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Ansari S, Khahpay R, Khakpai F, Heidarzadeh Z, Khojasteh SMB. Comparison of pain modulatory effect of the LPGi estragon receptor on inflammatory pain between pro-estrus and estrus phases and OVX rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00213-024-06653-2. [PMID: 39180591 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06653-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
The present study has investigated whether circulating estrogen level variations in the pro-estrus and estrus phases of the intact rats and estrogen depletion in the ovariectomized animals (OVX) adjust the formalin-induced nociceptive behaviors. During the pro-estrus and estrus phases of rats' estrus cycle and in the OVX rats, 17β-estradiol and ICI 182,780 (estrogen receptor antagonist) were administered into the right paragigantocellularis lateralis (LPGi) nucleus. Then, the formalin-induced flexing and licking responses were recorded for 60 min. The findings of this study revealed that intra-LPGi administration of 17β-estradiol (0.8 μmol) reduced the formalin-induced flexing and licking duration in pro-estrus and estrus rats (P < 0.001), suggesting an analgesic effect. 17β-Estradiol injection into the LPGi nucleus of OVX rats increased the flexing duration (P < 0.05) while decreasing the licking duration (P < 0.05) of the formalin test. The pain modulatory effect of 17β-estradiol on the flexing response was reversed by ICI 182,780 (15 nmol) in the pro-estrus (P < 0.001) and estrus rats (P < 0.001) but not in the OVX rats. Also, pretreatment of LPGi nucleus with ICI 182,780 reversed the analgesic effect of 17β-estradiol on the licking response in the pro-estrus (P < 0.05), estrus (P < 0.001), and OVX rats (P < 0.001). These results suggest that the pain threshold in intact female rats is modulated independently of the estrus state. Still, the basal level of plasma estrogen and the activation of its receptors are necessary for pain modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanam Ansari
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Roghaieh Khahpay
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Khakpai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Heidarzadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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Wang J, Wang S, Fang Z, Zhao J, Zhang G, Guo Y, Wang Q, Jiang Z, Zhong H, Hou W. Estrogen receptor GPR30 in the anterior cingulate cortex mediates exacerbated neuropathic pain in ovariectomized mice. Brain Res 2024; 1829:148798. [PMID: 38403038 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148798] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Menopausal women experience neuropathic pain 63% more frequently than men do, which may attribute to the estrogen withdrawal. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, the role of estrogen receptors (ERs) in ovariectomized (OVX) female mice following chronic constriction injury (CCI) was investigated. With 17β-estradiol (E2) supplemented, aggravated mechanical allodynia in OVX mice could be significantly alleviated, particularly after intra-anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) E2 delivery. Pharmacological interventions further demonstrated that the agonist of G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 30 (GPR30), rather than ERα or ERβ in the ACC, exhibited the similar analgesic effect as E2, whereas antagonist of GPR30 exacerbated allodynia. Furthermore, OVX surgery reduced GPR30 expression in the ACC, which could be restored with estrogen supplementation. Selective downregulation of GPR30 in the ACC of naïve female mice induces mechanical allodynia, whereas GPR30 overexpression in the ACC remarkedly alleviated OVX-exacerbated allodynia. Collectively, estrogen withdrawal could downregulate the ACC GPR30 expression, resulting in exacerbated neuropathic pain. Our findings highlight the importance of GPR30 in the ACC in aggravated neuropathic pain during menopause, and offer a potential therapeutic candidate for neuropathic pain management in menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Shiquan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Zongping Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Jianshuai Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- Department of Cardiovasology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, China
| | - Yaru Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Zhenhua Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China; Department of Nursing, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China
| | - Haixing Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China.
| | - Wugang Hou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, China.
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Mirmoosavi M, Aminitabar A, Mirfathollahi A, Shalchyan V. Exploring altered oscillatory activity in the anterior cingulate cortex after nerve injury: Insights into mechanisms of neuropathic allodynia. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 190:106381. [PMID: 38114049 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106381] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
While neural oscillations play a critical role in sensory perception, it remains unclear how these rhythms function under conditions of neuropathic allodynia. Recent studies demonstrated that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is associated with the affective-aversive component of pain, and plasticity changes in this region are closely linked to abnormal allodynic sensations. Here, to study the mechanisms of allodynia, we recorded local field potentials (LFPs) in the bilateral ACC of awake-behaving rats and compared the spectral power and center frequency of brain oscillations between healthy and CCI (chronic constriction injury) induced neuropathic pain conditions. Our results indicated that activation of the ACC occurs bilaterally in the presence of neuropathic pain, similar to the healthy condition. Furthermore, CCI affects both spontaneous and stimulus-induced activity of ACC neurons. Specifically, we observed an increase in spontaneous beta activity after nerve injury compared to the healthy condition. By stimulating operated or unoperated paws, we found more intense event-related desynchronization (ERD) responses in the theta, alpha, and beta frequency bands and faster alpha center frequency after CCI compared to before CCI. Although the behavioral manifestation of allodynia was more pronounced in the operated paw than the unoperated paw following CCI, there was no significant difference in the center frequency and ERD responses observed in the ACC between stimulation of the operated and unoperated limbs. Our findings offer evidence supporting the notion that aberrancies in ACC oscillations may contribute to the maintenance and development of neuropathic allodynia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnoosh Mirmoosavi
- Neuroscience and Neuroengineering Research Lab., Biomedical Engineering Department, School of Electrical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Narmak, Tehran 16846-13114, Iran
| | - Amir Aminitabar
- Neuroscience and Neuroengineering Research Lab., Biomedical Engineering Department, School of Electrical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Narmak, Tehran 16846-13114, Iran
| | - Alavie Mirfathollahi
- Neuroscience and Neuroengineering Research Lab., Biomedical Engineering Department, School of Electrical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Narmak, Tehran 16846-13114, Iran; Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran 16583-44575, Iran
| | - Vahid Shalchyan
- Neuroscience and Neuroengineering Research Lab., Biomedical Engineering Department, School of Electrical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Narmak, Tehran 16846-13114, Iran.
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Bonham KS, Fahur Bottino G, McCann SH, Beauchemin J, Weisse E, Barry F, Cano Lorente R, Huttenhower C, Bruchhage M, D’Sa V, Deoni S, Klepac-Ceraj V. Gut-resident microorganisms and their genes are associated with cognition and neuroanatomy in children. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi0497. [PMID: 38134274 PMCID: PMC10745691 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi0497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence implicates gut microbial metabolism in neurodevelopmental disorders, but its influence on typical neurodevelopment has not been explored in detail. We investigated the relationship between the microbiome and neuroanatomy and cognition of 381 healthy children, demonstrating that differences in microbial taxa and genes are associated with overall cognitive function and the size of brain regions. Using a combination of statistical and machine learning models, we showed that species including Alistipes obesi, Blautia wexlerae, and Ruminococcus gnavus were enriched or depleted in children with higher cognitive function scores. Microbial metabolism of short-chain fatty acids was also associated with cognitive function. In addition, machine models were able to predict the volume of brain regions from microbial profiles, and taxa that were important in predicting cognitive function were also important for predicting individual brain regions and specific subscales of cognitive function. These findings provide potential biomarkers of neurocognitive development and may enable development of targets for early detection and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin S. Bonham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Elizabeth Weisse
- Department of Psychology, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Curtis Huttenhower
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Chan Microbiome in Public Health Center, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Associate Member, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Muriel Bruchhage
- Department of Psychology, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Viren D’Sa
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Sean Deoni
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Vanja Klepac-Ceraj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, USA
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Qiu XT, Guo C, Ma LT, Li XN, Zhang QY, Huang FS, Zhang MM, Bai Y, Liang GB, Li YQ. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of the anterior cingulate cortex in neuropathic pain model rats. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1164426. [PMID: 37396788 PMCID: PMC10311218 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1164426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropathic pain (NP) takes a heavy toll on individual life quality, yet gaps in its molecular characterization persist and effective therapy is lacking. This study aimed to provide comprehensive knowledge by combining transcriptomic and proteomic data of molecular correlates of NP in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a cortical hub responsible for affective pain processing. Methods The NP model was established by spared nerve injury (SNI) in Sprague-Dawley rats. RNA sequencing and proteomic data from the ACC tissue isolated from sham and SNI rats 2 weeks after surgery were integrated to compare their gene and protein expression profiles. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to figure out the functions and signaling pathways of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) enriched in. Results Transcriptomic analysis identified a total of 788 DEGs (with 49 genes upregulated) after SNI surgery, while proteomic analysis found 222 DEPs (with 89 proteins upregulated). While Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses of the DEGs suggested that most of the altered genes were involved in synaptic transmission and plasticity, bioinformatics analysis of the DEPs revealed novel critical pathways associated with autophagy, mitophagy, and peroxisome. Notably, we noticed functionally important NP-related changes in the protein that occurred in the absence of corresponding changes at the level of transcription. Venn diagram analysis of the transcriptomic and proteomic data identified 10 overlapping targets, among which only three genes (XK-related protein 4, NIPA-like domain-containing 3, and homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 3) showed concordance in the directions of change and strong correlations between mRNA and protein levels. Conclusion The present study identified novel pathways in the ACC in addition to confirming previously reported mechanisms for NP etiology, and provided novel mechanistic insights for future research on NP treatment. These findings also imply that mRNA profiling alone fails to provide a complete landscape of molecular pain in the ACC. Therefore, explorations of changes at the level of protein are necessary to understand NP processes that are not transcriptionally modulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Tong Qiu
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Preclinical School of Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Chen Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Li-Tian Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin-Ning Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Qi-Yan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Fen-Sheng Huang
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Ming-Ming Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Preclinical School of Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Guo-Biao Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Preclinical School of Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Dali University, Dali, China
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Neugebauer V, Presto P, Yakhnitsa V, Antenucci N, Mendoza B, Ji G. Pain-related cortico-limbic plasticity and opioid signaling. Neuropharmacology 2023; 231:109510. [PMID: 36944393 PMCID: PMC10585936 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Neuroplasticity in cortico-limbic circuits has been implicated in pain persistence and pain modulation in clinical and preclinical studies. The amygdala has emerged as a key player in the emotional-affective dimension of pain and pain modulation. Reciprocal interactions with medial prefrontal cortical regions undergo changes in pain conditions. Other limbic and paralimbic regions have been implicated in pain modulation as well. The cortico-limbic system is rich in opioids and opioid receptors. Preclinical evidence for their pain modulatory effects in different regions of this highly interactive system, potentially opposing functions of different opioid receptors, and knowledge gaps will be described here. There is little information about cell type- and circuit-specific functions of opioid receptor subtypes related to pain processing and pain-related plasticity in the cortico-limbic system. The important role of anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and amygdala in MOR-dependent analgesia is most well-established, and MOR actions in the mesolimbic system appear to be similar but remain to be determined in mPFC regions other than ACC. Evidence also suggests that KOR signaling generally serves opposing functions whereas DOR signaling in the ACC has similar, if not synergistic effects, to MOR. A unifying picture of pain-related neuronal mechanisms of opioid signaling in different elements of the cortico-limbic circuitry has yet to emerge. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Opioid-induced changes in addiction and pain circuits".
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Neugebauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
| | - Peyton Presto
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Vadim Yakhnitsa
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Nico Antenucci
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Brianna Mendoza
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Guangchen Ji
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA; Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
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Pan Q, Guo SS, Chen M, Su XY, Gao ZL, Wang Q, Xu TL, Liu MG, Hu J. Representation and control of pain and itch by distinct prefrontal neural ensembles. Neuron 2023:S0896-6273(23)00342-2. [PMID: 37224813 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Pain and itch are two closely related but essentially distinct sensations that elicit different behavioral responses. However, it remains mysterious how pain and itch information is encoded in the brain to produce differential perceptions. Here, we report that nociceptive and pruriceptive signals are separately represented and processed by distinct neural ensembles in the prelimbic (PL) subdivision of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in mice. Pain- and itch-responsive cortical neural ensembles were found to significantly differ in electrophysiological properties, input-output connectivity profiles, and activity patterns to nociceptive or pruriceptive stimuli. Moreover, these two groups of cortical neural ensembles oppositely modulate pain- or itch-related sensory and emotional behaviors through their preferential projections to specific downstream regions such as the mediodorsal thalamus (MD) and basolateral amygdala (BLA). These findings uncover separate representations of pain and itch by distinct prefrontal neural ensembles and provide a new framework for understanding somatosensory information processing in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Pan
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Su-Shan Guo
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ming Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Xin-Yu Su
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zi-Long Gao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Qi Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Tian-Le Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Songjiang Hospital and Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China; Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai 201210, China.
| | - Ming-Gang Liu
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Ji Hu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200030, China.
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Shi T, Feng S, Zhou Z, Li F, Fu Y, Zhou W. Stress-altering anterior insular cortex activity affects risk decision-making behavior in mice of different sexes. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1094808. [PMID: 36761354 PMCID: PMC9902351 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1094808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress can affect people's judgment and make them take risky decisions. Abnormal decision-making behavior is a core symptom of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. However, the neuronal mechanisms underlying such impairments are largely unknown. The anterior insular cortex (AIC) is a crucial structure to integrate sensory information with emotional and motivational states. These properties suggest that AIC can influence a subjective prediction in decision-making. In this study, we demonstrated that stressed mice prefer to take more risky choices than control mice using a gambling test. Manipulating the neural activity of AIC or selectively inhibiting the AIC-BLA pathway with chemogenetic intervention resulted in alterations in risk decision-making in mice. Different sexes may have different decision-making strategies in risky situations. Endogenous estrogen levels affect emotional cognition by modulating the stress system function in women. We observed decision-making behavior in mice of different sexes with or without stress experience. The result showed that female mice did not change their choice strategy with increasing risk/reward probability and performed a lower risk preference than male mice after stress. Using the pharmacological method, we bilaterally injected an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist that resulted in more risky behavior and decreased synaptic plasticity in the AIC of female mice. Our study suggested that the AIC is a crucial region involved in stress-induced alteration of decision-making, and estrogen in the AIC may regulate decision-making behavior by regulating synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyao Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Shufang Feng
- Department of Medical Psychology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhonglin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Fengan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenxia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
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A Guide to Preclinical Models of Zoster-Associated Pain and Postherpetic Neuralgia. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 438:189-221. [PMID: 34524508 DOI: 10.1007/82_2021_240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes herpes zoster (HZ), which is commonly accompanied by acute pain and pruritus over the time course of a zosteriform rash. Although the rash and associated pain are self-limiting, a considerable fraction of HZ cases will subsequently develop debilitating chronic pain states termed postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). How VZV causes acute pain and the mechanisms underlying the transition to PHN are far from clear. The human-specific nature of VZV has made in vivo modeling of pain following reactivation difficult to study because no single animal can reproduce reactivated VZV disease as observed in the clinic. Investigations of VZV pathogenesis following primary infection have benefited greatly from human tissues harbored in immune-deficient mice, but modeling of acute and chronic pain requires an intact nervous system with the capability of transmitting ascending and descending sensory signals. Several groups have found that subcutaneous VZV inoculation of the rat induces prolonged and measurable changes in nociceptive behavior, indicating sensitivity that partially mimics the development of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia seen in HZ and PHN patients. Although it is not a model of reactivation, the rat is beginning to inform how VZV infection can evoke a pain response and induce long-lasting alterations to nociception. In this review, we will summarize the rat pain models from a practical perspective and discuss avenues that have opened for testing of novel treatments for both zoster-associated pain and chronic PHN conditions, which remain in critical need of effective therapies.
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Neurocircuit of chronic pain and pain-induced negative emotions and regulatory mechanisms of electroacupuncture. WORLD JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE-MOXIBUSTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wjam.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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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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Xie Z, Feng J, Cai T, McCarthy R, Eschbach Ii MD, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Yi Z, Zang K, Yuan Y, Hu X, Li F, Liu Q, Das A, England SK, Hu H. Estrogen metabolites increase nociceptor hyperactivity in a mouse model of uterine pain. JCI Insight 2022; 7:149107. [PMID: 35420999 PMCID: PMC9220826 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.149107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain emanating from the female reproductive tract is notoriously difficult to be treated and the prevalence of transient pelvic pain has been placed as high as 70-80% in women surveyed. Although sex hormones, especially estrogen, are thought to underlie enhanced pain perception in females, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms are not completely understood. Here we show that the pain-initiating TRPA1 channel is required for pain-related behaviors in a mouse model of estrogen-induced uterine pain in ovariectomized female mice. Surprisingly, 2- and 4-hydroxylated estrogen metabolites (HEMs) in the estrogen hydroxylation pathway, but not estrone, estradiol and 16-HEMs, directly increase nociceptor hyperactivity through TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels, and picomolar concentrations of 2- and 4-hydroxylation estrone (OHE1) can sensitize TRPA1 channel function. Moreover, both TRPA1 and TRPV1 are expressed in uterine-innervating primary nociceptors and their expressions are increased in the estrogen-induced uterine pain model. Importantly, pretreatment of 2- or 4-OHE1 recapitulates estrogen-induced uterine pain-like behaviors and intraplantar injections of 2- and 4-OHE1 directly produce a TRPA1-dependent mechanical hypersensitivity. Our findings demonstrate that TRPA1 is critically involved in estrogen-induced uterine pain-like behaviors, which may provide a potential drug target for treating female reproductive tract pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zili Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - Jing Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - Tao Cai
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ronald McCarthy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - Mark D Eschbach Ii
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, United States of America
| | - Yuhui Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yonghui Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - Zhihua Yi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - Kaikai Zang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - Yi Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - Xueming Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - Fengxian Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - Qin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - Aditi Das
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, United States of America
| | - Sarah K England
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
| | - Hongzhen Hu
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, United States of America
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13
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The BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex is involved in the development of pain aversion in rats with bone cancer via NR2B and ERK-CREB signaling. Brain Res Bull 2022; 185:18-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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14
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Zhu X, Xu Y, Shen Z, Zhang H, Xiao S, Zhu Y, Wu M, Chen Y, Wu Z, Xu Y, He X, Liu B, Liu J, Du J, Sun J, Fang J, Shao X. Rostral Anterior Cingulate Cortex–Ventrolateral Periaqueductal Gray Circuit Underlies Electroacupuncture to Alleviate Hyperalgesia but Not Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Mice With Spared Nerve Injury. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:757628. [PMID: 35095390 PMCID: PMC8789679 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.757628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a common cause of chronic pain and is often accompanied by negative emotions, making it complex and difficult to treat. However, the neural circuit mechanisms underlying these symptoms remain unclear. Herein, we present a novel pathway associated with comorbid chronic pain and anxiety. Using chemogenetic methods, we found that activation of glutamatergic projections from the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACCGlu) to the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) induced both hyperalgesia and anxiety-like behaviors in sham mice. Inhibition of the rACCGlu-vlPAG pathway reduced anxiety-like behaviors and hyperalgesia in the spared nerve injury (SNI) mice model; moreover, electroacupuncture (EA) effectively alleviated these symptoms. Investigation of the related mechanisms revealed that the chemogenetic activation of the rACCGlu-vlPAG circuit effectively blocked the analgesic effect of EA in the SNI mice model but did not affect the chronic pain-induced negative emotions. This study revealed a novel pathway, the rACCGlu-vlPAG pathway, that mediates neuropathic pain and pain-induced anxiety.
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15
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McHann MC, Blanton HL, Guindon J. Role of sex hormones in modulating breast and ovarian cancer associated pain. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 533:111320. [PMID: 34033890 PMCID: PMC8263503 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
According to the National Cancer Institute in 2020 there will be an estimated 21,750 new ovarian cancer cases and 276,480 new breast cancer cases. Both breast and ovarian cancer are hormone dependent cancers, meaning they cannot grow without the presence of hormones. The two most studied hormones in these two cancers are estrogen and progesterone, which are also involved in the modulation of pain. The incidence of pain in breast and ovarian cancer is very high. Research about mechanisms involved in modulation of pain by hormones are still being debated, as some studies find estrogen to be anti-nociceptive and others pro-nociceptive in pain studies. Moreover, analgesic treatments for breast and ovarian cancer-associated pain are limited and often ineffective. In this review, we will focus on estrogen and progesterone mechanisms of action in modulation of pain and cancer. We will also discuss new treatment options for these types of cancer and associated-pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa C McHann
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, USA
| | - Henry L Blanton
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, USA
| | - Josée Guindon
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, USA.
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16
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Xiao X, Ding M, Zhang YQ. Role of the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Translational Pain Research. Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:405-422. [PMID: 33566301 PMCID: PMC7954910 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-020-00615-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As the most common symptomatic reason to seek medical consultation, pain is a complex experience that has been classified into different categories and stages. In pain processing, noxious stimuli may activate the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). But the function of ACC in the different pain conditions is not well discussed. In this review, we elaborate the commonalities and differences from accumulated evidence by a variety of pain assays for physiological pain and pathological pain including inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, and cancer pain in the ACC, and discuss the cellular receptors and signaling molecules from animal studies. We further summarize the ACC as a new central neuromodulation target for invasive and non-invasive stimulation techniques in clinical pain management. The comprehensive understanding of pain processing in the ACC may lead to bridging the gap in translational research between basic and clinical studies and to develop new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education; Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Ming Ding
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education; Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yu-Qiu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Jing'an District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Institutes of Brain Science; Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Delay L, Gonçalves Dos Santos G, Dias EV, Yaksh TL, Corr M. Sexual Dimorphism in the Expression of Pain Phenotype in Preclinical Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2021; 47:245-264. [PMID: 33781493 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of most frequent rheumatic diseases, affecting around 1% of the population worldwide. Pain impacting the quality of life for the patient with rheumatoid arthritis, is often the primary factor leading them to seek medical care. Although sex-related differences in humans and animal models of rheumatoid arthritis are described, the correlation between pain and sex in rheumatoid arthritis has only recently been directly examined. Here we review the literature and explore the mechanisms underlying the expression of the pain phenotype in females and males in preclinical models of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauriane Delay
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | | | - Elayne Vieira Dias
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tony L Yaksh
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Maripat Corr
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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18
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Chen Q, Zhang W, Sadana N, Chen X. Estrogen receptors in pain modulation: cellular signaling. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:22. [PMID: 33568220 PMCID: PMC7877067 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-021-00364-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory perception and emotional disorders are disproportionally represented in men and women and are thus thought to be modulated by different sex hormones in various conditions. Among the most important hormones perceived to affect sensory processing and transduction is estrogen. Numerous previous researchers have endeavored to demonstrate that estrogen is capable of modulating the activity of sensory neurons in peripheral and central sites in female, male, or castrated animals. However, the underlying mechanisms of its modulation of neuronal activity are somewhat unclear. In the present review, we discuss the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the modulation of nociception by estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Chen
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenxin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Neeti Sadana
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Xinzhong Chen
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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19
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Ambrase A, Lewis CA, Barth C, Derntl B. Influence of ovarian hormones on value-based decision-making systems: Contribution to sexual dimorphisms in mental disorders. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 60:100873. [PMID: 32987043 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Women and men exhibit differences in behavior when making value-based decisions. Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain these findings, stressing differences in functional lateralization of the brain, functional activation, neurotransmitter involvement and more recently, sex hormones. While a significant interaction of neurotransmitter systems and sex hormones has been shown for both sexes, decision-making in women might be particularly affected by variations of ovarian hormones. In this review we have gathered information from animal and human studies on how ovarian hormones affect decision-making processes in females by interacting with neurotransmitter systems at functionally relevant brain locations and thus modify the computation of decision aspects. We also review previous findings on impaired decision-making in animals and clinical populations with substance use disorder and depression, emphasizing how little we know about the role of ovarian hormones in aberrant decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiste Ambrase
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Carolin A Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany; Emotion Neuroimaging Lab, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany; International Max Planck Research School on Neuroscience of Communication: Function, Structure, and Plasticity, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Claudia Barth
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Birgit Derntl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tuebingen, Germany; TübingenNeuroCampus, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; LEAD Research School and Graduate Network, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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20
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Marshall CJ, Prescott M, Campbell RE. Investigating the NPY/AgRP/GABA to GnRH Neuron Circuit in Prenatally Androgenized PCOS-Like Mice. J Endocr Soc 2020; 4:bvaa129. [PMID: 33094210 PMCID: PMC7566551 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa129] [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] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common form of anovulatory infertility, is associated with altered signaling within the hormone-sensitive neuronal network that regulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, leading to a pathological increase in GnRH secretion. Circuit remodeling is evident between GABAergic neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARN) and GnRH neurons in a murine model of PCOS. One-third of ARN GABA neurons co-express neuropeptide Y (NPY), which has a known yet complex role in regulating GnRH neurons and reproductive function. Here, we investigated whether the NPY-expressing subpopulation (NPYARN) of ARN GABA neurons (GABAARN) is also affected in prenatally androgenized (PNA) PCOS-like NPYARN reporter mice [Agouti-related protein (AgRP)-Cre;τGFP]. PCOS-like mice and controls were generated by exposure to di-hydrotestosterone or vehicle (VEH) in late gestation. τGFP-expressing NPYARN neuron fiber appositions with GnRH neurons and gonadal steroid hormone receptor expression in τGFP-expressing NPYARN neurons were assessed using confocal microscopy. Although GnRH neurons received abundant close contacts from τGFP-expressing NPYARN neuron fibers, the number and density of putative inputs was not affected by prenatal androgen excess. NPYARN neurons did not co-express progesterone receptor or estrogen receptor α in either PNA or VEH mice. However, the proportion of NPYARN neurons co-expressing the androgen receptor was significantly elevated in PNA mice. Therefore, NPYARN neurons are not remodeled by prenatal androgen excess like the wider GABAARN population, indicating GABA-to-GnRH neuron circuit remodeling occurs in a presently unidentified non-NPY/AgRP population of GABAARN neurons. NPYARN neurons do, however, show independent changes in the form of elevated androgen sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Marshall
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Melanie Prescott
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca E Campbell
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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21
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Jarrin S, Pandit A, Roche M, Finn DP. Differential Role of Anterior Cingulate Cortical Glutamatergic Neurons in Pain-Related Aversion Learning and Nociceptive Behaviors in Male and Female Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:139. [PMID: 32848657 PMCID: PMC7431632 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is comprised of both sensory and affective components. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a key brain region involved in the emotional processing of pain. Specifically, glutamatergic transmission within the ACC has been shown to modulate pain-related aversion. In the present study, we use in vivo optogenetics to activate or silence, using channelrhodopsin (ChR2) and archaerhodopsin (ArchT) respectively, calmodulin-kinase IIα (CaMKIIα)-expressing excitatory glutamatergic neurons of the ACC during a formalin-induced conditioned place aversion (F-CPA) behavioral paradigm in both female and male adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Expression of c-Fos, a marker of neuronal activity, was assessed within the ACC using immunohistochemistry. Optogenetic inhibition of glutamatergic neurons of the ACC abolished F-CPA without affecting formalin-induced nociceptive behavior during conditioning. In male rats, optogenetic activation of ACC glutamatergic neurons decreased formalin-induced nociceptive behavior during conditioning without affecting F-CPA. Interestingly, the opposite effect was seen in females, where optogenetic activation of glutamatergic neurons of the ACC increased formalin-induced nociceptive behavior during conditioning. The abolition of F-CPA following optogenetic inhibition of glutamatergic neurons of the ACC was associated with a reduction in c-Fos immunoreactivity in the ACC in male rats, but not female rats. These results suggest that excitatory glutamatergic neurons of the ACC play differential and sex-dependent roles in the aversion learning and acute sensory components of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jarrin
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CURAM), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Abhay Pandit
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CURAM), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Michelle Roche
- Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CURAM), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - David P Finn
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CURAM), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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22
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Distinct Function of Estrogen Receptors in the Rodent Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Pain-related Aversion. Anesthesiology 2020; 133:165-184. [PMID: 32349075 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000003324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background
Brain-derived estrogen is implicated in pain-related aversion; however, which estrogen receptors mediate this effect remains unclear. This study hypothesized that the different estrogen receptors in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex play distinct roles in pain-related aversion.
Methods
Formalin-induced conditioned place avoidance and place escape/avoidance paradigms were used to evaluate pain-related aversion in rodents. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect estrogen receptor expression. Patch-clamp recordings were used to examine N-methyl-d-aspartate–mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents in rostral anterior cingulate cortex slices.
Results
The administration of the estrogen receptor-β antagonist 4-(2-phenyl-5,7-bis [trifluoromethyl] pyrazolo [1,5-a] pyrimidin-3-yl) phenol (PHTPP) or the G protein–coupled estrogen receptor-1 antagonist (3aS*,4R*,9bR*)-4-(6-bromo-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3a,4,5,9b-3H-cyclopenta [c] quinolone (G15) but not the estrogen receptor-α antagonist 1,3-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-5-[4-(2-piperidinylethoxy) phenol]-1H-pyrazole dihydrochloride (MPP) into the rostral anterior cingulate cortex blocked pain-related aversion in rats (avoidance score, mean ± SD: 1,3-bis [4-hydroxyphenyl]-4-methyl-5-(4-[2-piperidinylethoxy] phenol)-1H-pyrazole dihydrochloride (MPP): 47.0 ± 18.9%, 4-(2-phenyl-5,7-bis [trifluoromethyl] pyrazolo [1,5-a] pyrimidin-3-yl) phenol (PHTPP): −7.4 ± 20.6%, and [3aS*,4R*,9bR*]-4-[6-bromo-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl]-3a,4,5,9b-3H-cyclopenta [c] quinolone (G15): −4.6 ± 17.0% vs. vehicle: 46.5 ± 12.2%; n = 7 to 9; P < 0.0001). Consistently, estrogen receptor-β knockdown but not estrogen receptor-α knockdown by short-hairpin RNA also inhibited pain-related aversion in mice (avoidance score, mean ± SD: estrogen receptor-α–short-hairpin RNA: 26.0 ± 7.1% and estrogen receptor-β–short-hairpin RNA: 6.3 ± 13.4% vs. control short-hairpin RNA: 29.1 ± 9.1%; n = 7 to 10; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the direct administration of the estrogen receptor-β agonist 2,3-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (DPN) or the G protein–coupled estrogen receptor-1 agonist (±)-1-([3aR*,4S*,9bS*]-4-(6-bromo-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3a,4,5,9b-tetrahydro-3H-cyclopenta [c]quinolin-8-yl)-ethanone (G1) into the rostral anterior cingulate cortex resulted in conditioned place avoidance (avoidance score, mean ± SD: 2,3-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (DPN): 35.3 ± 9.5% and (±)-1-([3aR*,4S*,9bS*]-4-(6-bromo-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3a,4,5,9b-tetrahydro-3H-cyclopenta [c]quinolin-8-yl)-ethanone (G1): 43.5 ± 22.8% vs. vehicle: 0.3 ± 14.9%; n = 8; P < 0.0001) but did not affect mechanical or thermal sensitivity. The activation of the estrogen receptor-β/protein kinase A or G protein–coupled estrogen receptor-1/protein kinase B pathway elicited the long-term potentiation of N-methyl-d-aspartate–mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents.
Conclusions
These findings indicate that estrogen receptor-β and G protein–coupled estrogen receptor-1 but not estrogen receptor-α in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex contribute to pain-related aversion by modulating N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor–mediated excitatory synaptic transmission.
Editor’s Perspective
What We Already Know about This Topic
What This Article Tells Us That Is New
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23
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Kohtz AS, Frye CA. Learning and the Lifespan: What's Sex Got to Do With It? Front Neurosci 2020; 14:216. [PMID: 32265631 PMCID: PMC7099170 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Engagement in sexual behavior can impact neurosteroidogenesis, in particular production of the prohormone testosterone (T) and likely its subsequent metabolism to 5α-androstane-3α-17β-Diol (3α-Diol) or aromatization to estradiol (E2). Androgens and their metabolites vary across the lifespan and impact many behaviors, including cognition, anxiety, and sexual behavior. Thus, we hypothesized that mating may alter cognitive performance via androstane neurosteroids in an age- and experience-dependent manner. We first investigated if exposure to mating during memory consolidation could enhance performance in the novel object recognition task (NOR). Male rats were trained in NOR and then immediately exposed to mating-relevant or control stimuli. Following a 4 h inter-trial interval (ITI), male rats were tested for object memory. Male rats that were exposed to a receptive female during the ITI had better performance in NOR. We then investigated if these effects were due to novelty associated with mating. Male rats were exposed to mating-relevant stimuli and identified as sexually responsive (SR) or sexually non-responsive (SNR) based on a median split of engagement in mating with the stimulus female. We found that a brief history (10 min session daily for five consecutive days) of sexual history substantially influenced performance in the NOR task, such that SR males had better performance in the NOR task, but only when presented with the opportunity to mate during the ITI. As T levels substantially decrease with age in male rodents, we investigated whether the effects of long-term sexual experience (10 months) influenced neurosteroids and NOR performance in mid-aged (12 months old) males. Mid-aged SR males maintain neural T; however, they have decreased neural E2 and decreased cognitive performance at 12 months compared to mid-aged SNR rats. In sexually experienced rats, those with better cognitive performance had greater levels of T metabolites (e.g., 3α-Diol in mated SR males, E2 in mid-aged SNR rats). While naïve males that were mated during the ITI had better cognitive performance, T metabolites were decreased compared to controls. These findings suggest that T metabolites, but not the prohormone, may influence learning dependent on sexual proclivity, experience, and proximate opportunity to mate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Stave Kohtz
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany – State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, NY, United States
| | - Cheryl A. Frye
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany – State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, NY, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany – State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, NY, United States
- Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany – State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, NY, United States
- Center for Life Sciences Research, University at Albany – State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, NY, United States
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24
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Xiao X, Zhang YQ. A new perspective on the anterior cingulate cortex and affective pain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 90:200-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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25
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Zhang Y, Ji F, Wang G, He D, Yang L, Zhang M. BDNF Activates mTOR to Upregulate NR2B Expression in the Rostral Anterior Cingulate Cortex Required for Inflammatory Pain-Related Aversion in Rats. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:681-691. [PMID: 29353374 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2470-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been demonstrated to mediate pain-related aversion induced by formalin in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC). However, it remains unclear the signaling pathways and regulatory proteins involved. In the rACC, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an activity-dependent neuromodulator, has been shown to play a role in the development and persistence of chronic pain. In this study, we used a rat formalin-induced inflammatory pain model to demonstrate BDNF up-regulation in the rACC. Stimulation with exogenous BDNF up-regulated mTOR, whilst cyclotraxin B (CTX-B), a tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) antagonist, down-regulated mTOR. Our results suggest BDNF could activate an mTOR signaling pathway. Subsequently, we used formalin-induced conditioned place avoidance (F-CPA) training in rat models to investigate if mTOR activation was required for pain-related aversion. We demonstrated that BDNF/mTOR signaling could activate the NMDA receptor subunit episilon-2 (NR2B), which is required for F-CPA. Our results reveal that BDNF activates mTOR to up-regulate NR2B expression, which is required for inflammatory pain-related aversion in the rACC of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuangui Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Fanceng Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Gongming Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dong He
- Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Le Yang
- Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Mengyuan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Schertzinger M, Wesson-Sides K, Parkitny L, Younger J. Daily Fluctuations of Progesterone and Testosterone Are Associated With Fibromyalgia Pain Severity. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2017; 19:410-417. [PMID: 29248511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this longitudinal blood sampling study was to examine relationships between sex hormones and fibromyalgia pain. Eight women meeting case definition criteria for fibromyalgia provided venous blood samples and reported their fibromyalgia pain severity over 25 consecutive days. All women exhibited normal menstrual cycles and were not taking oral contraceptives. Cortisol, and the sex hormones estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, were assayed from serum. A linear mixed model was used to determine if fluctuations of sex hormones were associated with changes in pain severity. In the entire sample, day to day changes in progesterone (P = .002) as well as testosterone (P = .015) were significantly and inversely correlated with pain severity. There was no relationship between estradiol and pain (P = .551) or cortisol and pain (P = .633). These results suggest that progesterone and testosterone play a protective role in fibromyalgia pain severity. Sex and other hormones may serve to increase as well as decrease fibromyalgia pain severity. PERSPECTIVE Sex hormones fluctuate normally in women with fibromyalgia, but may still contribute to pain severity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate Wesson-Sides
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychology, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Luke Parkitny
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychology, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jarred Younger
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychology, Birmingham, Alabama.
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Stinson C, Deng M, Yee MB, Bellinger LL, Kinchington PR, Kramer PR. Sex differences underlying orofacial varicella zoster associated pain in rats. BMC Neurol 2017; 17:95. [PMID: 28514943 PMCID: PMC5436469 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-017-0882-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most people are initially infected with varicella zoster virus (VZV) at a young age and this infection results in chickenpox. VZV then becomes latent and reactivates later in life resulting in herpes zoster (HZ) or "shingles". Often VZV infects neurons of the trigeminal ganglia to cause ocular problems, orofacial disease and occasionally a chronic pain condition termed post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). To date, no model has been developed to study orofacial pain related to varicella zoster. Importantly, the incidence of zoster associated pain and PHN is known to be higher in women, although reasons for this sex difference remain unclear. Prior to this work, no animal model was available to study these sex-differences. Our goal was to develop an orofacial animal model for zoster associated pain which could be utilized to study the mechanisms contributing to this sex difference. METHODS To develop this model VZV was injected into the whisker pad of rats resulting in IE62 protein expression in the trigeminal ganglia; IE62 is an immediate early gene in the VZV replication program. RESULTS Similar to PHN patients, rats showed retraction of neurites after VZV infection. Treatment of rats with gabapentin, an agent often used to combat PHN, ameliorated the pain response after whisker pad injection. Aversive behavior was significantly greater for up to 7 weeks in VZV injected rats over control inoculated rats. Sex differences were also seen such that ovariectomized and intact female rats given the lower dose of VZV showed a longer affective response than male rats. The phase of the estrous cycle also affected the aversive response suggesting a role for sex steroids in modulating VZV pain. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that this rat model can be utilized to study the mechanisms of 1) orofacial zoster associated pain and 2) the sex differences underlying zoster associated pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal Stinson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, 3302 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, TX 75246 USA
| | - Mohong Deng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Michael B Yee
- Dept Ophthalmology and of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, 203 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Larry L. Bellinger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, 3302 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, TX 75246 USA
| | - Paul R. Kinchington
- Dept Ophthalmology and of Molecular Microbiology and Genetics, 203 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Phillip R. Kramer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, 3302 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, TX 75246 USA
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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) contributes to neuropathic spontaneous pain-related aversion via NR2B receptors. Brain Res Bull 2016; 127:56-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Lu B, Jiang J, Sun J, Xiao C, Meng B, Zheng J, Li X, Wang R, Wu G, Chen J. Inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin activation in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex attenuates pain-related aversion in rats. Behav Brain Res 2016; 310:51-8. [PMID: 27163752 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Pain is a complex experience that comprises both sensory and affective dimensions. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays an important role in the modulation of neuronal plasticity associated with the pathogenesis of pain sensation. However, the role of mTOR in pain affect is unclear. Using a formalin-induced conditioned place avoidance (F-CPA) test, the current study investigated the effects of the mTOR specific inhibitor rapamycin on noxious stimulation induced aversion in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC). Intraplantar injection of 5% formalin was associated with significant activation of mTOR, as well as p70 ribosomal S6 protein (p70S6K), its downstream effector, in the rACC. The inhibition of mTOR activation with rapamycin disrupted pain-related aversion; however, this inhibition did not affect formalin-induced spontaneous nociceptive behaviors in rats. These findings demonstrated for the first time that mTOR and its downstream pathway in the rACC contribute to the induction of pain-related negative emotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Lu
- Department of Anesthesia, Ningbo NO. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, PR China
| | - Jingyan Jiang
- Department of Anesthesia, Yinzhou Hospital Affiliated to Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315040, PR China
| | - Jianliang Sun
- Department of Anesthesia, Hangzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, PR China
| | - Chun Xiao
- Department of Anesthesia, Hangzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310006, PR China
| | - Bo Meng
- Department of Anesthesia, Ningbo NO. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, PR China
| | - Jinwei Zheng
- Department of Anesthesia, Ningbo NO. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Anesthesia, Ningbo NO. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, PR China
| | - Ruichun Wang
- Department of Anesthesia, Ningbo NO. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, PR China
| | - Guorong Wu
- Department of Anesthesia, Ningbo NO. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, PR China
| | - Junping Chen
- Department of Anesthesia, Ningbo NO. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315010, PR China.
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Campbell SN, Zhang C, Roe AD, Lee N, Lao KU, Monte L, Donohue MC, Rissman RA. Impact of CRFR1 Ablation on Amyloid-β Production and Accumulation in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 45:1175-84. [PMID: 25697705 DOI: 10.3233/jad-142844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Stress exposure and the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system have been implicated as mechanistically involved in both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and associated rodent models. In particular, the major stress receptor, CRF receptor type 1 (CRFR1), modulates cellular activity in many AD-relevant brain areas, and has been demonstrated to impact both tau phosphorylation and amyloid-β (Aβ) pathways. The overarching goal of our laboratory is to develop and characterize agents that impact the CRF signaling system as disease-modifying treatments for AD. In the present study, we developed a novel transgenic mouse to determine whether partial or complete ablation of CRFR1 was feasible in an AD transgenic model and whether this type of treatment could impact Aβ pathology. Double transgenic AD mice (PSAPP) were crossed to mice null for CRFR1; resultant CRFR1 heterozygous (PSAPP-R1(+/-)) and homozygous (PSAPP-R1(-/-)) female offspring were used at 12 months of age to examine the impact of CRFR1 disruption on the severity of AD Aβ levels and pathology. We found that both PSAPP-R1(+/-) and PSAPP-R1(-/-) had significantly reduced Aβ burden in the hippocampus, insular, rhinal, and retrosplenial cortices. Accordingly, we observed dramatic reductions in Aβ peptides and AβPP-CTFs, providing support for a direct relationship between CRFR1 and Aβ production pathways. In summary, our results suggest that interference of CRFR1 in an AD model is tolerable and is efficacious in impacting Aβ neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon N Campbell
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Allyson D Roe
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nickey Lee
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kathleen U Lao
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Louise Monte
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael C Donohue
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA Department of Family Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert A Rissman
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Shum C, Macedo SC, Warre-Cornish K, Cocks G, Price J, Srivastava DP. Utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to understand the actions of estrogens in human neurons. Horm Behav 2015; 74:228-42. [PMID: 26143621 PMCID: PMC4579404 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Estradiol and Cognition". Over recent years tremendous progress has been made towards understanding the molecular and cellular mechanism by which estrogens exert enhancing effects on cognition, and how they act as a neuroprotective or neurotrophic agent in disease. Currently, much of this work has been carried out in animal models with only a limited number of studies using native human tissue or cells. Recent advances in stem cell technology now make it possible to reprogram somatic cells from humans into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can subsequently be differentiated into neurons of specific lineages. Importantly, the reprogramming of cells allows for the generation of iPSCs that retain the genetic "makeup" of the donor. Therefore, it is possible to generate iPSC-derived neurons from patients diagnosed with specific diseases, that harbor the complex genetic background associated with the disorder. Here, we review the iPSC technology and how it's currently being used to model neural development and neurological diseases. Furthermore, we explore whether this cellular system could be used to understand the role of estrogens in human neurons, and present preliminary data in support of this. We further suggest that the use of iPSC technology offers a novel system to not only further understand estrogens' effects in human cells, but also to investigate the mechanism by which estrogens are beneficial in disease. Developing a greater understanding of these mechanisms in native human cells will also aid in the development of safer and more effective estrogen-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Shum
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Cell and Behaviour Unit, The James Black Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Sara C Macedo
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Cell and Behaviour Unit, The James Black Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK; Faculty of Engineering, Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Katherine Warre-Cornish
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Cell and Behaviour Unit, The James Black Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Graham Cocks
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Cell and Behaviour Unit, The James Black Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Jack Price
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Cell and Behaviour Unit, The James Black Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Deepak P Srivastava
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Cell and Behaviour Unit, The James Black Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK.
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Brain neuroplastic changes accompany anxiety and memory deficits in a model of complex regional pain syndrome. Anesthesiology 2014; 121:852-65. [PMID: 25093591 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000000403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a painful condition with approximately 50,000 annual new cases in the United States. It is a major cause of work-related disability, chronic pain after limb fractures, and persistent pain after extremity surgery. Additionally, CRPS patients often experience cognitive changes, anxiety, and depression. The supraspinal mechanisms linked to these CRPS-related comorbidities remain poorly understood. METHODS The authors used a previously characterized mouse model of tibia fracture/cast immobilization showing the principal stigmata of CRPS (n = 8 to 20 per group) observed in humans. The central hypothesis was that fracture/cast mice manifest changes in measures of thigmotaxis (indicative of anxiety) and working memory reflected in neuroplastic changes in amygdala, perirhinal cortex, and hippocampus. RESULTS The authors demonstrate that nociceptive sensitization in these mice is accompanied by altered thigmotactic behaviors in the zero maze but not open field assay, and working memory dysfunction in novel object recognition and social memory but not in novel location recognition. Furthermore, the authors found evidence of structural changes and synaptic plasticity including changes in dendritic architecture and decreased levels of synaptophysin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in specific brain regions. CONCLUSIONS The study findings provide novel observations regarding behavioral changes and brain plasticity in a mouse model of CRPS. In addition to elucidating some of the supraspinal correlates of the syndrome, this work supports the potential use of therapeutic interventions that not only directly target sensory input and other peripheral mechanisms, but also attempt to ameliorate the broader pain experience by modifying its associated cognitive and emotional comorbidities.
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Leitl MD, Potter DN, Cheng K, Rice KC, Carlezon WA, Negus SS. Sustained pain-related depression of behavior: effects of intraplantar formalin and complete freund's adjuvant on intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) and endogenous kappa opioid biomarkers in rats. Mol Pain 2014; 10:62. [PMID: 25245060 PMCID: PMC4180532 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-10-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intraplantar administration of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and formalin are two noxious stimuli commonly used to produce sustained pain-related behaviors in rodents for research on neurobiology and treatment of pain. One clinically relevant manifestation of pain is depression of behavior and mood. This study compared effects of intraplantar CFA and formalin on depression of positively reinforced operant behavior in an assay of intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) in rats. Effects of CFA and formalin on other physiological and behavioral measures, and opioid effects on formalin-induced depression of ICSS, were also examined. RESULTS There were four main findings. First, consistent with previous studies, both CFA and formalin produced similar paw swelling and mechanical hypersensitivity. Second, CFA produced weak and transient depression of ICSS, whereas formalin produced a more robust and sustained depression of ICSS that lasted at least 14 days. Third, formalin-induced depression of ICSS was reversed by morphine doses that did not significantly alter ICSS in saline-treated rats, suggesting that formalin effects on ICSS can be interpreted as an example of pain-related and analgesic-reversible depression of behavior. Finally, formalin-induced depression of ICSS was not associated with changes in central biomarkers for activation of endogenous kappa opioid systems, which have been implicated in depressive-like states in rodents, nor was it blocked by the kappa antagonist norbinaltorphimine. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest differential efficacy of sustained pain stimuli to depress brain reward function in rats as assessed with ICSS. Formalin-induced depression of ICSS does not appear to engage brain kappa opioid systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Leitl
- />Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 N. 12th St., PO Box 980613, Richmond, VA USA
| | - David N Potter
- />Behavioral Genetics Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA USA
| | - Kejun Cheng
- />Chemical Biology Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- />Chemical Biology Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - William A Carlezon
- />Behavioral Genetics Laboratory, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA USA
| | - S Stevens Negus
- />Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 410 N. 12th St., PO Box 980613, Richmond, VA USA
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Regulation of the mouse medial prefrontal cortical synapses by endogenous estradiol. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:2086-94. [PMID: 24608267 PMCID: PMC4104325 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that low endogenous estradiol might be a susceptibility factor for anxiety and trauma-related disorders in women. Consistently, fear extinction, a form of inhibitory learning critical for the management of anxiety symptoms, is positively correlated with endogenous estradiol levels. To understand the synaptic basis of the effect of endogenous estradiol on fear extinction, we studied glutamatergic transmission and plasticity in the infralimbic medial prefrontal cortex (IL-mPFC), a brain region crucial for the regulation of fear extinction. Diestrus mice (low estradiol) exhibited a higher basal glutamatergic transmission compared with proestrus mice (high estradiol). Synaptic plasticity was also regulated by endogenous estradiol, which favored synaptic potentiation in a GluN2B-dependent manner. Activation of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) but not ERα rescued synaptic potentiation in diestrus mice by enhancing GluN2B-mediated NMDA receptor transmission. Our results suggest that both endogenous estradiol and ERβ activation facilitate the ability of the IL-mPFC synapses to undergo potentiation, a mechanism necessary for the regulation of fear extinction.
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Cao H, Zang KK, Han M, Zhao ZQ, Wu GC, Zhang YQ. Inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex attenuates pain-related negative emotion in rats. Brain Res Bull 2014; 107:79-88. [PMID: 25038392 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2014.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The emotional components of pain are far less studied than the sensory components. Previous studies have indicated that the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) is implicated in the affective response to noxious stimuli. Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in the spinal cord has been documented to play an important role in diverse kinds of pathological pain states. We used formalin-induced conditioned place aversion (F-CPA) in rats, an animal model believed to reflect the emotional response to pain, to investigate the involvement of p38 MAPK in the rACC after the induction of affective pain. Intraplantar formalin injection produced a significant activation of p38 MAPK, as well as mitogen-activated kinase kinase (MKK) 3 and MKK6, its upstream activators, in the bilateral rACC. p38 MAPK was elevated in both NeuN-positive neurons and Iba1-positive microglia in the rACC, but not GFAP-positive cells. Blocking p38 MAPK activation in the bilateral rACC using its specific inhibitor SB203580 or SB239063 dose-dependently suppressed the formation of F-CPA. Inhibiting p38 MAPK activation did not affect formalin-induced two-phase spontaneous nociceptive response and low intensity electric foot-shock induced CPA. The present study demonstrated that p38 MAPK signaling pathway in the rACC contributes to pain-related negative emotion. Thus, a new pharmacological strategy targeted at the p38 MAPK cascade may be useful in treating pain-related emotional disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Cao
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Kai-Kai Zang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mei Han
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhi-Qi Zhao
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Gen-Cheng Wu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yu-Qiu Zhang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Li LH, Wang ZC, Yu J, Zhang YQ. Ovariectomy results in variable changes in nociception, mood and depression in adult female rats. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94312. [PMID: 24710472 PMCID: PMC3978042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Decline in the ovarian hormones with menopause may influence somatosensory, cognitive, and affective processing. The present study investigated whether hormonal depletion alters the nociceptive, depressive-like and learning behaviors in experimental rats after ovariectomy (OVX), a common method to deplete animals of their gonadal hormones. OVX rats developed thermal hyperalgesia in proximal and distal tail that was established 2 weeks after OVX and lasted the 7 weeks of the experiment. A robust mechanical allodynia was also occurred at 5 weeks after OVX. In the 5th week after OVX, dilute formalin (5%)-induced nociceptive responses (such as elevating and licking or biting) during the second phase were significantly increased as compared to intact and sham-OVX females. However, chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve-induced mechanical allodynia did not differ as hormonal status (e.g. OVX and ovarian intact). Using formalin-induced conditioned place avoidance (F-CPA), which is believed to reflect the pain-related negative emotion, we further found that OVX significantly attenuated F-CPA scores but did not alter electric foot-shock-induced CPA (S-CPA). In the open field and forced swimming test, there was an increase in depressive-like behaviors in OVX rats. There was no detectable impairment of spatial performance by Morris water maze task in OVX rats up to 5 weeks after surgery. Estrogen replacement retrieved OVX-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity and depressive-like behaviors. This is the first study to investigate the impacts of ovarian removal on nociceptive perception, negative emotion, depressive-like behaviors and spatial learning in adult female rats in a uniform and standard way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hong Li
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe-Chen Wang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Yu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Shanghai Medical Colloge, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Qiu Zhang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail:
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Liu MG, Zhuo M. No requirement of TRPV1 in long-term potentiation or long-term depression in the anterior cingulate cortex. Mol Brain 2014; 7:27. [PMID: 24708859 PMCID: PMC4234987 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-7-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
One major interest in the study of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) in sensory system is that it may serve as a drug target for treating chronic pain. While the roles of TRPV1 in peripheral nociception and sensitization have been well documented, less is known about its contribution to pain-related cortical plasticity. Here, we used 64 multi-electrode array recording to examine the potential role of TRPV1 in two major forms of synaptic plasticity, long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). We found that pharmacological blockade of TRPV1 with either [(E)-3-(4-t-Butylphenyl)-N-(2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxin-6-yl)acrylamide] (AMG9810, 10 μM) or N-(3-methoxyphenyl)-4-chlorocinnamide (SB366791, 20 μM) failed to affect LTP induced by strong theta burst stimulation in the ACC of adult mice. Similarly, neither AMG9810 nor SB366791 blocked the cingulate LTD induced by low-frequency stimulation. Analysis of the results from different layers of the ACC obtained the same conclusions. Spatial distribution of LTP or LTD-showing channels among the ACC network was also unaltered by the TRPV1 antagonists. Since cortical LTP and LTD in the ACC play critical roles in chronic pain triggered by inflammation or nerve injury, our findings suggest that TRPV1 may not be a viable target for treating chronic pain, especially at the cortical level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Min Zhuo
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
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Bayer J, Schultz H, Gamer M, Sommer T. Menstrual-cycle dependent fluctuations in ovarian hormones affect emotional memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2014; 110:55-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2014.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Han M, Xiao X, Yang Y, Huang RY, Cao H, Zhao ZQ, Zhang YQ. SIP30 is required for neuropathic pain-evoked aversion in rats. J Neurosci 2014; 34:346-55. [PMID: 24403136 PMCID: PMC6608160 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3160-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
SIP30 (SNAP25 interacting protein of 30) is a SNAP25 interaction protein of 30 kDa that functions in neurotransmitter release. Using a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain, we profiled gene expression in the rat spinal cord and brain and identified sip30, which was upregulated after CCI. Here, we show that CCI induced a bilateral increase of SIP30 in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC), a key brain region that has been implicated in pain affect. We put rats in a chamber with one half painted white (light area) and the other half painted black (dark area), and measured neuropathic pain-evoked place escape/avoidance paradigm (PEAP) to quantify the level of negative emotion evoked by painful stimuli using a Von Frey hair. Inhibition of CCI-mediated induction of SIP30 by intra-rACC injection of shRNA targeting the rat sip30 gene reduced PEAP. Interestingly, knockdown of SIP30 did not affect CCI-induced evoked pain such as heat hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. Neither did it affect general learning and memory. CCI-induced upregulation of SIP30 was correlated with activation of ERK, PKA, and CREB in the rACC. Intra-rACC administration of PKA or ERK inhibitors suppressed CCI-induced SIP30 upregulation and blocked the induction of PEAP. Additionally, knockdown of SIP30 suppressed the frequency of mEPSCs and increased paired-pulse ratios in rACC slices and decreased extracellular glutamate concentrations. Together, our results highlight SIP30 as a target of PKA and ERK in the rACC to mediate neuropathic pain-evoked negative emotion via modulation of glutamate release and excitatory synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Han
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China, and
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China, and
| | - Yan Yang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China, and
| | - Ru-Yi Huang
- Department of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hong Cao
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China, and
| | - Zhi-Qi Zhao
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China, and
| | - Yu-Qiu Zhang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China, and
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Amandusson Å, Blomqvist A. Estrogenic influences in pain processing. Front Neuroendocrinol 2013; 34:329-49. [PMID: 23817054 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Gonadal hormones not only play a pivotal role in reproductive behavior and sexual differentiation, they also contribute to thermoregulation, feeding, memory, neuronal survival, and the perception of somatosensory stimuli. Numerous studies on both animals and human subjects have also demonstrated the potential effects of gonadal hormones, such as estrogens, on pain transmission. These effects most likely involve multiple neuroanatomical circuits as well as diverse neurochemical systems and they therefore need to be evaluated specifically to determine the localization and intrinsic characteristics of the neurons engaged. The aim of this review is to summarize the morphological as well as biochemical evidence in support for gonadal hormone modulation of nociceptive processing, with particular focus on estrogens and spinal cord mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Åsa Amandusson
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Srivastava DP, Woolfrey KM, Penzes P. Insights into rapid modulation of neuroplasticity by brain estrogens. Pharmacol Rev 2013; 65:1318-50. [PMID: 24076546 PMCID: PMC3799233 DOI: 10.1124/pr.111.005272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Converging evidence from cellular, electrophysiological, anatomic, and behavioral studies suggests that the remodeling of synapse structure and function is a critical component of cognition. This modulation of neuroplasticity can be achieved through the actions of numerous extracellular signals. Moreover, it is thought that it is the integration of different extracellular signals regulation of neuroplasticity that greatly influences cognitive function. One group of signals that exerts powerful effects on multiple neurologic processes is estrogens. Classically, estrogens have been described to exert their effects over a period of hours to days. However, there is now increasing evidence that estrogens can rapidly influence multiple behaviors, including those that require forebrain neural circuitry. Moreover, these effects are found in both sexes. Critically, it is now emerging that the modulation of cognition by rapid estrogenic signaling is achieved by activation of specific signaling cascades and regulation of synapse structure and function, cumulating in the rewiring of neural circuits. The importance of understanding the rapid effects of estrogens on forebrain function and circuitry is further emphasized as investigations continue to consider the potential of estrogenic-based therapies for neuropathologies. This review focuses on how estrogens can rapidly influence cognition and the emerging mechanisms that underlie these effects. We discuss the potential sources and the biosynthesis of estrogens within the brain and the consequences of rapid estrogenic-signaling on the remodeling of neural circuits. Furthermore, we argue that estrogens act via distinct signaling pathways to modulate synapse structure and function in a manner that may vary with cell type, developmental stage, and sex. Finally, we present a model in which the coordination of rapid estrogenic-signaling and activity-dependent stimuli can result in long-lasting changes in neural circuits, contributing to cognition, with potential relevance for the development of novel estrogenic-based therapies for neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak P Srivastava
- Department of Neuroscience & Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour, 125 Coldharbour Lane, The James Black Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, SE5 9NU, UK.
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Reichling DB, Green PG, Levine JD. The fundamental unit of pain is the cell. Pain 2013; 154 Suppl 1:S2-9. [PMID: 23711480 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2013.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Revised: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The molecular/genetic era has seen the discovery of a staggering number of molecules implicated in pain mechanisms [18,35,61,69,96,133,150,202,224]. This has stimulated pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to invest billions of dollars to develop drugs that enhance or inhibit the function of many these molecules. Unfortunately this effort has provided a remarkably small return on this investment. Inevitably, transformative progress in this field will require a better understanding of the functional links among the ever-growing ranks of "pain molecules," as well as their links with an even larger number of molecules with which they interact. Importantly, all of these molecules exist side-by-side, within a functional unit, the cell, and its adjacent matrix of extracellular molecules. To paraphrase a recent editorial in Science magazine [223], although we live in the Golden age of Genetics, the fundamental unit of biology is still arguably the cell, and the cell is the critical structural and functional setting in which the function of pain-related molecules must be understood. This review summarizes our current understanding of the nociceptor as a cell-biological unit that responds to a variety of extracellular inputs with a complex and highly organized interaction of signaling molecules. We also discuss the insights that this approach is providing into peripheral mechanisms of chronic pain and sex dependence in pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Reichling
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neuroscience, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Division of Neuroscience, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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