mediator of pain-related neuroplasticity in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) but also mediate excitatory synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system (CNS). In this review, we focus on the pivotal roles and mechanisms of NMDARs in the trigeminal nervous system under orofacial neuropathic and inflammatory pain. In particular, we summarize the types, components, and distribution of NMDARs in the trigeminal nervous system. Besides, we discuss the regulatory roles of neuron-nonneuronal cell/neuron-neuron communication mediated by NMDARs in the peripheral mechanisms of chronic orofacial pain following neuropathic injury and inflammation. Furthermore, we review the functional roles and mechanisms of NMDARs in the ascending and descending circuits under orofacial neuropathic and inflammatory pain conditions, which contribute to the central sensitization. These findings are not only relevant to understanding the underlying mechanisms, but also shed new light on the targeted therapy of chronic orofacial pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue-Ling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhong-Han Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong-Lin Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan-Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiu Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Jie-Fei Shen Fei Liu
| | - Jie-Fei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Jie-Fei Shen Fei Liu
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Jiang S, Zheng C, Wen G, Bu B, Zhao S, Xu X. Down-regulation of NR2B receptors contributes to the analgesic and antianxiety effects of enriched environment mediated by endocannabinoid system in the inflammatory pain mice. Behav Brain Res 2022; 435:114062. [PMID: 35985400 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114062] [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: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain states are highly prevalent and yet poorly controlled by currently available analgesics. It has been reported that enriched environment (EE), as a new way of endogenous pharmacotherapy, is effective in attenuating chronic inflammatory pain. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not fully understood. NMDA NR2B receptor plays a critical role in pain transmission and modulation. Thus, in this study, we aimed at the effect of EE on the NR2B receptors expression in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and thalamus in the inflammatory pain mice. The results showed a significant increase of NR2B receptors in the thalamus of mice at 7 d following injection of CFA in the subcutaneous of the bottom of the left hind paw. EE significantly reduced the duration of mechanical hypersensitivity and anxiety-related behavior and the expression of NR2B receptors as compared to the standard condition. Furthermore, EE significantly increased 2-arachidonoylglycero (2-AG) levels at 7 d in the inflammatory pain mice as compared to the standard condition, and the effect of EE on the behavior and the expression of NR2B receptors was abolished by intraperitoneal injection of AM281 (a selective antagonist of CB1 receptor). Elevated 2-AG levels by intraperitoneal injection of JZL184 (a selective inhibitor of MAGL, the enzyme responsible for 2-AG hydrolysis) produced the same effect as EE. Results from this study provide the evidence that EE mimics endocannabinoids to take analgesic and anti-anxiety activities by decreasing the expression of the NR2B receptors via the CB1 receptor in the thalamus, pending further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shukun Jiang
- Department of Forensic Clinical Medicine, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Liaoning Province, PR China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Chuanfei Zheng
- Department of Forensic Clinical Medicine, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Liaoning Province, PR China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Gehua Wen
- Department of Forensic Clinical Medicine, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Liaoning Province, PR China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Bin Bu
- Department of Forensic Clinical Medicine, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Liaoning Province, PR China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, PR China
| | - Xiaoming Xu
- Department of Forensic Clinical Medicine, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Liaoning Province, PR China; China Medical University Center of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, PR China.
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10
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Ma Y, Qin GH, Guo X, Hao N, Shi Y, Li HF, Zhao X, Li JG, Zhang C, Zhang Y. Activation of δ-opioid receptors in anterior cingulate cortex alleviates affective pain in rats. Neuroscience 2022; 494:152-166. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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11
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Chronic facial inflammatory pain-induced anxiety is associated with bilateral deactivation of the rostral anterior cingulate cortex. Brain Res Bull 2022; 184:88-98. [PMID: 35339627 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Patients with chronic pain, especially orofacial pain, often suffer from affective disorders, including anxiety. Previous studies largely focused on the role of the caudal anterior cingulate cortex (cACC) in affective responses to pain, long-term potentiation (LTP) in cACC being thought to mediate the interaction between anxiety and chronic pain. But recent evidence indicates that the rostral ACC (rACC), too, is implicated in processing affective pain. However, whether such processing is associated with neuronal and/or synaptic plasticity is still unknown. We addressed this issue in a chronic facial inflammatory pain model (complete Freund's adjuvant model) in rats, by combining behavior, Fos protein immunochemistry and ex vivo intracellular recordings in rACC slices prepared from these animals. Facial mechanical allodynia occurs immediately after CFA injection, peaks at post-injection day 3 and progressively recovers until post-injection days 10-11, whereas anxiety is delayed, being present at post-injection day 10, when sensory hypersensitivity is relieved, but, notably, not at post-injection day 3. Fos expression reveals that neuronal activity follows a bi-phasic time course in bilateral rACC: first enhanced at post-injection day 3, it gets strongly depressed at post-injection day 10. Ex vivo recordings from lamina V pyramidal neurons, the rACC projecting neurons, show that both their intrinsic excitability and excitatory synaptic inputs have undergone long-term depression (LTD) at post-injection day 10. Thus chronic pain processing is associated with dynamic changes in rACC activity: first enhanced and subsequently decreased, at the time of anxiety-like behavior. Chronic pain-induced anxiety might thus result from a rACC deactivation-cACC hyperactivation interplay.
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12
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Uniyal A, Akhilesh, Singh Rathore A, Kumari Keshri P, Pratap Singh S, Singh S, Tiwari V. Inhibition of pan-Aurora kinase attenuates evoked and ongoing pain in nerve injured rats via regulating KIF17-NR2B mediated signaling. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 106:108622. [PMID: 35183034 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Kinesins (KIF's) are the motor proteins which are recently reported to be involved in the trafficking of nociceptors leading to chronic pain. Aurora kinases are known to be involved in the regulation of KIF proteins which are associated with the activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Here, we investigated the effect of tozasertib, a pan-Aurora kinase inhibitor, on nerve injury-induced evoked and chronic ongoing pain in rats and the involvement of kinesin family member 17 (KIF17) and NMDA receptor subtype 2B (NR2B) crosstalk in the same. Rats with chronic constriction injury showed a significantly decreased pain threshold in a battery of pain behavioural assays. We found that tozasertib [10, 20, and 40 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.)] treatment showed a significant and dose-dependent inhibition of both evoked and chronic ongoing pain in rats with nerve injury. Tozasertib (40 mg/kg i.p.) and gabapentin (30 mg/kg i.p.) treatment significantly inhibits spontaneous ongoing pain in nerve injured rats but did not produce any place preference behaviour in healthy naïve rats pointing towards their non-addictive analgesic potential. Moreover, tozasertib (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg i.p.) and gabapentin (30 mg/kg i.p.) treatment did not altered the normal pain threshold in healthy naïve rats and didn't produce central nervous system associated side effects as well. Western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction studies suggested enhanced expressions of NR2B and KIF-17 along with increased nuclear factor kappa β (NFkβ), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord of nerve injured rats which was significantly attenuated on treatment with different does of Tozasertib. Findings from the current study suggests that inhibition of pan-Aurora kinase decreased KIF-17 mediated NR2B activation which further leads to significant inhibition of evoked and chronic ongoing pain in nerve-injured rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Uniyal
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Akhilesh
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Aaina Singh Rathore
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Priyanka Kumari Keshri
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Surya Pratap Singh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Sanjay Singh
- Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar Central University (BBAU), Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vinod Tiwari
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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13
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Wistrom E, Chase R, Smith PR, Campbell ZT. A compendium of validated pain genes. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1570. [PMID: 35760453 PMCID: PMC9787016 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of novel pain therapeutics hinges on the identification and rigorous validation of potential targets. Model organisms provide a means to test the involvement of specific genes and regulatory elements in pain. Here we provide a list of genes linked to pain-associated behaviors. We capitalize on results spanning over three decades to identify a set of 242 genes. They support a remarkable diversity of functions spanning action potential propagation, immune response, GPCR signaling, enzymatic catalysis, nucleic acid regulation, and intercellular signaling. Making use of existing tissue and single-cell high-throughput RNA sequencing datasets, we examine their patterns of expression. For each gene class, we discuss archetypal members, with an emphasis on opportunities for additional experimentation. Finally, we discuss how powerful and increasingly ubiquitous forward genetic screening approaches could be used to improve our ability to identify pain genes. This article is categorized under: Neurological Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Wistrom
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
| | - Rebecca Chase
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
| | - Patrick R. Smith
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
| | - Zachary T. Campbell
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA,Center for Advanced Pain StudiesUniversity of Texas at DallasRichardsonTexasUSA
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14
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Wang XS, Jiang YL, Lu L, Feng B, Ma X, Zhang K, Guan SY, Yang L, Fan QY, Zhu XC, Yang F, Qi JY, Yang LK, Li XB, Zhao MG, Jiang W, Tian Z, Liu SB. Activation of GIPR Exerts Analgesic and Anxiolytic-Like Effects in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex of Mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:887238. [PMID: 35712239 PMCID: PMC9196593 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.887238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists typically for a period of over six months. Chronic pain is often accompanied by an anxiety disorder, and these two tend to exacerbate each other. This can make the treatment of these conditions more difficult. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is a member of the incretin hormone family and plays a critical role in glucose metabolism. Previous research has demonstrated the multiple roles of GIP in both physiological and pathological processes. In the central nervous system (CNS), studies of GIP are mainly focused on neurodegenerative diseases; hence, little is known about the functions of GIP in chronic pain and pain-related anxiety disorders. METHODS The chronic inflammatory pain model was established by hind paw injection with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in C57BL/6 mice. GIP receptor (GIPR) agonist (D-Ala2-GIP) and antagonist (Pro3-GIP) were given by intraperitoneal injection or anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) local microinjection. Von Frey filaments and radiant heat were employed to assess the mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. Anxiety-like behaviors were detected by open field and elevated plus maze tests. The underlying mechanisms in the peripheral nervous system and CNS were explored by GIPR shRNA knockdown in the ACC, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blot analysis, whole-cell patch-clamp recording, immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS In the present study, we found that hind paw injection with CFA induced pain sensitization and anxiety-like behaviors in mice. The expression of GIPR in the ACC was significantly higher in CFA-injected mice. D-Ala2-GIP administration by intraperitoneal or ACC local microinjection produced analgesic and anxiolytic effects; these were blocked by Pro3-GIP and GIPR shRNA knockdown in the ACC. Activation of GIPR inhibited neuroinflammation and activation of microglia, reversed the upregulation of NMDA and AMPA receptors, and suppressed the enhancement of excitatory neurotransmission in the ACC of model mice. CONCLUSIONS GIPR activation was found to produce analgesic and anxiolytic effects, which were partially due to attenuation of neuroinflammation and inhibition of excitatory transmission in the ACC. GIPR may be a suitable target for treatment of chronic inflammatory pain and pain-related anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-shang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yong-li Jiang
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Liang Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ban Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xue Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shao-yu Guan
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Le Yang
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qing-yu Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiao-chen Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jing-yu Qi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Liu-kun Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xu-bo Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ming-gao Zhao
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Shui-bing Liu, ; Zhen Tian, ; Wen Jiang,
| | - Zhen Tian
- Precision Pharmacy and Drug Development Center, Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Shui-bing Liu, ; Zhen Tian, ; Wen Jiang,
| | - Shui-bing Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Shui-bing Liu, ; Zhen Tian, ; Wen Jiang,
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15
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Wang Y, Wu Z, Wang D, Huang C, Xu J, Liu C, Yang C. Muscle-brain communication in pain: The key role of myokines. Brain Res Bull 2021; 179:25-35. [PMID: 34871710 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pain is the most common reason for a physician visit, which accounts for a considerable proportion of the global burden of disease and greatly affects patients' quality of life. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new therapeutic targets involved in pain. Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) is a well known phenomenon observed worldwide. However, the available evidence demonstrates that the mechanisms of EIH remain unclear. One of the most accepted hypotheses has been the activation of several endogenous systems in the brain. Recently, the concept that the muscle acts as a secretory organ has attracted increasing attention. Proteins secreted by the muscle are called myokines, playing a critical role in communicating with other organs, such as the brain. This review will focus on several myokines and discuss their roles in EIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Zifeng Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Chaoli Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, China
| | - Jiali Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Cunming Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
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16
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Uniyal A, Thakur V, Rani M, Tiwari V, Akhilesh, Gadepalli A, Ummadisetty O, Modi A, Tiwari V. Kinesin Nanomotors Mediated Trafficking of NMDA-Loaded Cargo as A Novel Target in Chronic Pain. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:2956-2963. [PMID: 34324307 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is among the most prevalent burdensome disorders worldwide. The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor system plays a critical role in central sensitization, a primary feature of chronic pain. Despite the proven efficacy of exogenous ligands to this receptor system in preclinical studies, evidence for the clinical efficacy of NMDA antagonists for the treatment of chronic pain is weak. Researchers are studying alternate approaches, rather than direct inhibition of the NMDA receptors in pain processing neurons. This indirect approach utilizes the modulation of molecular switches that regulates the synthesis, maturation, and transport of receptors from cellular organelles to the synaptic membrane. Kinesins are nanomotors that anterogradely transport the cargo using microtubule tracks across the neurons. Various members of the kinesin family, including KIF17, KIF11, KIF5b, and KIF21a, regulate the intracellular transport of NMDA receptors. Pharmacological targeting of these ATP-driven nanomotors could be a useful tool for manipulating the NMDAR functioning. It could provide the potential for the development of a novel strategy for the management of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Uniyal
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology B.H.U., Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Vaibhav Thakur
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology B.H.U., Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Mousmi Rani
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology B.H.U., Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Vineeta Tiwari
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology B.H.U., Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Akhilesh
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology B.H.U., Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Anagha Gadepalli
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology B.H.U., Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Obulapathi Ummadisetty
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology B.H.U., Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Ajay Modi
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology B.H.U., Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Vinod Tiwari
- Neuroscience and Pain Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology B.H.U., Varanasi 221005, India
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17
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Chen QY, Li XH, Zhuo M. NMDA receptors and synaptic plasticity in the anterior cingulate cortex. Neuropharmacology 2021; 197:108749. [PMID: 34364898 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays an important role in pain modulation, and pain-related emotional disorders. In the ACC, two major forms of long-term potentiation (LTP) coexist in excitatory synapses and lay the basis of chronic pain and pain-related emotional disorders. The induction of postsynaptic LTP is dependent on the activation of postsynaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs), while the presynaptic LTP is NMDAR-independent. Long-term depression (LTD) can also be divided into two types according to the degree of sensitivity to the inhibition of NMDARs. NMDAR heteromers containing GluN2A and GluN2B act as key molecules in both the NMDAR-dependent postsynaptic LTP and LTD. Additionally, NMDARs also exist in presynaptic terminals and modulate the evoked and spontaneous transmitter release. From a translational point of view, inhibiting subtypes of NMDARs and/or downstream signaling proteins may provide potential drug targets for chronic pain and its related emotional disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yu Chen
- International Institute for Brain Research, Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao, China; Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xu-Hui Li
- International Institute for Brain Research, Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao, China; Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Min Zhuo
- International Institute for Brain Research, Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao, China; Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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18
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Li XH, Chen QY, Zhuo M. Neuronal Adenylyl Cyclase Targeting Central Plasticity for the Treatment of Chronic Pain. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:861-873. [PMID: 32935298 PMCID: PMC7609634 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00927-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a major health problem and the effective treatment for chronic pain is still lacking. The recent crisis created by the overuse of opioids for pain treatment has clearly shown the need for non-addictive novel pain medicine. Conventional pain medicines usually inhibit peripheral nociceptive transmission and reduce central transmission, especially pain-related excitatory transmission. For example, both opioids and gabapentin produce analgesic effects by inhibiting the release of excitatory transmitters and reducing neuronal excitability. Here, we will review recent studies of central synaptic plasticity contributing to central sensitization in chronic pain. Neuronal selective adenylyl cyclase subtype 1 (AC1) is proposed to be a key intracellular protein that causes both presynaptic and postsynaptic forms of long-term potentiation (LTP). Inhibiting the activity of AC1 by selective inhibitor NB001 blocks behavioral sensitization and injury-related anxiety in animal models of chronic pain. We propose that inhibiting injury-related LTPs will provide new mechanisms for designing novel medicines for the treatment of chronic pain and its related emotional disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Hui Li
- Institute of Brain Research, Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao, Shandong China
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8 Canada
| | - Qi-Yu Chen
- Institute of Brain Research, Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao, Shandong China
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
| | - Min Zhuo
- Institute of Brain Research, Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao, Shandong China
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi China
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8 Canada
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19
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Gu SX, Sonkar VK, Katare PB, Kumar R, Kruger WD, Arning E, Bottiglieri T, Lentz SR, Dayal S. Memantine Protects From Exacerbation of Ischemic Stroke and Blood Brain Barrier Disruption in Mild But Not Severe Hyperhomocysteinemia. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e013368. [PMID: 32067580 PMCID: PMC7070222 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.013368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for ischemic stroke; however, a targeted treatment strategy is lacking partly because of limited understanding of the causal role of homocysteine in cerebrovascular pathogenesis. Methods and Results In a genetic model of cystathionine beta synthase (CBS) deficiency, we tested the hypothesis that elevation in plasma total homocysteine exacerbates cerebrovascular injury and that memantine, a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, is protective. Mild or severe elevation in plasma total homocysteine was observed in Cbs+/- (6.1±0.3 μmol/L) or Cbs-/- (309±18 μmol/L) mice versus Cbs+/+ (3.1±0.6 μmol/L) mice. Surprisingly, Cbs-/- and Cbs+/- mice exhibited similar increases in cerebral infarct size following middle cerebral artery ischemia/reperfusion injury, despite the much higher total homocysteine levels in Cbs-/- mice. Likewise, disruption of the blood brain barrier was observed in both Cbs+/- and Cbs-/- mice. Administration of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist memantine protected Cbs+/- but not Cbs-/- mice from cerebral infarction and blood brain barrier disruption. Our data suggest that the differential effect of memantine in Cbs+/- versus Cbs-/- mice may be related to changes in expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits. Cbs-/-, but not Cbs+/- mice had increased expression of NR2B subunit, which is known to be relatively insensitive to homocysteine. Conclusions These data provide experimental evidence that even a mild increase in plasma total homocysteine can exacerbate cerebrovascular injury and suggest that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonism may represent a strategy to prevent reperfusion injury after acute ischemic stroke in patients with mild hyperhomocysteinemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean X Gu
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Iowa City IA
| | - Vijay K Sonkar
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Iowa City IA
| | - Parmeshwar B Katare
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Iowa City IA
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Iowa City IA
| | | | | | | | - Steven R Lentz
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Iowa City IA
| | - Sanjana Dayal
- Department of Internal Medicine University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine Iowa City IA
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20
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Cortical plasticity as synaptic mechanism for chronic pain. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2019; 127:567-573. [PMID: 31493094 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-019-02071-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adult brain structures such as the hippocampus are highly plastic to learning and gaining new experiences. Recent studies reveal that cortical areas that respond to sensory noxious stimuli (stimuli that cause pain in humans) are also highly plastic, like the learning-related hippocampus. Long-term potentiation (LTP), a key cellular model for learning and memory, is reported in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and insular cortex (IC), two key cortical areas for pain perception. ACC and IC LTP exist in at least two major forms: presynaptically expressed LTP, and postsynaptically expressed LTP (post-LTP). In this short review, I will review, recent progress made in cortical LTPs, and explore potential roles of other forms of LTPs such as synaptic tagging. Their contribution to chronic pain as well as emotional changes caused by injury will be discussed.
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21
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N-methyl-d-aspartate Receptors in the Prelimbic Cortex are Critical for the Maintenance of Neuropathic Pain. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:2068-2080. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02843-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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22
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Mitrić M, Seewald A, Moschetti G, Sacerdote P, Ferraguti F, Kummer KK, Kress M. Layer- and subregion-specific electrophysiological and morphological changes of the medial prefrontal cortex in a mouse model of neuropathic pain. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9479. [PMID: 31263213 PMCID: PMC6603192 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45677-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain constitutes a serious public health problem, but the disease mechanisms are only partially understood. The involvement of different brain regions like the medial prefrontal cortex has already been established, but the comparison of the role of different subregions and layers is still inconclusive. In the current study, we performed patch-clamp recordings followed by anatomical reconstruction of pyramidal cells from different layers of the prelimbic and infralimbic subregions of the medial prefrontal cortex in neuropathic (spared nerve injury, SNI) and control mice. We found that in the prelimbic cortex, layer 2/3 pyramidal cells from SNI mice exhibited increased excitability compared to sham controls, whereas prelimbic layer 5 pyramidal neurons showed reduced excitability. Pyramidal cells in both layer 2/3 and layer 5 of the infralimbic subregion did not change their excitability, but layer 2/3 pyramidal cells displayed increased dendritic length and branching. Our findings support the view that chronic pain is associated with subregion- and layer-specific changes in the medial prefrontal cortex. They therefore provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the chronification of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miodrag Mitrić
- Division of Physiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anna Seewald
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Giorgia Moschetti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Sacerdote
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferraguti
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kai K Kummer
- Division of Physiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Michaela Kress
- Division of Physiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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23
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Li YJ, Zhang K, Sun T, Wang J, Guo YY, Yang L, Yang Q, Li YJ, Liu SB, Zhao MG, Wu YM. Epigenetic suppression of liver X receptor β in anterior cingulate cortex by HDAC5 drives CFA-induced chronic inflammatory pain. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:132. [PMID: 31255170 PMCID: PMC6599528 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1507-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Liver X receptors (LXRs), including LXRα and LXRβ, are key regulators of transcriptional programs for both cholesterol homeostasis and inflammation in the brain. Here, the modes of action of LXRs and the epigenetic mechanisms regulating LXRβ expression in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of chronic inflammatory pain (CIP) are investigated. Methods The deficit of LXR isoform and analgesic effect of LXR activation by GW3965 were evaluated using the mouse model of CIP induced by hindpaw injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA). The mechanisms involved in GW-mediated analgesic effects were analyzed with immunohistochemical methods, ELISA, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), Western blot, and electrophysiological recording. The epigenetic regulation of LXRβ expression was investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation, quantitative real-time PCR, and sequencing. Results We revealed that CFA insult led to LXRβ reduction in ACC, which was associated with upregulated expression of histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5), and knockdown of LXRβ by shRNA led to thermal hyperalgesia. Co-IP showed that LXRβ interacted with NF-κB p65 physically. LXRβ activation by GW3965 exerted analgesic effects by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NF-κB, reducing the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in ACC, and decreasing the promoted input-output and enhanced mEPSC frequency in ACC neurons after CFA exposure. In vitro experiments confirmed that HDAC5 triggered histone deacetylation on the promoter region of Lxrβ, resulting in downregulation of Lxrβ transcription. Conclusion These findings highlight an epigenetic mechanism underlying LXRβ deficits linked to CIP, and LXRβ activation may represent a potential novel target for the treatment of CIP with an alteration in inflammation responses and synaptic transmission in ACC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12974-019-1507-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jiao Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Ambulatorium, 94750 Army Hospital, Liancheng, 366200, FuJian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Yan Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Jiao Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Xi'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 710021, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shui-Bing Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Gao Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Precision Pharmacy & Drug Development Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yu-Mei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China.
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24
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Ismail CAN, Suppian R, Abd Aziz CB, Haris K, Long I. Increased Nociceptive Responses in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats and the Related Expression of Spinal NR2B Subunit of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors. Diabetes Metab J 2019; 43:222-235. [PMID: 30604591 PMCID: PMC6470097 DOI: 10.4093/dmj.2018.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the role of NR2B in a modulated pain process in the painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) rat using various pain stimuli. METHODS Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly allocated into four groups (n=8): control, diabetes mellitus (DM) rats and diabetic rats treated with ifenprodil at a lower dose (0.5 μg/day) (I 0.5) or higher dose (1.0 μg/day) (I 1.0). DM was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin at 60 mg/kg on day 0 of experimentation. Diabetic status was assessed on day 3 of the experimentation. The responses on both tactile and thermal stimuli were assessed on day 0 (baseline), day 14 (pre-intervention), and day 22 (post-intervention). Ifenprodil was given intrathecally for 7 days from day 15 until day 21. On day 23, 5% formalin was injected into the rats' hind paw and the nociceptive responses were recorded for 1 hour. The rats were sacrificed 72 hours post-formalin injection and an analysis of the spinal NR2B expression was performed. RESULTS DM rats showed a significant reduction in pain threshold in response to the tactile and thermal stimuli and higher nociceptive response during the formalin test accompanied by the higher expression of phosphorylated spinal NR2B in both sides of the spinal cord. Ifenprodil treatment for both doses showed anti-allodynic and anti-nociceptive effects with lower expression of phosphorylated and total spinal NR2B. CONCLUSION We suggest that the pain process in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat that has been modulated is associated with the higher phosphorylation of the spinal NR2B expression in the development of PDN, which is similar to other models of neuropathic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che Aishah Nazariah Ismail
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
- Physiology Department, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Rapeah Suppian
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Che Badariah Abd Aziz
- Physiology Department, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Khalilah Haris
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
| | - Idris Long
- School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, Kota Bharu, Malaysia.
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25
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Discovery of NR2B-selective antagonists via scaffold hopping and pharmacokinetic profile optimization. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2019; 29:1143-1147. [PMID: 30833109 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Selective N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunit 2B (NR2B) antagonists show potential as analgesic drugs, and do not cause side effects associated with non-selective N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists. Using a scaffold-hopping approach, we previously identified isoxazole derivative 4 as a potent selective NR2B antagonist. In this study, further scaffold hopping of isoxazole derivative 4 and optimization of its pharmacokinetic profile led to the discovery of the orally bioavailable compound 6v. In a rat study of analgesia, 6v demonstrated analgesic effects against neuropathic pain.
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26
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Huang S, Borgland SL, Zamponi GW. Dopaminergic modulation of pain signals in the medial prefrontal cortex: Challenges and perspectives. Neurosci Lett 2018; 702:71-76. [PMID: 30503912 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a massive socieoeconomic burden and is often refractory to treatment. To devise novel therapeutic interventions, it is important to understand in detail the processing of pain signals in the brain. Recent studies have revealed shared features between the brain's reward and pain systems. Dopamine (DA) is a key neuromodulator in the mesocorticolimbic system that has been implicated not only in motivated behaviours, reinforcement learning and reward processing, but also in the pain axis. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is an important region for mediating executive functions including attention, judgement, and learning. Studies have revealed that the mPFC undergoes plasticity during the development of chronic pain. The mPFC receives dopaminergic input from the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and stimulation of these inputs has been shown to modulate the plasticity of the mPFC and anxiety and aversive behaviour. Here, we review the role of the mPFC and its dopaminergic modulation in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Huang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Stephanie L Borgland
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
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27
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Tripathi GM, Kalita J, Misra UK. Role of glutamate and its receptors in migraine with reference to amitriptyline and transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy. Brain Res 2018; 1696:31-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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28
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Zhou H, Zhang Q, Martinez E, Dale J, Hu S, Zhang E, Liu K, Huang D, Yang G, Chen Z, Wang J. Ketamine reduces aversion in rodent pain models by suppressing hyperactivity of the anterior cingulate cortex. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3751. [PMID: 30218052 PMCID: PMC6138720 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06295-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is known to induce an amplified aversive reaction to peripheral nociceptive inputs. This enhanced affective response constitutes a key pathologic feature of chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia. However, the neural mechanisms that underlie this important aspect of pain processing remain poorly understood, hindering the development of treatments. Here, we show that a single dose of ketamine can produce a persistent reduction in the aversive response to noxious stimuli in rodent chronic pain models, long after the termination of its anti-nociceptive effects. Furthermore, we demonstrated that this anti-aversive property is mediated by prolonged suppression of the hyperactivity of neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a brain region well known to regulate pain affect. Therefore, our results indicate that it is feasible to dissociate the affective from the sensory component of pain, and demonstrate the potential for low-dose ketamine to be an important therapy for chronic pain syndromes. Ketamine is a short-acting analgesic that also has anti-depressant effects. Here the authors show in rat models of chronic pain that low-dose ketamine can induce an anti-aversive state that persists after the initial short term analgesia has ended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haocheng Zhou
- Department of Pain, The Third Xiangya Hospital and Institute of Pain Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, 10016, NY, USA
| | - Qiaosheng Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, 10016, NY, USA
| | - Erik Martinez
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, 10016, NY, USA
| | - Jahrane Dale
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, 10016, NY, USA
| | - Sile Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, 10016, NY, USA
| | - Eric Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, 10016, NY, USA
| | - Kevin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, 10016, NY, USA
| | - Dong Huang
- Department of Pain, The Third Xiangya Hospital and Institute of Pain Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, 10016, NY, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, 10016, NY, USA
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, 10016, NY, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, 10016, NY, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, 10016, NY, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, 10016, NY, USA.
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29
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NMDA Receptor Dependent Long-term Potentiation in Chronic Pain. Neurochem Res 2018; 44:531-538. [PMID: 30109556 PMCID: PMC6420414 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2614-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus, many studies have demonstrated that NMDAR dependent LTP exists throughout central synapses, including those involved in sensory transmission and perception. NMDAR LTP has been reported in spinal cord dorsal horn synapses, anterior cingulate cortex and insular cortex. Behavioral, genetic and pharmacological studies show that inhibiting or reducing NMDAR LTP produced analgesic effects in animal models of chronic pain. Investigation of signalling mechanisms for NMDAR LTP may provide novel targets for future treatment of chronic pain.
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Postsynaptic RIM1 modulates synaptic function by facilitating membrane delivery of recycling NMDARs in hippocampal neurons. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2267. [PMID: 29891949 PMCID: PMC5995852 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04672-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are crucial for excitatory synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity. The number and subunit composition of synaptic NMDARs are tightly controlled by neuronal activity and sensory experience, but the molecular mechanism mediating NMDAR trafficking remains poorly understood. Here, we report that RIM1, with a well-established role in presynaptic vesicle release, also localizes postsynaptically in the mouse hippocampus. Postsynaptic RIM1 in hippocampal CA1 region is required for basal NMDAR-, but not AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-, mediated synaptic responses, and contributes to synaptic plasticity and hippocampus-dependent memory. Moreover, RIM1 levels in hippocampal neurons influence both the constitutive and regulated NMDAR trafficking, without affecting constitutive AMPAR trafficking. We further demonstrate that RIM1 binds to Rab11 via its N terminus, and knockdown of RIM1 impairs membrane insertion of Rab11-positive recycling endosomes containing NMDARs. Together, these results identify a RIM1-dependent mechanism critical for modulating synaptic function by facilitating membrane delivery of recycling NMDARs. Rab3-interacting molecules (RIMs) are a key component of the presynaptic active zone that regulate neurotransmitter release. Here, the authors show that RIM1 also has postsynaptic function to organize NMDA receptors and synaptic response.
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31
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Spinal protein kinase C/extracellular signal–regulated kinase signal pathway mediates hyperalgesia priming. Pain 2018; 159:907-918. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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32
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Li Y. Synaptic Plasticity and Synchrony in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex Circuitry: A Neural Network Approach to Causality of Chronic Visceral Pain and Associated Cognitive Deficits. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2018; 21:219-245. [PMID: 30334224 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-94593-4_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Human brain imaging studies have demonstrated the importance of cortical neuronal networks in the perception of pain in patients with functional bowel disease such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Studies have identified an enhanced response in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) to colorectal distension in viscerally hypersensitive (VH) rats. Electrophysiological recordings show long-lasting potentiation of local field potential (LFP) in the medial thalamus (MT)-ACC synapses in VH rats. Theta burst stimulation in the MT reliably induced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the MT-ACC pathway in normal rats, but was occluded in the VH state. Further, repeated tetanization of MT increased ACC neuronal activity and visceral pain responses of normal rats, mimicking VH rats. These data provide conclusive evidence that chronic visceral pain is associated with alterations of synaptic plasticity in the ACC circuitry. The ACC synaptic strengthening may engage signal transduction pathways that are in common with those activated by electrical stimulation, and serve as an attractive cellular model of functional visceral pain.Evidences have shown that most patients with IBS have psychiatric comorbidity. Using rat gambling task (RGT), we discovered an impairment of decision-making behavior in VH rats. Electrophysiological study showed a reduction of LTP in the basolateral amygdala (BLA)-ACC synapses in VH rats. Multiple-electrode array recordings of local field potential (LFP) in freely behaving rats revealed that chronic visceral pain led to disruption of ACC spike timing and BLA local theta oscillation. Finally, cross-correlation analysis revealed that VH was associated with suppressed synchronization of theta oscillation between the BLA and ACC, indicating reduced neuronal communications between these two regions. These data suggest that functional disturbances in BLA-ACC neural circuitry may be relevant causes for the deficits in decision-making in chronic pain state.The viscero-sensation is a faculty of perception that does not depend upon any outward sense, but acts to influence the elicited behavioral response. Clinically, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has shown several beneficial effects for mood enhancement. Our recent study characterized that VNS facilitates decision-making and unveiled several important roles for VNS in regulating LFP and spike phases, as well as enhancing spike-phase coherence between key brain areas involved in cognitive performance.It is conceivable that the visceral pain experience may be better explained as a biopsychosocial model of pain and reflected in a matrix of neuronal structures. Understanding of desynchrony in the ACC network and cognitive deficits is likely to provide exciting and powerful future treatment for chronic visceral pain related debilitating mood, anxiety, and cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. .,Centre for Biosystems, Neuroscience, and Nanotechnology, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. .,School of Veterinary Medicine, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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Karpinski RI, Kinase Kolb AM, Tetreault NA, Borowski TB. High intelligence: A risk factor for psychological and physiological overexcitabilities. INTELLIGENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intell.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Yamanaka M, Matsuura T, Pan H, Zhuo M. Calcium-stimulated adenylyl cyclase subtype 1 (AC1) contributes to LTP in the insular cortex of adult mice. Heliyon 2017; 3:e00338. [PMID: 28721398 PMCID: PMC5498404 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission in the central nervous system is a key form of cortical plasticity. The insular cortex (IC) is known to play important roles in pain perception, aversive memory and mood disorders. LTP has been recently reported in the IC, however, the signaling pathway for IC LTP remains unknown. Here, we investigated the synaptic mechanism of IC LTP. We found that IC LTP induced by the pairing protocol was N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) dependent, and expressed postsynaptically, since paired-pulse ratio (PPR) was not affected. Postsynaptic calcium is important for the induction of post-LTP, since the postsynaptic application of BAPTA completely blocked the induction of LTP. Calcium-activated adenylyl cyclase subtype 1 (AC1) is required for potentiation. By contrast, AC8 is not required. Inhibition of Ca2+ permeable α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (CP-AMPARs) or protein kinase M zeta (PKMζ) reduced the expression of LTP. Our results suggest that calcium-stimulated AC1, but not AC8, can be a trigger of the induction and maintenance of LTP in the IC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Yamanaka
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi 710049, China.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Takanori Matsuura
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi 710049, China.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Haili Pan
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi 710049, China.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Min Zhuo
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi 710049, China.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
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35
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Ding M, Shen W, Hu Y. The Role of miR-539 in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Chronic Neuropathic Pain. PAIN MEDICINE 2017; 18:2433-2442. [DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnx004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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SCRAPPER Selectively Contributes to Spontaneous Release and Presynaptic Long-Term Potentiation in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex. J Neurosci 2017; 37:3887-3895. [PMID: 28292828 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0023-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
SCRAPPER is an E3 ubiquitin ligase expressed in presynaptic terminals, neural cell body, and dendrites of the hippocampus and cortex, which is coded by the FBXL20 gene. SCRAPPER is known to regulate synaptic transmissions and long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus, but no report is available for the cortex. Here we show genetic evidence for critical roles of SCRAPPER in excitatory transmission and presynaptic LTP (pre-LTP) of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a critical cortical region for pain, anxiety, and fear. Miniature and spontaneous releases, but not evoked release, of glutamate were significantly increased in SCRAPPER knock-out (SCR-KO) mice. Interestingly, SCRAPPER selectively contributes to the increases of frequency and amplitude. The pre-LTP in the ACC was completely blocked in SCR-KO mice. Our results thus provide direct evidence for SCRAPPER in both spontaneous release and pre-LTP in the ACC and reveal a potential novel target for treating anxiety-related disease.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays critical roles in pain, anxiety, and fear. Peripheral injury induces long-term changes in synaptic transmission in the ACC. Our recent study found that a presynaptic form of LTP (pre-LTP) in the ACC contributes to chronic pain-induced anxiety. Here, we show that SCRAPPER plays a critical role in ACC pre-LTP as well as synaptic transmission.
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Nishinaka T, Nakamoto K, Tokuyama S. [Effect of the functional brain abnormalities induced by early life stress on the chronic pain]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2017; 149:79-83. [PMID: 28154302 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.149.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
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Zhuo M. Ionotropic glutamate receptors contribute to pain transmission and chronic pain. Neuropharmacology 2017; 112:228-234. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Feng H, Chen Z, Wang G, Zhao X, Liu Z. Effect of the ifenprodil administered into rostral anterior cingulate cortex on pain-related aversion in rats with bone cancer pain. BMC Anesthesiol 2016; 16:117. [PMID: 27871230 PMCID: PMC5117499 DOI: 10.1186/s12871-016-0283-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To assess the effect of rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) administration with ifenprodil (NR2B receptor blocker) on bone cancer pain (BCP)-related aversion sentiment using the conditioned place avoidance experiments in rats. Methods A total of 30 male Wistar rats without place preference were randomly assigned to three groups: control group (Group C, n = 10), BCP group (Group P, n = 10) and ifenprodil group (Group Ifen, n = 10). Three microliter MADB-106 cells were inoculated into right tibia bone marrow cavity in group P and Ifen, while the same dose of normal saline in group C as a control. Ifenprodil was administered into the rACC at the 14th day after inoculation in group Ifen and normal saline in group C and P. Mechanical stimulation pain thresholds of the rats’ right hind paws were measured using Von Frey stimulation method at 1 day before injection of the tumor cells and at 3, 7,10, 12 and 14 days after the injection. The pain-related aversion in rats with BCP was determined by the conditioned place avoidance (CPA) test at 14 days after injection of ifenprodil. Results The mechanical stimulation pain thresholds substantially decreased in rats in groups P and Ifen from 10 days to 14 days after the incubation with the MADB-106 cells (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in pain thresholds in groups P and Ifen compared to group C at 10, 12 and 14 days after inoculation (P < 0.05). The percentage of residence time in chamber A was (30 ± 4%) in group P, which was lower than (52 ± 5%) in group C (P < 0.05). After ifenprodil treatment, the percentage time in chamber A increased to (42 ± 5%), which was higher than that in group P and still lower than that in group C (P < 0.05). Conclusion Ifenprodil administered into rACC as a selective NR2B antagonist can effectively alleviate pain-related aversion sentiment in rats with BCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaowei Chen
- Plastic surgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, China
| | - Gongming Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhonghao Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, the Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250033, China.
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Yin K, Deuis JR, Lewis RJ, Vetter I. Transcriptomic and behavioural characterisation of a mouse model of burn pain identify the cholecystokinin 2 receptor as an analgesic target. Mol Pain 2016; 12:12/0/1744806916665366. [PMID: 27573516 PMCID: PMC5007901 DOI: 10.1177/1744806916665366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Burn injury is a cause of significant mortality and morbidity worldwide and is frequently associated with severe and long-lasting pain that remains difficult to manage throughout recovery. We characterised a mouse model of burn-induced pain using pharmacological and transcriptomic approaches. Mechanical allodynia elicited by burn injury was partially reversed by meloxicam (5 mg/kg), gabapentin (100 mg/kg) and oxycodone (3 and 10 mg/kg), while thermal allodynia and gait abnormalities were only significantly improved by amitriptyline (3 mg/kg) and oxycodone (10 mg/kg). The need for relatively high opioid doses to elicit analgesia suggested a degree of opioid resistance, similar to that shown clinically in burn patients. We thus assessed the gene expression changes in dorsal root ganglion neurons and pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning burn injury-induced pain using a transcriptomic approach. Burn injury was associated with significantly increased expression of genes associated with axon guidance, neuropeptide signalling, behavioural defence response and extracellular signalling, confirming a mixed neuropathic and inflammatory aetiology. Notably, among the pain-related genes that were upregulated post-injury was the cholecystokinin 2 receptor (Cckbr), a G protein-coupled receptor known as a pain target involved in reducing opioid effectiveness. Indeed, the clinically used cholecystokinin receptor antagonist proglumide (30 mg/kg) was effective at reversing mechanical allodynia, with additional analgesia evident in combination with low-dose oxycodone (1 mg/kg), including significant reversal of thermal allodynia. These findings highlight the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning burn injury-induced pain and suggest that cholecystokinin-2 receptor antagonists may be useful clinically as adjuvants to decrease opioid requirements and improve analgesic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Yin
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jennifer R Deuis
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
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Zhuo M. Contribution of synaptic plasticity in the insular cortex to chronic pain. Neuroscience 2016; 338:220-229. [PMID: 27530697 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Animal and human studies have consistently demonstrated that cortical regions are important for pain perception and pain-related emotional changes. Studies of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) have shown that adult cortical synapses can be modified after peripheral injuries, and long-term changes at synaptic level may contribute to long-lasting suffering in patients. It also explains why chronic pain is resistant to conventional analgesics that act by inhibiting synaptic transmission. Insular cortex (IC), another critical cortical area, is found to be highly plastic and can undergo long-term potentiation (LTP) after injury. Inhibiting IC LTP reduces behavioral sensitization caused by injury. LTP of glutamatergic transmission in pain related cortical areas serves as a key mechanism for chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhuo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China; Centre for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
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Surface expression of hippocampal NMDA GluN2B receptors regulated by fear conditioning determines its contribution to memory consolidation in adult rats. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30743. [PMID: 27487820 PMCID: PMC4973269 DOI: 10.1038/srep30743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The number and subtype composition of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) at synapses determines their functional properties and role in learning and memory. Genetically increased or decreased amount of GluN2B affects hippocampus-dependent memory in the adult brain. But in some experimental conditions (e.g., memory elicited by a single conditioning trial (1 CS-US)), GluN2B is not a necessary factor, which indicates that the precise role of GluN2B in memory formation requires further exploration. Here, we examined the role of GluN2B in the consolidation of fear memory using two training paradigms. We found that GluN2B was only required for the consolidation of memory elicited by five conditioning trials (5 CS-US), not by 1 CS-US. Strikingly, the expression of membrane GluN2B in CA1was training-strength-dependently increased after conditioning, and that the amount of membrane GluN2B determined its involvement in memory consolidation. Additionally, we demonstrated the increases in the activities of cAMP, ERK, and CREB in the CA1 after conditioning, as well as the enhanced intrinsic excitability and synaptic efficacy in CA1 neurons. Up-regulation of membrane GluN2B contributed to these enhancements. These studies uncover a novel mechanism for the involvement of GluN2B in memory consolidation by its accumulation at the cell surface in response to behavioral training.
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Morel V, Joly D, Villatte C, Dubray C, Durando X, Daulhac L, Coudert C, Roux D, Pereira B, Pickering G. Memantine before Mastectomy Prevents Post-Surgery Pain: A Randomized, Blinded Clinical Trial in Surgical Patients. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152741. [PMID: 27050431 PMCID: PMC4822967 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain following surgical treatment for breast cancer with or without chemotherapy is a clinical burden and patients frequently report cognitive, emotional and quality of life impairment. A preclinical study recently showed that memantine administered before surgery may prevent neuropathic pain development and cognitive dysfunction. With a translational approach, a clinical trial has been carried out to evaluate whether memantine administered before and after mastectomy could prevent the development of neuropathic pain, the impairment of cognition and quality of life. METHOD A randomized, pilot clinical trial included 40 women undergoing mastectomy in the Oncology Department, University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France. Memantine (5 to 20 mg/day; n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) was administered for four weeks starting two weeks before surgery. The primary endpoint was pain intensity measured on a (0-10) numerical rating scale at three months post-mastectomy. RESULTS Data analyses were performed using mixed models and the tests were two-sided, with a type I error set at α = 0.05. Compared with placebo, patients receiving memantine showed at three months a significant difference in post-mastectomy pain intensity, less rescue analgesia and a better emotional state. An improvement of pain symptoms induced by cancer chemotherapy was also reported. CONCLUSIONS This study shows for the first time the beneficial effect of memantine to prevent post-mastectomy pain development and to diminish chemotherapy-induced pain symptoms. The lesser analgesic consumption and better well-being of patients for at least six months after treatment suggests that memantine could be an interesting therapeutic option to diminish the burden of breast cancer therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01536314.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Morel
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Inserm CIC 1405, Centre de Pharmacologie Clinique, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Dominique Joly
- Centre Jean Perrin, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer, 58 rue Montalembert, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Christine Villatte
- Centre Jean Perrin, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer, 58 rue Montalembert, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Claude Dubray
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Inserm CIC 1405, Centre de Pharmacologie Clinique, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Clermont Université, Université d’Auvergne, Pharmacologie Fondamentale et Clinique de la Douleur, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Facultés de Médecine/Pharmacie, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Inserm, U1107 Neuro-Dol, F-63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Xavier Durando
- Centre Jean Perrin, Centre de Lutte contre le Cancer, 58 rue Montalembert, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laurence Daulhac
- Clermont Université, Université d’Auvergne, Pharmacologie Fondamentale et Clinique de la Douleur, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Facultés de Médecine/Pharmacie, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Inserm, U1107 Neuro-Dol, F-63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Catherine Coudert
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Pharmacie Hospitalière, secteur Recherche Clinique - 58, rue Montalembert, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Delphine Roux
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Inserm CIC 1405, Centre de Pharmacologie Clinique, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Délégation Recherche Clinique & Innovation - Villa annexe IFSI, 58 Rue Montalembert, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand cedex, France
| | - Gisèle Pickering
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Inserm CIC 1405, Centre de Pharmacologie Clinique, F-63003 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Clermont Université, Université d’Auvergne, Pharmacologie Fondamentale et Clinique de la Douleur, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Facultés de Médecine/Pharmacie, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Inserm, U1107 Neuro-Dol, F-63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- * E-mail:
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Nishinaka T, Nakamoto K, Tokuyama S. Early life stress induces sex-dependent increases in phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase in brains of mice with neuropathic pain. Eur J Pain 2016; 20:1346-56. [DOI: 10.1002/ejp.860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. Nishinaka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Kobe Gakuin University; Kobe Japan
| | - K. Nakamoto
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Kobe Gakuin University; Kobe Japan
| | - S. Tokuyama
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Kobe Gakuin University; Kobe Japan
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Chiechio S. Modulation of Chronic Pain by Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors. PHARMACOLOGICAL MECHANISMS AND THE MODULATION OF PAIN 2016; 75:63-89. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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46
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Wang J, Li ZH, Feng B, Zhang T, Zhang H, Li H, Chen T, Cui J, Zang WD, Li YQ. Corticotrigeminal Projections from the Insular Cortex to the Trigeminal Caudal Subnucleus Regulate Orofacial Pain after Nerve Injury via Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Activation in Insular Cortex Neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:493. [PMID: 26733817 PMCID: PMC4689789 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical neuroplasticity alterations are implicated in the pathophysiology of chronic orofacial pain. However, the relationship between critical cortex excitability and orofacial pain maintenance has not been fully elucidated. We recently demonstrated a top-down corticospinal descending pain modulation pathway from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) to the spinal dorsal horn that could directly regulate nociceptive transmission. Thus, we aimed to investigate possible corticotrigeminal connections that directly influence orofacial nociception in rats. Infraorbital nerve chronic constriction injury (IoN-CCI) induced significant orofacial nociceptive behaviors as well as pain-related negative emotions such as anxiety/depression in rats. By combining retrograde and anterograde tract tracing, we found powerful evidence that the trigeminal caudal subnucleus (Vc), especially the superficial laminae (I/II), received direct descending projections from granular and dysgranular parts of the insular cortex (IC). Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), an important signaling molecule involved in neuroplasticity, was significantly activated in the IC following IoN-CCI. Moreover, in IC slices from IoN-CCI rats, U0126, an inhibitor of ERK activation, decreased both the amplitude and the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) and reduced the paired-pulse ratio (PPR) of Vc-projecting neurons. Additionally, U0126 also reduced the number of action potentials in the Vc-projecting neurons. Finally, intra-IC infusion of U0126 obviously decreased Fos expression in the Vc, accompanied by the alleviation of both nociceptive behavior and negative emotions. Thus, the corticotrigeminal descending pathway from the IC to the Vc could directly regulate orofacial pain, and ERK deactivation in the IC could effectively alleviate neuropathic pain as well as pain-related negative emotions in IoN-CCI rats, probably through this top–down pathway. These findings may help researchers and clinicians to better understand the underlying modulation mechanisms of orofacial neuropathic pain and indicate a novel mechanism of ERK inhibitor-induced analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Department of Anatomy and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Li
- Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ban Feng
- Department of Anatomy and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Anatomy and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Anatomy and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Cui
- Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei-Dong Zang
- Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Department of Anatomy and K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China
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Neurophysiological and Neurochemical Mechanisms Underlying Depression Disorders and Search for New Directions of Treatment. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY+ 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11062-015-9542-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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48
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Xu Y, Wang G, Zou X, Yang Z, Wang Q, Feng H, Zhang M. siRNA-mediated downregulation of GluN2B in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex attenuates mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in a rat model of pain associated with bone cancer. Exp Ther Med 2015; 11:221-229. [PMID: 26889244 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
It has previously been suggested that the upregulation of GluN2B-containing N-methyl D-aspartate receptors (GluN2B) within the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) may contribute to the development of chronic pain. The present study used a rat model of bone cancer pain in order to investigate whether lentiviral-mediated delivery of small interfering RNAs targeting GluN2B (LV-GluN2B) could attenuate pain associated with bone cancer, by selectively decreasing GluN2B expression within the rACC. Sprague Dawley rats were inoculated with osteosarcoma cells into the intramedullary space of the right tibia in order to induce persistent bone cancer-associated pain. Intra-rACC administration of the lentiviral siRNA was performed in the tumor bearing rats; and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed in order to detect the expression levels of GluN2B. Pain behavior changes were evaluated via paw withdrawal threshold and latency determinations. Marked and region-selective decreases in the mRNA and protein expression levels of GluN2B were detected in the rACC following the intra-rACC administration of LV-GluN2B. Furthermore, the rats also exhibited pain behavior changes corresponding to the decreased levels of GluN2B. By post-operative day 14, inoculation of osteosarcoma cells had significantly enhanced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in the rats, which were subsequently attenuated by the intra-rACC administration of LV-GluN2B. Notably, the paw withdrawal threshold and latency of the tumor-bearing rats had recovered to normal levels, by day 14 post-administration. The results of the present study suggest that GluN2B within the rACC may be a potential target for RNA interference therapy for the treatment of pain associated with bone cancer. Furthermore, the lentiviral vector delivery strategy may be a promising novel approach for the treatment of bone cancer pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongguang Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Gongming Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Xuli Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Zaiqi Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taian Central Hospital, Taian, Shandong 270000, P.R. China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250000, P.R. China
| | - Hao Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, P.R. China
| | - Mengyuan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
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Guida F, Luongo L, Marmo F, Romano R, Iannotta M, Napolitano F, Belardo C, Marabese I, D'Aniello A, De Gregorio D, Rossi F, Piscitelli F, Lattanzi R, de Bartolomeis A, Usiello A, Di Marzo V, de Novellis V, Maione S. Palmitoylethanolamide reduces pain-related behaviors and restores glutamatergic synapses homeostasis in the medial prefrontal cortex of neuropathic mice. Mol Brain 2015; 8:47. [PMID: 26260027 PMCID: PMC4532244 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-015-0139-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhanced supraspinal glutamate levels following nerve injury are associated with pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for neuropathic pain. Chronic pain can interfere with specific brain areas involved in glutamate-dependent neuropsychological processes, such as cognition, memory, and decision-making. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is thought to play a critical role in pain-related depression and anxiety, which are frequent co-morbidities of chronic pain. Using an animal model of spared nerve injury (SNI) of the sciatic nerve, we assess bio-molecular modifications in glutamatergic synapses in the mPFC that underlie neuropathic pain-induced plastic changes at 30 days post-surgery. Moreover, we examine the effects of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) administration on pain-related behaviours, as well as the cortical biochemical and morphological changes that occur in SNI animals. RESULTS At 1 month, SNI was associated with mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity, as well as depression-like behaviour, cognitive impairments, and obsessive-compulsive activities. Moreover, we observed an overall glutamate synapse modification in the mPFC, characterized by changes in synaptic density proteins and amino acid levels. Finally, with regard to the resolution of pain and depressive-like syndrome in SNI mice, PEA restored the glutamatergic synapse proteins and changes in amino acid release. CONCLUSIONS Given the potential role of the mPFC in pain mechanisms, our findings may provide novel insights into neuropathic pain forebrain processes and indicate PEA as a new pharmacological tool to treat neuropathic pain and the related negative affective states. Graphical Abstract Palmitoylethanolamide: a new pharmacological tool to treat neuropathic pain and the related negative affective states.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - L Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - F Marmo
- Department of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, University School of Medicine "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - R Romano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - M Iannotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - F Napolitano
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Comunale Margherita 482, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - C Belardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - I Marabese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - A D'Aniello
- Stazione Zoologica "Anton Dohrn", Naples, Italy
| | - D De Gregorio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - F Rossi
- Department of Women, Child and General and Specialistic Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - F Piscitelli
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - R Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - A de Bartolomeis
- Department of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, University School of Medicine "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - A Usiello
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Comunale Margherita 482, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - V Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - V de Novellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - S Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy.
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Monaco SA, Gulchina Y, Gao WJ. NR2B subunit in the prefrontal cortex: A double-edged sword for working memory function and psychiatric disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 56:127-38. [PMID: 26143512 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 06/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a brain region featured with working memory function. The exact mechanism of how working memory operates within the PFC circuitry is unknown, but persistent neuronal firing recorded from prefrontal neurons during a working memory task is proposed to be the neural correlate of this mnemonic encoding. The PFC appears to be specialized for sustaining persistent firing, with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, especially slow-decay NR2B subunits, playing an essential role in the maintenance of sustained activity and normal working memory function. However, the NR2B subunit serves as a double-edged sword for PFC function. Because of its slow kinetics, NR2B endows the PFC with not only "neural psychic" properties, but also susceptibilities for neuroexcitotoxicity and psychiatric disorders. This review aims to clarify the interplay among working memory, the PFC, and NMDA receptors; demonstrate the importance of NR2B in the maintenance of persistent activity; understand the risks and vulnerabilities of how NR2B is related to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders; identify gaps that currently exist in our understanding of these processes; and provide insights regarding future directions that may clarify these issues. We conclude that the PFC is a specialized brain region with distinct delayed maturation, unique neuronal circuitry, and characteristic NMDA receptor function. The unique properties and development of NMDA receptors, especially enrichment of NR2B subunits, endow the PFC with not only the capability to generate sustained activity for working memory, but also serves as a major vulnerability to environmental insults and risk factors for psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Monaco
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Room 243, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States
| | - Yelena Gulchina
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Room 243, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States
| | - Wen-Jun Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Room 243, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States.
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