1
|
Marchon ISDS, Melo EDDN, Botinhão MDC, Pires GN, Reis JVR, de Souza ROMA, Leal ICR, Bonavita AGC, Mendonça HR, Muzitano MF, da Silva LL, do Carmo PL, Raimundo JM. Pharmacological potential of 4-dimethylamino chalcone against acute and neuropathic pain in mice. J Pharm Pharmacol 2024:rgae057. [PMID: 38733604 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgae057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This work investigated the acute antinociceptive effect of a synthetic chalcone, 4-dimethylamino chalcone (DMAC), as well as its effects on vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) in mice. METHODS The inhibitory activity of myeloperoxidase was assessed by measuring HOCl formation. Formalin and hot plate tests were used to study the acute antinociceptive effect of DMAC. VIPN was induced through the administration of vincristine sulphate (0.1 mg/kg, i.p., 14 days). Then, DMSO, DMAC (10 or 30 mg/kg; i.p.), or pregabalin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered for 14 consecutive days. Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were evaluated before and after VIPN induction and on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 of treatment. Neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation were assessed through immunohistochemistry for NF200, iNOS, and arginase-1 within the sciatic nerve. KEY FINDINGS DMAC inhibited myeloperoxidase activity in vitro and presented an acute antinociceptive effect in both formalin and hot plate tests, with the involvement of muscarinic and opioid receptors. Treatment with 30 mg/kg of DMAC significantly attenuated thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia and prevented macrophage proinflammatory polarisation in VIPN mice. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that DMAC, acting through different mechanisms, effectively attenuates VIPN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabela Souza Dos Santos Marchon
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Farmacologia de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27930-560, Brazil
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27933-378, Brazil
| | - Evelynn Dalila do Nascimento Melo
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Farmacologia de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27930-560, Brazil
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27933-378, Brazil
| | - Mirella da Costa Botinhão
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Farmacologia de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27930-560, Brazil
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27933-378, Brazil
| | - Greice Nascimento Pires
- Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade NUPEM, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil
| | - João Vitor Rocha Reis
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27933-378, Brazil
| | | | - Ivana Correa Ramos Leal
- Laboratório de Produtos Naturais e Ensaios Biológicos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - André Gustavo Calvano Bonavita
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Farmacologia de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27930-560, Brazil
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27933-378, Brazil
| | - Henrique Rocha Mendonça
- Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade NUPEM, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil
| | - Michelle Frazão Muzitano
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27933-378, Brazil
| | - Leandro Louback da Silva
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Farmacologia de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27930-560, Brazil
| | - Paula Lima do Carmo
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Farmacologia de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27930-560, Brazil
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27933-378, Brazil
| | - Juliana Montani Raimundo
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Farmacologia de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27930-560, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Martín-Escura C, Bonache MÁ, Medina JA, Medina-Peris A, De Andrés-López J, González-Rodríguez S, Kerselaers S, Fernández-Ballester G, Voets T, Ferrer-Montiel A, Fernández-Carvajal A, González-Muñiz R. β-Lactam TRPM8 Antagonists Derived from Phe-Phenylalaninol Conjugates: Structure-Activity Relationships and Antiallodynic Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14894. [PMID: 37834342 PMCID: PMC10573892 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914894] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The protein transient receptor potential melastatin type 8 (TRPM8), a non-selective, calcium (Ca2+)-permeable ion channel is implicated in several pathological conditions, including neuropathic pain states. In our previous research endeavors, we have identified β-lactam derivatives with high hydrophobic character that exhibit potent and selective TRPM8 antagonist activity. This work describes the synthesis of novel derivatives featuring C-terminal amides and diversely substituted N'-terminal monobenzyl groups in an attempt to increase the total polar surface area (TPSA) in this family of compounds. The primary goal was to assess the influence of these substituents on the inhibition of menthol-induced cellular Ca2+ entry, thereby establishing critical structure-activity relationships. While the substitution of the tert-butyl ester by isobutyl amide moieties improved the antagonist activity, none of the N'-monobencyl derivatives, regardless of the substituent on the phenyl ring, achieved the activity of the model dibenzyl compound. The antagonist potency of the most effective compounds was subsequently verified using Patch-Clamp electrophysiology experiments. Furthermore, we evaluated the selectivity of one of these compounds against other members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel family and some receptors connected to peripheral pain pathways. This compound demonstrated specificity for TRPM8 channels. To better comprehend the potential mode of interaction, we conducted docking experiments to uncover plausible binding sites on the functionally active tetrameric protein. While the four main populated poses are located by the pore zone, a similar location to that described for the N-(3-aminopropyl)-2-[(3-methylphenyl)methoxy]-N-(2-thienylmethyl)-benzamide (AMTB) antagonist cannot be discarded. Finally, in vivo experiments, involving a couple of selected compounds, revealed significant antinociceptive activity within a mice model of cold allodynia induced by oxaliplatin (OXA).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Martín-Escura
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM-CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Alodia Farmacéutica SL, 28108 Alcobendas, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Sara González-Rodríguez
- IDiBE, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Elche, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Julián Clavería 6, 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Sara Kerselaers
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 802, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Thomas Voets
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 Box 802, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sykes MJ, Kekesi OS, Wong YT, Zhao FY, Spanswick D, Imlach WL. Neuron-specific responses to acetylcholine within the spinal dorsal horn circuits of rodent and primate. Neuropharmacology 2021; 198:108755. [PMID: 34416268 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108755] [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: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission within the spinal dorsal horn is tightly controlled to regulate transmission of nociceptive signals to the brain. One aspect of this control is modulation of neuronal activity through cholinergic signaling. Nociceptive neurons in the dorsal horn express both nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors and activation of these receptors reduces pain in humans, while inhibition leads to nociceptive hypersensitivity. At a cellular level, acetylcholine (ACh) has diverse effects on excitability which is dependent on the receptor and neuronal subtypes involved. In the present study we sought to characterize the electrophysiological responses of specific subsets of lamina II interneurons from rat and marmoset spinal cord. Neurons were grouped by morphology and by action potential firing properties. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings from lamina II dorsal horn neurons of adult rats showed that bath applied acetylcholine increased, decreased or had no effect on spontaneous synaptic current activity in a cell-type specific manner. ACh modulated inhibitory synaptic activity in 80% of neurons, whereas excitatory synaptic activity was affected in less than 50% of neurons. In whole-cell current clamp recordings, brief somatic application of ACh induced cell-type specific responses in 79% of rat lamina II neurons, which included: depolarization and action potential firing, subthreshold membrane depolarization, biphasic responses characterized by transient depolarization followed by hyperpolarization and membrane hyperpolarization alone. Similar responses were seen in marmoset lamina II neurons and the properties of each neuron group were consistent across species. ACh-induced hyperpolarization was blocked by the muscarinic antagonist atropine and all forms of acetylcholine-induced depolarization were blocked by the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine. The cholinergic system plays an important role in regulating nociception and this study contributes to our understanding of how circuit activity is controlled by ACh at a cellular level in primate and rodent spinal cord.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Sykes
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia; Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Orsolya S Kekesi
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia; Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Yan T Wong
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia; Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia; Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Fei-Yue Zhao
- NeuroSolutions Ltd, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - David Spanswick
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia; Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia; University of Warwick, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy L Imlach
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia; Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jiménez E, Fornés A, Felipe R, Núñez E, Aragón C, López-Corcuera B. Calcium-Dependent Regulation of the Neuronal Glycine Transporter GlyT2 by M2 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Neurochem Res 2021; 47:190-203. [PMID: 33765249 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03298-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The neuronal glycine transporter GlyT2 modulates inhibitory glycinergic neurotransmission and plays a key role in regulating nociceptive signal progression. The cholinergic system acting through muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) also mediates important regulations of nociceptive transmission being the M2 subtype the most abundantly expressed in the spinal cord. Here we studied the effect of M2 mAChRs stimulation on GlyT2 function co-expressed in a heterologous system with negligible levels of muscarinic receptor activity. We found GlyT2 is down-regulated by carbachol in a calcium-dependent manner. Different components involved in cell calcium homeostasis were analysed to establish a role in the mechanism of GlyT2 inhibition. GlyT2 down-regulation by carbachol was increased by thapsigargin and reduced by internal store depletion, although calcium release from endoplasmic reticulum or mitochondria had a minor role on GlyT2 inhibition. Our results are consistent with a GlyT2 sensitivity to intracellular calcium mobilized by M2 mAChRs in the subcortical area of the plasma membrane. A crucial role of the plasma membrane sodium calcium exchanger NCX is proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Jiménez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular and Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amparo Fornés
- Departamento de Biología Molecular and Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain.,Novartis Farmacéutica S.A., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Raquel Felipe
- Departamento de Biología Molecular and Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Núñez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular and Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain.,IdiPAZ-Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Aragón
- Departamento de Biología Molecular and Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain.,IdiPAZ-Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz López-Corcuera
- Departamento de Biología Molecular and Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain. .,IdiPAZ-Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Merighi A. The histology, physiology, neurochemistry and circuitry of the substantia gelatinosa Rolandi (lamina II) in mammalian spinal cord. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 169:91-134. [PMID: 29981393 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The substantia gelatinosa Rolandi (SGR) was first described about two centuries ago. In the following decades an enormous amount of information has permitted us to understand - at least in part - its role in the initial processing of pain and itch. Here, I will first provide a comprehensive picture of the histology, physiology, and neurochemistry of the normal SGR. Then, I will analytically discuss the SGR circuits that have been directly demonstrated or deductively envisaged in the course of the intensive research on this area of the spinal cord, with particular emphasis on the pathways connecting the primary afferent fibers and the intrinsic neurons. The perspective existence of neurochemically-defined sets of primary afferent neurons giving rise to these circuits will be also discussed, with the proposition that a cross-talk between different subsets of peptidergic fibers may be the structural and functional substrate of additional gating mechanisms in SGR. Finally, I highlight the role played by slow acting high molecular weight modulators in these gating mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adalberto Merighi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, I-10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Deckmann K, Rafiq A, Erdmann C, Illig C, Durschnabel M, Wess J, Weidner W, Bschleipfer T, Kummer W. Muscarinic receptors 2 and 5 regulate bitter response of urethral brush cells via negative feedback. FASEB J 2018; 32:2903-2910. [PMID: 29401598 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700582r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
We have recently identified a cholinergic chemosensory cell in the urethral epithelium, urethral brush cell (UBC), that, upon stimulation with bitter or bacterial substances, initiates a reflex detrusor activation. Here, we elucidated cholinergic mechanisms that modulate UBC responsiveness. We analyzed muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M1-5 mAChR) expression by using RT-PCR in UBCs, recorded [Ca2+]i responses to a bitter stimulus in isolated UBCs of wild-type and mAChR-deficient mice, and performed cystometry in all involved strains. The bitter response of UBCs was enhanced by global cholinergic and selective M2 inhibition, diminished by positive allosteric modulation of M5, and unaffected by M1, M3, and M4 mAChR inhibitors. This effect was not observed in M2 and M5 mAChR-deficient mice. In cystometry, M5 mAChR-deficient mice demonstrated signs of detrusor overactivity. In conclusion, M2 and M5 mAChRs attenuate the bitter response of UBC via a cholinergic negative autocrine feedback mechanism. Cystometry suggests that dysfunction, particularly of the M5 receptor, may lead to such symptoms as bladder overactivity.-Deckmann, K., Rafiq, A., Erdmann, C., Illig, C., Durschnabel, M., Wess, J., Weidner, W., Bschleipfer, T., Kummer, W. Muscarinic receptors 2 and 5 regulate bitter response of urethral brush cells via negative feedback.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Deckmann
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Amir Rafiq
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christian Erdmann
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christian Illig
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Melanie Durschnabel
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Wess
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Wolfgang Weidner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology, and Andrology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Thomas Bschleipfer
- Clinic of Urology, Andrology, and Pediatric Urology, Weiden Hospital/Clinics of Nordoberpfalz AG, Weiden, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kummer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Thomsen M, Sørensen G, Dencker D. Physiological roles of CNS muscarinic receptors gained from knockout mice. Neuropharmacology 2017; 136:411-420. [PMID: 28911965 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Because the five muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes have overlapping distributions in many CNS tissues, and because ligands with a high degree of selectivity for a given subtype long remained elusive, it has been difficult to determine the physiological functions of each receptor. Genetically engineered knockout mice, in which one or more muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype has been inactivated, have been instrumental in identifying muscarinic receptor functions in the CNS, at the neuronal, circuit, and behavioral level. These studies revealed important functions of muscarinic receptors modulating neuronal activity and neurotransmitter release in many brain regions, shaping neuronal plasticity, and affecting functions ranging from motor and sensory function to cognitive processes. As gene targeting technology evolves including the use of conditional, cell type specific strains, knockout mice are likely to continue to provide valuable insights into brain physiology and pathophysiology, and advance the development of new medications for a range of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and addictions, as well as non-opioid analgesics. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Neuropharmacology on Muscarinic Receptors'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Thomsen
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Center Copenhagen and University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Center, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA.
| | - Gunnar Sørensen
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Center, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Ditte Dencker
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Center Copenhagen and University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Naser PV, Kuner R. Molecular, Cellular and Circuit Basis of Cholinergic Modulation of Pain. Neuroscience 2017; 387:135-148. [PMID: 28890048 PMCID: PMC6150928 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Revised: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In addition to being a key component of the autonomic nervous system, acetylcholine acts as a prominent neurotransmitter and neuromodulator upon release from key groups of cholinergic projection neurons and interneurons distributed across the central nervous system. It has been more than forty years since it was discovered that cholinergic transmission profoundly modifies the perception of pain. Directly activating cholinergic receptors or extending the action of endogenous acetylcholine via pharmacological blockade of acetylcholine esterase reduces pain in rodents as well as humans; conversely, inhibition of muscarinic cholinergic receptors induces nociceptive hypersensitivity. Here, we aim to review the considerable progress in our understanding of peripheral, spinal and brain contributions to cholinergic modulation of pain. We discuss the distribution of cholinergic neurons, muscarinic and nicotinic receptors over the central nervous system and the synaptic and circuit-level modulation by cholinergic signaling. AchRs profoundly regulate nociceptive transmission at the level of the spinal cord via pre- as well as postsynaptic mechanisms. Moreover, we attempt to provide an overview of how some of the salient regions in the pain network spanning the brain, such as the primary somatosensory cortex, insular cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, the medial prefrontal cortex and descending modulatory systems are influenced by cholinergic modulation. Finally, we critically discuss the clinical relevance of cholinergic signaling to pain therapy. Cholinergic mechanisms contribute to several both conventional as well as unorthodox forms of pain treatments, and reciprocal interactions between cholinergic and opioidergic modulation impact on the function and efficacy of both opioids and cholinomimetic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul V Naser
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Rohini Kuner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Cell Networks Cluster of Excellence, Heidelberg University, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhu Y, Chen SR, Pan HL. Muscarinic receptor subtypes differentially control synaptic input and excitability of cerebellum-projecting medial vestibular nucleus neurons. J Neurochem 2016; 137:226-39. [PMID: 26823384 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurons in the vestibular nuclei have a vital function in balance maintenance, gaze stabilization, and posture. Although muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are expressed and involved in regulating vestibular function, it remains unclear how individual mAChR subtypes regulate vestibular neuronal activity. In this study, we determined which specific subtypes of mAChRs control synaptic input and excitability of medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) neurons that project to the cerebellum. Cerebellum-projecting MVN neurons were labeled by a fluorescent retrograde tracer and then identified in rat brainstem slices. Quantitative PCR analysis suggested that M2 and M3 were the possible major mAChR subtypes expressed in the MVN. The mAChR agonist oxotremorine-M significantly reduced the amplitude of glutamatergic excitatory post-synaptic currents evoked by stimulation of vestibular primary afferents, and this effect was abolished by the M2-preferring antagonist AF-DX 116. However, oxotremorine-M had no effect on GABA-mediated spontaneous inhibitory post-synaptic currents of labeled MVN neurons. Furthermore, oxotremorine-M significantly increased the firing activity of labeled MVN neurons, and this effect was blocked by the M3-preferring antagonist J104129 in most neurons tested. In addition, AF-DX 116 reduced the onset latency and prolonged the excitatory effect of oxotremorine-M on the firing activity of labeled MVN neurons. Our findings suggest that M3 is the predominant post-synaptic mAChR involved in muscarinic excitation of cerebellum-projecting MVN neurons. Pre-synaptic M2 mAChR regulates excitatory glutamatergic input from vestibular primary afferents, which in turn influences the excitability of cerebellum-projecting MVN neurons. This new information has important therapeutic implications for treating vestibular disorders with mAChR subtype-selective agents. Medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) neurons projecting to the cerebellum are involved in balance control. We found that activation of pre-synaptic M2 muscarinic receptors inhibit glutamatergic input from vestibular primary afferents, whereas stimulation of post-synaptic M3 muscarinic receptors increases the firing activity of cerebellum-projecting MVN neurons. This new information advances our understanding of the cholinergic mechanism regulating the vestibular system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhu
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Shao-Rui Chen
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jordan LM, McVagh JR, Noga BR, Cabaj AM, Majczyński H, Sławińska U, Provencher J, Leblond H, Rossignol S. Cholinergic mechanisms in spinal locomotion-potential target for rehabilitation approaches. Front Neural Circuits 2014; 8:132. [PMID: 25414645 PMCID: PMC4222238 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2014.00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous experiments implicate cholinergic brainstem and spinal systems in the control of locomotion. Our results demonstrate that the endogenous cholinergic propriospinal system, acting via M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors, is capable of consistently producing well-coordinated locomotor activity in the in vitro neonatal preparation, placing it in a position to contribute to normal locomotion and to provide a basis for recovery of locomotor capability in the absence of descending pathways. Tests of these suggestions, however, reveal that the spinal cholinergic system plays little if any role in the induction of locomotion, because MLR-evoked locomotion in decerebrate cats is not prevented by cholinergic antagonists. Furthermore, it is not required for the development of stepping movements after spinal cord injury, because cholinergic agonists do not facilitate the appearance of locomotion after spinal cord injury, unlike the dramatic locomotion-promoting effects of clonidine, a noradrenergic α-2 agonist. Furthermore, cholinergic antagonists actually improve locomotor activity after spinal cord injury, suggesting that plastic changes in the spinal cholinergic system interfere with locomotion rather than facilitating it. Changes that have been observed in the cholinergic innervation of motoneurons after spinal cord injury do not decrease motoneuron excitability, as expected. Instead, the development of a “hyper-cholinergic” state after spinal cord injury appears to enhance motoneuron output and suppress locomotion. A cholinergic suppression of afferent input from the limb after spinal cord injury is also evident from our data, and this may contribute to the ability of cholinergic antagonists to improve locomotion. Not only is a role for the spinal cholinergic system in suppressing locomotion after SCI suggested by our results, but an obligatory contribution of a brainstem cholinergic relay to reticulospinal locomotor command systems is not confirmed by our experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Larry M Jordan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - J R McVagh
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Spinal Cord Research Centre, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - B R Noga
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miami, FL, USA
| | - A M Cabaj
- Department of Neurophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS Warsaw, Poland ; Department of Nerve-Muscle Engineering, Institute of Biocybernetics and Biomedical Engineering PAS Warsaw, Poland
| | - H Majczyński
- Department of Neurophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS Warsaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Sławińska
- Department of Neurophysiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS Warsaw, Poland
| | - J Provencher
- Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central and Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - H Leblond
- Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central and Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Serge Rossignol
- Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central and Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chen SR, Chen H, Yuan WX, Wess J, Pan HL. Differential regulation of primary afferent input to spinal cord by muscarinic receptor subtypes delineated using knockout mice. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:14321-30. [PMID: 24695732 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.550384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) inhibits nociceptive transmission at the spinal level. However, it is unclear how each mAChR subtype regulates excitatory synaptic input from primary afferents. Here we examined excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) of dorsal horn neurons evoked by dorsal root stimulation in spinal cord slices from wild-type and mAChR subtype knock-out (KO) mice. In wild-type mice, mAChR activation with oxotremorine-M decreased the amplitude of monosynaptic EPSCs in ∼67% of neurons but increased it in ∼10% of neurons. The inhibitory effect of oxotremorine-M was attenuated by the M2/M4 antagonist himbacine in the majority of neurons, and the remaining inhibition was abolished by group II/III metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonists in wild-type mice. In M2/M4 double-KO mice, oxotremorine-M inhibited monosynaptic EPSCs in significantly fewer neurons (∼26%) and increased EPSCs in significantly more neurons (33%) compared with wild-type mice. Blocking group II/III mGluRs eliminated the inhibitory effect of oxotremorine-M in M2/M4 double-KO mice. In M2 single-KO and M4 single-KO mice, himbacine still significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of oxotremorine-M. However, the inhibitory and potentiating effects of oxotremorine-M on EPSCs in M3 single-KO and M1/M3 double-KO mice were similar to those in wild-type mice. In M5 single-KO mice, oxotremorine-M failed to potentiate evoked EPSCs, and its inhibitory effect was abolished by himbacine. These findings indicate that activation of presynaptic M2 and M4 subtypes reduces glutamate release from primary afferents. Activation of the M5 subtype either directly increases primary afferent input or inhibits it through indirectly stimulating group II/III mGluRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Rui Chen
- From the Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030 and
| | - Hong Chen
- From the Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030 and
| | - Wei-Xiu Yuan
- From the Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030 and
| | - Jürgen Wess
- the Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Hui-Lin Pan
- From the Center for Neuroscience and Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030 and
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Xu ZP, Song Y, Yang K, Zhou W, Hou LN, Zhu L, Chen HZ, Cui YY. M3 mAChR-mediated IL-8 expression through PKC/NF-κB signaling pathways. Inflamm Res 2014; 63:463-73. [PMID: 24522860 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-014-0718-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) plays an important role in the regulation of cytokine production in inflammatory diseases. In this study, we explored the precise role of M3 mAChR under stimulation with agonist in IL-8 expression and of the signaling pathway involved in this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS Recombinant U2OS cells stably expressing M3 mAChR as a model system were stimulated by carbachol to evaluate the role of M3 mAChR in the expression of IL-8. RESULTS Activation of M3 mAChR with carbachol increased both IL-8 mRNA and protein expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Elevated IL-8 expression was completely antagonized by atropine, 4-DAMP and tiotropium. M3 mAChR-mediated IL-8 expression was almost completely inhibited by the NF-κB inhibitor BAY11-7082 and, to a lesser extent, by U0126, SB203580, and SP600125, which are inhibitors for ERK1/2, p38, and JNK, respectively. Furthermore, M3 mAChR-mediated NF-κB activation and IL-8 expression were simultaneously attenuated by the PKC inhibitor calphostin C, whereas PMA, a PKC activator, mimicked the effects of carbachol, inducing IL-8 expression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings offer insights into the specific and critical role of M3 mAChR in regulating inflammatory response and indicate M3 mAChR/PKC/NF-κB signaling axis driven by endogenous acetylcholine as a potential therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zu-Peng Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cao XH, Byun HS, Chen SR, Pan HL. Diabetic neuropathy enhances voltage-activated Ca2+ channel activity and its control by M4 muscarinic receptors in primary sensory neurons. J Neurochem 2011; 119:594-603. [PMID: 21883220 PMCID: PMC3192928 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07456.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Painful neuropathy is one of the most serious complications of diabetes and remains difficult to treat. The muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) agonists have a profound analgesic effect on painful diabetic neuropathy. Here we determined changes in T-type and high voltage-activated Ca(2+) channels (HVACCs) and their regulation by mAChRs in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a rat model of diabetic neuropathy. The HVACC currents in large neurons, T-type currents in medium and large neurons, the percentage of small DRG neurons with T-type currents, and the Cav3.2 mRNA level were significantly increased in diabetic rats compared with those in control rats. The mAChR agonist oxotremorine-M significantly inhibited HVACCs in a greater proportion of DRG neurons with and without T-type currents in diabetic than in control rats. In contrast, oxotremorine-M had no effect on HVACCs in small and large neurons with T-type currents and in most medium neurons with T-type currents from control rats. The M(2) and M(4) antagonist himbacine abolished the effect of oxotremorine-M on HVACCs in both groups. The selective M(4) antagonist muscarinic toxin-3 caused a greater attenuation of the effect of oxotremorine-M on HVACCs in small and medium DRG neurons in diabetic than in control rats. Additionally, the mRNA and protein levels of M(4), but not M(2), in the DRG were significantly greater in diabetic than in control rats. Our findings suggest that diabetic neuropathy potentiates the activity of T-type and HVACCs in primary sensory neurons. M(4) mAChRs are up-regulated in DRG neurons and probably account for increased muscarinic analgesic effects in diabetic neuropathic pain.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Calcium Channels, T-Type/biosynthesis
- Calcium Channels, T-Type/genetics
- Calcium Channels, T-Type/metabolism
- Calcium Channels, T-Type/physiology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/genetics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/pathology
- Diabetic Neuropathies/genetics
- Diabetic Neuropathies/metabolism
- Diabetic Neuropathies/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Male
- Neuralgia/etiology
- Neuralgia/pathology
- Neuralgia/prevention & control
- RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, Muscarinic M4/biosynthesis
- Receptor, Muscarinic M4/genetics
- Receptor, Muscarinic M4/physiology
- Sensory Receptor Cells/metabolism
- Sensory Receptor Cells/pathology
- Up-Regulation/genetics
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Hong Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|