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Klawitter J, Weissenborn W, Gvon I, Walz M, Klawitter J, Jackson M, Sempio C, Joksimovic SL, Shokati T, Just I, Christians U, Todorovic SM. β-Caryophyllene Inhibits Monoacylglycerol Lipase Activity and Increases 2-Arachidonoyl Glycerol Levels In Vivo: A New Mechanism of Endocannabinoid-Mediated Analgesia? Mol Pharmacol 2024; 105:75-83. [PMID: 38195158 PMCID: PMC10794982 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.123.000668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of β-caryophyllene (BCP)-induced analgesia are not well studied. Here, we tested the efficacy of BCP in an acute postsurgical pain model and evaluated its effect on the endocannabinoid system. Rats were treated with vehicle and 10, 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg BCP. Paw withdrawal responses to mechanical stimuli were evaluated using an electronic von Frey anesthesiometer. Endocannabinoids, including 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), were also evaluated in plasma and tissues using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) activity was evaluated in vitro as well as ex vivo. We observed a dose-dependent and time-dependent alleviation of hyperalgesia in incised paws up to 85% of the baseline value at 30 minutes after administration of BCP. We also observed dose-dependent increases in the 2-AG levels of about threefold after administration of BCP as compared with vehicle controls. Incubations of spinal cord tissue homogenates from BCP-treated rats with isotope-labeled 2-arachidonoylglycerol-d8 revealed a reduced formation of the isotope-labeled MAGL product 2-AG-d8 as compared with vehicle controls, indicating MAGL enzyme inhibition. In vitro MAGL enzyme activity assessment using 2-AG as the substrate revealed an IC50 of 15.8 µM for MAGL inhibition using BCP. These data showed that BCP inhibits MAGL activity in vitro and in vivo, causing 2-AG levels to rise. Since the endocannabinoid 2-AG is a CB1 and CB2 receptor agonist, we propose that 2-AG-mediated cannabinoid receptor activation contributes to BCP's mechanism of analgesia. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: β-Caryophyllene (BCP) consumption is relatively safe and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a flavoring agent, which can be used in cosmetic and food additives. BCP is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that showed substantial antihyperalgesic properties in this study of acute pain suggesting that BCP might be an alternative to opioids. This study shows an additive mechanism (monoacylglycerol lipase inhibition) by which BCP might indirectly alter CB1 and CB2 receptor activity and exhibit its pharmacological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jost Klawitter
- Departments of Anesthesiology (J.K., W.W., I.G., M.W., J.K., M.J., C.S., S.L.J., T.S., U.C., S.M.T.) and Psychiatry (J.K.), School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany (W.W., I.G., I.J., U.C.); and Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (S.M.T.)
| | - Wiebke Weissenborn
- Departments of Anesthesiology (J.K., W.W., I.G., M.W., J.K., M.J., C.S., S.L.J., T.S., U.C., S.M.T.) and Psychiatry (J.K.), School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany (W.W., I.G., I.J., U.C.); and Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (S.M.T.)
| | - Iuliia Gvon
- Departments of Anesthesiology (J.K., W.W., I.G., M.W., J.K., M.J., C.S., S.L.J., T.S., U.C., S.M.T.) and Psychiatry (J.K.), School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany (W.W., I.G., I.J., U.C.); and Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (S.M.T.)
| | - Mackenzie Walz
- Departments of Anesthesiology (J.K., W.W., I.G., M.W., J.K., M.J., C.S., S.L.J., T.S., U.C., S.M.T.) and Psychiatry (J.K.), School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany (W.W., I.G., I.J., U.C.); and Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (S.M.T.)
| | - Jelena Klawitter
- Departments of Anesthesiology (J.K., W.W., I.G., M.W., J.K., M.J., C.S., S.L.J., T.S., U.C., S.M.T.) and Psychiatry (J.K.), School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany (W.W., I.G., I.J., U.C.); and Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (S.M.T.)
| | - Matthew Jackson
- Departments of Anesthesiology (J.K., W.W., I.G., M.W., J.K., M.J., C.S., S.L.J., T.S., U.C., S.M.T.) and Psychiatry (J.K.), School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany (W.W., I.G., I.J., U.C.); and Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (S.M.T.)
| | - Cristina Sempio
- Departments of Anesthesiology (J.K., W.W., I.G., M.W., J.K., M.J., C.S., S.L.J., T.S., U.C., S.M.T.) and Psychiatry (J.K.), School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany (W.W., I.G., I.J., U.C.); and Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (S.M.T.)
| | - Sonja L Joksimovic
- Departments of Anesthesiology (J.K., W.W., I.G., M.W., J.K., M.J., C.S., S.L.J., T.S., U.C., S.M.T.) and Psychiatry (J.K.), School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany (W.W., I.G., I.J., U.C.); and Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (S.M.T.)
| | - Touraj Shokati
- Departments of Anesthesiology (J.K., W.W., I.G., M.W., J.K., M.J., C.S., S.L.J., T.S., U.C., S.M.T.) and Psychiatry (J.K.), School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany (W.W., I.G., I.J., U.C.); and Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (S.M.T.)
| | - Ingo Just
- Departments of Anesthesiology (J.K., W.W., I.G., M.W., J.K., M.J., C.S., S.L.J., T.S., U.C., S.M.T.) and Psychiatry (J.K.), School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany (W.W., I.G., I.J., U.C.); and Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (S.M.T.)
| | - Uwe Christians
- Departments of Anesthesiology (J.K., W.W., I.G., M.W., J.K., M.J., C.S., S.L.J., T.S., U.C., S.M.T.) and Psychiatry (J.K.), School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany (W.W., I.G., I.J., U.C.); and Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (S.M.T.)
| | - Slobodan M Todorovic
- Departments of Anesthesiology (J.K., W.W., I.G., M.W., J.K., M.J., C.S., S.L.J., T.S., U.C., S.M.T.) and Psychiatry (J.K.), School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany (W.W., I.G., I.J., U.C.); and Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado (S.M.T.)
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Mensah-Nyagan AG, Meyer L, Patte-Mensah C. Modulatory role of neurosteroidogenesis in the spinal cord during peripheral nerve injury-induced chronic pain. Front Neuroendocrinol 2024; 72:101116. [PMID: 38182090 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
The brain and spinal cord (SC) are both targeted by various hormones, including steroid hormones. However, investigations of the modulatory role of hormones on neurobiological functions usually focus only on the brain. The SC received little attention although this structure pivotally controls motor and sensory functions. Here, we critically reviewed key data showing that the process of neurosteroid biosynthesis or neurosteroidogenesis occurring in the SC plays a pivotal role in the modulation of peripheral nerve injury-induced chronic pain (PNICP) or neuropathic pain. Indeed, several active steroidogenic enzymes expressed in the SC produce endogenous neurosteroids that interact with receptors of neurotransmitters controlling pain. The spinal neurosteroidogenesis is differentially regulated during PNICP condition and its blockade modifies painful sensations. The paper suggests that future investigations aiming to develop effective strategies against PNICP or neuropathic pain must integrate in a gender or sex dependent manner the regulatory effects exerted by spinal neurosteroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayikoe-Guy Mensah-Nyagan
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Université de Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Bâtiment CRBS de la Faculté de Médecine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Laurence Meyer
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Université de Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Bâtiment CRBS de la Faculté de Médecine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Christine Patte-Mensah
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Université de Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Bâtiment CRBS de la Faculté de Médecine, 1 rue Eugène Boeckel, 67 000 Strasbourg, France
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Jevtovic-Todorovic V, Todorovic SM. The Role of Neuroactive Steroids in Analgesia and Anesthesia: An Interesting Comeback? Biomolecules 2023; 13:1654. [PMID: 38002336 PMCID: PMC10669813 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Published evidence over the past few decades suggests that general anesthetics could be neurotoxins especially when administered at the extremes of age. The reported pathology is not only at the morphological level when examined in very young and aged brains, given that, importantly, newly developing evidence suggests a variety of behavioral impairments. Since anesthesia is unavoidable in certain clinical settings, we should consider the development of new anesthetics. A promising and safe solution could be a new family of anesthetics referred to as neuroactive steroids. In this review, we summarize the currently available evidence regarding their anesthetic and analgesic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
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Todorovic SM. Opioid-induced hyperalgesia: Are thalamic T-type calcium channels treatment targets? J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e165977. [PMID: 36519545 PMCID: PMC9753988 DOI: 10.1172/jci165977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is a state of paradoxically enhanced pain transmission, termed nociceptive sensitization, described to occur in both humans and animals after repeated administration of opioid drugs, including rapidly acting remifentanil. However, molecular mechanisms of OIH remain understudied. In this issue of the JCI, Yan Jin and colleagues provided strong evidence that hyperexcitable thalamocortical networks drive remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia in a rodent model of postsurgical pain. Furthermore, the authors specifically identified an important role of the CaV3.1 isoform of low-voltage-activated or T-type calcium channels (T-channels) in this process. Further experiments are needed to determine whether thalamic T channels could serve as targets for the treatment of OIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slobodan M. Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology and
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology Graduate Program; University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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5
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Joksimovic SL, Jevtovic-Todorovic V, Todorovic SM. The role of voltage-gated calcium channels in the mechanisms of anesthesia and perioperative analgesia. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2022; 35:436-441. [PMID: 35787588 PMCID: PMC9616208 DOI: 10.1097/aco.0000000000001159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW A family of neuronal voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) have received only recently a significant consideration regarding the mechanisms of anesthesia because VGCC inhibition may be important in anesthetic action by decreasing neuronal excitability and presynaptic excitatory transmission. The T-type VGCCs channels (T-channels), although rarely involved in synaptic neurotransmitter release, play an important role in controlling neuronal excitability and in generating spontaneous oscillatory bursting of groups of neurons in the thalamus thought to be involved in regulating the state of arousal and sleep. Furthermore, these channels are important regulators of neuronal excitability in pain pathway. This review will provide an overview of historic perspective and the recent literature on the role of VGCCs and T-channel inhibition in particular in the mechanisms of action of anesthetics and analgesics. RECENT FINDINGS Recent research in the field of novel mechanisms of hypnotic action of anesthetics revealed significant contribution of the Ca V 3.1 isoform of T-channels expressed in the thalamus. Furthermore, perioperative analgesia can be achieved by targeting Ca V 3.2 isoform of these channels that is abundantly expressed in pain pathways. SUMMARY The review summarizes current knowledge regarding the contribution of T-channels in hypnosis and analgesia. Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to validate their potential for developing novel anesthetics and new perioperative pain therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja L. Joksimovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Slobodan M. Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Harding EK, Zamponi GW. Central and peripheral contributions of T-type calcium channels in pain. Mol Brain 2022; 15:39. [PMID: 35501819 PMCID: PMC9063214 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00923-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractChronic pain is a severely debilitating condition that reflects a long-term sensitization of signal transduction in the afferent pain pathway. Among the key players in this pathway are T-type calcium channels, in particular the Cav3.2 isoform. Because of their biophysical characteristics, these channels are ideally suited towards regulating neuronal excitability. Recent evidence suggests that T-type channels contribute to excitability of neurons all along the ascending and descending pain pathways, within primary afferent neurons, spinal dorsal horn neurons, and within pain-processing neurons in the midbrain and cortex. Here we review the contribution of T-type channels to neuronal excitability and function in each of these neuronal populations and how they are dysregulated in chronic pain conditions. Finally, we discuss their molecular pharmacology and the potential role of these channels as therapeutic targets for chronic pain.
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Manzella FM, Covey DF, Jevtovic-Todorovic V, Todorovic SM. Synthetic neuroactive steroids as new sedatives and anaesthetics: Back to the future. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13086. [PMID: 35014105 PMCID: PMC8866223 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1990s, there has been waning interest in researching general anaesthetics (anaesthetics). Although currently used anaesthetics are mostly safe and effective, they are not without fault. In paediatric populations and neonatal animal models, they are associated with learning impairments and neurotoxicity. In an effort to research safer anaesthetics, we have gone back to re-examine neuroactive steroids as anaesthetics. Neuroactive steroids are steroids that have direct, local effects in the central nervous system. Since the discovery of their anaesthetic effects, neuroactive steroids have been consistently used in human or veterinary clinics as preferred anaesthetic agents. Although briefly abandoned for clinical use due to unwanted vehicle side effects, there has since been renewed interest in their therapeutic value. Neuroactive steroids are safe sedative/hypnotic and anaesthetic agents across various animal species. Importantly, unlike traditional anaesthetics, they do not cause extensive neurotoxicity in the developing rodent brain. Similar to traditional anaesthetics, neuroactive steroids are modulators of synaptic and extrasynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA ) receptors and their interactions at the GABAA receptor are stereo- and enantioselective. Recent work has also shown that these agents act on other ion channels, such as high- and low-voltage-activated calcium channels. Through these mechanisms of action, neuroactive steroids modulate neuronal excitability, which results in characteristic burst suppression of the electroencephalogram, and a surgical plane of anaesthesia. However, in addition to their interactions with voltage and ligand gated ions channels, neuroactive steroids interact with membrane bound metabotropic receptors and xenobiotic receptors to facilitate signaling of prosurvival, antiapoptotic pathways. These pathways play a role in their neuroprotective effects in neuronal injury and may also prevent extensive apoptosis in the developing brain during anaesthesia. The current review explores the history of neuroactive steroids as anaesthetics in humans and animal models, their diverse mechanisms of action, and their neuroprotective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca M Manzella
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Slobodan M Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Neudecker V, Perez-Zoghbi JF, Brambrink AM. Does inflammation mediate behavioural alterations in anaesthesia-induced developmental neurotoxicity? Br J Anaesth 2022; 128:602-605. [PMID: 35115157 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2021.12.040] [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] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaesthesia exposure early in life potentially impairs neurobehavioural development. A recent study in the Journal investigated the possibility that progesterone mitigates anaesthesia-induced developmental neurotoxicity in neonatal rats exposed to sevoflurane. The novel findings show that the steroid hormone progesterone protects against development of behavioural alterations caused by sevoflurane. The protective mechanism is proposed to relate to anti-inflammatory properties of progesterone, which brings up important questions regarding the role of inflammation in mediating the neurobehavioural alterations in anaesthesia-induced developmental neurotoxicity. We discuss this mechanism and encourage new research that may clarify the underlying mechanisms of progesterone-induced protection and extend these findings into a translational model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Neudecker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jose F Perez-Zoghbi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ansgar M Brambrink
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Trevisan G, Oliveira SM. Animal Venom Peptides Cause Antinociceptive Effects by Voltage-gated Calcium Channels Activity Blockage. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1579-1599. [PMID: 34259147 PMCID: PMC9881091 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210713121217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a complex phenomenon that is usually unpleasant and aversive. It can range widely in intensity, quality, and duration and has diverse pathophysiologic mechanisms and meanings. Voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels are essential to transmitting painful stimuli from the periphery until the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Thus, blocking voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) can effectively control pain refractory to treatments currently used in the clinic, such as cancer and neuropathic pain. VGCCs blockers isolated of cobra Naja naja kaouthia (α-cobratoxin), spider Agelenopsis aperta (ω-Agatoxin IVA), spider Phoneutria nigriventer (PhTx3.3, PhTx3.4, PhTx3.5, PhTx3.6), spider Hysterocrates gigas (SNX-482), cone snails Conus geographus (GVIA), Conus magus (MVIIA or ziconotide), Conus catus (CVID, CVIE and CVIF), Conus striatus (SO- 3), Conus fulmen (FVIA), Conus moncuri (MoVIA and MoVIB), Conus regularis (RsXXIVA), Conus eburneus (Eu1.6), Conus victoriae (Vc1.1.), Conus regius (RgIA), and spider Ornithoctonus huwena (huwentoxin-I and huwentoxin-XVI) venoms caused antinociceptive effects in different acute and chronic pain models. Currently, ziconotide is the only clinical used N-type VGCCs blocker peptide for chronic intractable pain. However, ziconotide causes different adverse effects, and the intrathecal route of administration also impairs its use in a more significant number of patients. In this sense, peptides isolated from animal venoms or their synthetic forms that act by modulating or blocking VGCCs channels seem to be a relevant prototype for developing new analgesics efficacious and well tolerated by patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Trevisan
- Graduated Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Sara Marchesan Oliveira
- Graduated Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
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Joksimovic SL, Lamborn N, Jevtovic-Todorovic V, Todorovic SM. Alpha lipoic acid attenuates evoked and spontaneous pain following surgical skin incision in rats. Channels (Austin) 2021; 15:398-407. [PMID: 33843451 PMCID: PMC8043189 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2021.1907058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies have implicated CaV3.2 isoform of T-type Ca2+ channels (T-channels) in the development of postsurgical pain. We have also previously established that different T-channel antagonists can alleviate in vivo postsurgical pain. Here we investigated the analgesic potential of another T-channel blocker and endogenous antioxidant molecule, α-lipoic acid (ALA), in a postsurgical pain model in rats. Our in vivo results suggest that single and repetitive intraperitoneal injections of ALA after surgery or preemptively, significantly reduced evoked mechanical hyperalgesia following surgical paw incision. Furthermore, repeated preemptive systemic injections of ALA effectively alleviated spontaneous postsurgical pain as determined by dynamic weight-bearing testing. We expect that our preclinical study may lead to further investigation of analgesic properties and mechanisms of analgesic action of ALA in patients undergoing surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Lj. Joksimovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nathan Lamborn
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Slobodan M. Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Graduate Program in Pharmacology, and Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus and Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, USA
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Coulter I, Timic Stamenic T, Eggan P, Fine BR, Corrigan T, Covey DF, Yang L, Pan JQ, Todorovic SM. Different roles of T-type calcium channel isoforms in hypnosis induced by an endogenous neurosteroid epipregnanolone. Neuropharmacology 2021; 197:108739. [PMID: 34339750 PMCID: PMC8478885 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many neuroactive steroids induce sedation/hypnosis by potentiating γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) currents. However, we previously demonstrated that an endogenous neuroactive steroid epipregnanolone [(3β,5β)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one] (EpiP) exerts potent peripheral analgesia and blocks T-type calcium currents while sparing GABAA currents in rat sensory neurons. This study seeks to investigate the behavioral effects elicited by systemic administration of EpiP and to characterize its use as an adjuvant agent to commonly used general anesthetics (GAs). METHODS Here, we utilized electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings to characterize thalamocortical oscillations, as well as behavioral assessment and mouse genetics with wild-type (WT) and different knockout (KO) models of T-channel isoforms to investigate potential sedative/hypnotic and immobilizing properties of EpiP. RESULTS Consistent with increased oscillations in slower EEG frequencies, EpiP induced an hypnotic state in WT mice when injected alone intra-peritoneally (i.p.) and effectively facilitated anesthetic effects of isoflurane (ISO) and sevoflurane (SEVO). The CaV3.1 (Cacna1g) KO mice demonstrated decreased sensitivity to EpiP-induced hypnosis when compared to WT mice, whereas no significant difference was noted between CaV3.2 (Cacna1h), CaV3.3 (Cacna1i) and WT mice. Finally, when compared to WT mice, onset of EpiP-induced hypnosis was delayed in CaV3.2 KO mice but not in CaV3.1 and CaV3.3 KO mice. CONCLUSION We posit that EpiP may have an important role as novel hypnotic and/or adjuvant to volatile anesthetic agents. We speculate that distinct hypnotic effects of EpiP across all three T-channel isoforms is due to their differential expression in thalamocortical circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Coulter
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado,
Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045
| | - Tamara Timic Stamenic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado,
Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045
| | - Pierce Eggan
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado,
Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045
| | - Brier R. Fine
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado,
Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045
| | - Timothy Corrigan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology,
Translational Epilepsy Research Program, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical
Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Douglas F. Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University
School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;,Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric
Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Lingling Yang
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of
Harvard and MIT
| | - Jen Q. Pan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of
Harvard and MIT
| | - Slobodan M. Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado,
Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045;,Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical
Campus, Aurora 80045;,Pharmacology Graduate Programs, University of Colorado,
Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora 80045
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12
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Joksimovic SM, Sampath D, Krishnan K, Covey DF, Jevtovic-Todorovic V, Raol YH, Todorovic SM. Differential effects of the novel neurosteroid hypnotic (3β,5β,17β)-3-hydroxyandrostane-17-carbonitrile on electroencephalogram activity in male and female rats. Br J Anaesth 2021; 127:435-446. [PMID: 33972091 PMCID: PMC8451239 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2021.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently showed that a neurosteroid analogue, (3β,5β,17β)-3-hydroxyandrostane-17-carbonitrile (3β-OH), induced hypnosis in rats. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hypnotic and anaesthetic potential of 3β-OH further using electroencephalography. METHODS We used behavioural assessment and cortical electroencephalogram (EEG) spectral power analysis to examine hypnotic and anaesthetic effects of 3β-OH (30 and 60 mg kg-1) administered intraperitoneally or intravenously to young adult male and female rats. RESULTS We found dose-dependent sex differences in 3β-OH-induced hypnosis and EEG changes. Both male and female rats responded similarly to i.p. 3β-OH 30 mg kg-1. However, at the higher dose (60 mg kg-1, i.p.), female rats had two-fold longer duration of spontaneous immobility than male rats (203.4 [61.6] min vs 101.3 [32.1] min), and their EEG was suppressed in the low-frequency range (2-6 Hz), in contrast to male rats. Although a sex-dependent hypnotic effect was not confirmed after 30 mg kg-1 i.v., female rats appeared more sensitive to 3β-OH with relatively small changes within delta (1-4 Hz) and alpha (8-13 Hz) bands. Finally, 3β-OH had a rapid onset of action and potent hypnotic/anaesthetic effect after 60 mg kg-1 i.v. in rats of both sexes; however, all female rats and only half of the male rats reached burst suppression, an EEG pattern usually associated with profound inhibition of thalamocortical networks. CONCLUSIONS Based on its behavioural effects and EEG signature, 3β-OH is a potent hypnotic in rats, with female rats being more sensitive than male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srdjan M Joksimovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Dayalan Sampath
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University System, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Kathiresan Krishnan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA; Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Yogendra H Raol
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Translational Epilepsy Research Program, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Slobodan M Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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13
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Harding EK, Dedek A, Bonin RP, Salter MW, Snutch TP, Hildebrand ME. The T-type calcium channel antagonist, Z944, reduces spinal excitability and pain hypersensitivity. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:3517-3532. [PMID: 33871884 PMCID: PMC8453510 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose T‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels are an emerging therapeutic target for neurological disorders including epilepsy and pain. Inhibition of T‐type channels reduces the excitability of peripheral nociceptive sensory neurons and reverses pain hypersensitivity in male rodent pain models. However, administration of peripherally restricted T‐type antagonists failed to show efficacy in multiple clinical and preclinical pain trials, suggesting that inhibition of peripheral T‐type channels alone may be insufficient for pain relief. Experimental Approach We utilized the selective and CNS‐penetrant T‐type channel antagonist, Z944, in electrophysiological, calcium imaging and behavioural paradigms to determine its effect on lamina I neuron excitability and inflammatory pain behaviours. Key Results Voltage‐clamp recordings from lamina I spinal neurons of adult rats revealed that approximately 80% of neurons possess a low threshold T‐type current, which was blocked by Z944. Due to this highly prevalent T‐type current, Z944 potently blocked action‐potential evoked somatic and dendritic calcium transients in lamina I neurons. Moreover, application of Z944 to spinal cord slices attenuated action potential firing rates in over half of laminae I/II neurons. Finally, we found that intraperitoneal injection of Z944 (1–10 mg·kg−1) dose‐dependently reversed mechanical allodynia in the complete Freund's adjuvant model of persistent inflammatory pain, with a similar magnitude and time course of analgesic effects between male and female rats. Conclusion and Implications T‐type calcium channels critically shape the excitability of lamina I pain processing neurons and inhibition of these channels by the clinical stage antagonist Z944 potently reverses pain hypersensitivity across sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika K Harding
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Annemarie Dedek
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert P Bonin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael W Salter
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terrance P Snutch
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael E Hildebrand
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Joksimovic SL, Evans JG, McIntire WE, Orestes P, Barrett PQ, Jevtovic-Todorovic V, Todorovic SM. Glycosylation of Ca V3.2 Channels Contributes to the Hyperalgesia in Peripheral Neuropathy of Type 1 Diabetes. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:605312. [PMID: 33384586 PMCID: PMC7770106 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.605312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies implicated glycosylation of the CaV3.2 isoform of T-type Ca2+ channels (T-channels) in the development of Type 2 painful peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Here we investigated biophysical mechanisms underlying the modulation of recombinant CaV3.2 channel by de-glycosylation enzymes such as neuraminidase (NEU) and PNGase-F (PNG), as well as their behavioral and biochemical effects in painful PDN Type 1. In our in vitro study we used whole-cell recordings of current-voltage relationships to confirm that CaV3.2 current densities were decreased ~2-fold after de-glycosylation. Furthermore, de-glycosylation induced a significant depolarizing shift in the steady-state relationships for activation and inactivation while producing little effects on the kinetics of current deactivation and recovery from inactivation. PDN was induced in vivo by injections of streptozotocin (STZ) in adult female C57Bl/6j wild type (WT) mice, adult female Sprague Dawley rats and CaV3.2 knock-out (KO mice). Either NEU or vehicle (saline) were locally injected into the right hind paws or intrathecally. We found that injections of NEU, but not vehicle, completely reversed thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia in diabetic WT rats and mice. In contrast, NEU did not alter baseline thermal and mechanical sensitivity in the CaV3.2 KO mice which also failed to develop painful PDN. Finally, we used biochemical methods with gel-shift analysis to directly demonstrate that N-terminal fragments of native CaV3.2 channels in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are glycosylated in both healthy and diabetic animals. Our results demonstrate that in sensory neurons glycosylation-induced alterations in CaV3.2 channels in vivo directly enhance diabetic hyperalgesia, and that glycosylation inhibitors can be used to ameliorate painful symptoms in Type 1 diabetes. We expect that our studies may lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying painful PDN in an effort to facilitate the discovery of novel treatments for this intractable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Lj Joksimovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - J Grayson Evans
- Undergraduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - William E McIntire
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Peihan Orestes
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Paula Q Barrett
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | | | - Slobodan M Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States.,Neuroscience Graduate Program and Graduate Program in Pharmacology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
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15
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Tat QL, Joksimovic SM, Krishnan K, Covey DF, Todorovic SM, Jevtovic-Todorovic V. Preemptive Analgesic Effect of Intrathecal Applications of Neuroactive Steroids in a Rodent Model of Post-Surgical Pain: Evidence for the Role of T-Type Calcium Channels. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122674. [PMID: 33322727 PMCID: PMC7763050 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Preemptive management of post-incisional pain remains challenging. Here, we examined the role of preemptive use of neuroactive steroids with activity on low-voltage activated T-type Ca2+ channels (T-channels) and γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors in the development and maintenance of post-incisional pain. We use neuroactive steroids with distinct effects on GABAA receptors and/or T-channels: Alphaxalone (combined GABAergic agent and T-channel inhibitor), ECN (T-channel inhibitor), CDNC24 (GABAergic agent), and compared them with an established analgesic, morphine (an opioid agonist without known effect on either T-channels or GABAA receptors). Adult female rats sustained the skin and muscle incision on the plantar surface of the right paw. We injected the agents of choice intrathecally either before or after the development of post-incisional pain. The pain development was monitored by studying mechanical hypersensitivity. Alphaxalone and ECN, but not morphine, are effective in alleviating mechanical hyperalgesia when administered preemptively whereas morphine provides dose-dependent pain relief only when administered once the pain had developed. CDNC24 on the other hand did not offer any analgesic benefit. Neuroactive steroids that inhibit T-currents—Alphaxalone and ECN—unlike morphine, are effective preemptive analgesics that may offer a promising therapeutic approach to the treatment of post-incisional pain, especially mechanical hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quy L. Tat
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (Q.L.T.); (S.M.J.); (S.M.T.)
| | - Srdjan M. Joksimovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (Q.L.T.); (S.M.J.); (S.M.T.)
| | - Kathiresan Krishnan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (K.K.); (D.F.C.)
| | - Douglas F. Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (K.K.); (D.F.C.)
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Slobodan M. Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (Q.L.T.); (S.M.J.); (S.M.T.)
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (Q.L.T.); (S.M.J.); (S.M.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-720-848-6723
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16
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Huang Y, Lu Y, Zhao X, Zhang J, Zhang F, Chen Y, Bi L, Gu J, Jiang Z, Wu X, Li Q, Liu Y, Shen J, Liu X. Cytokine activin C ameliorates chronic neuropathic pain in peripheral nerve injury rodents by modulating the TRPV1 channel. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:5642-5657. [PMID: 33095918 PMCID: PMC7707095 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The cytokine activin C is mainly expressed in small-diameter dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and suppresses inflammatory pain. However, the effects of activin C in neuropathic pain remain elusive. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male rats and wild-type and TRPV1 knockout mice with peripheral nerve injury - sciatic nerve axotomy and spinal nerve ligation in rats; chronic constriction injury (CCI) in mice - provided models of chronic neuropathic pain. Ipsilateral lumbar (L)4-5 DRGs were assayed for activin C expression. Chronic neuropathic pain animals were treated with intrathecal or locally pre-administered activin C or the vehicle. Nociceptive behaviours and pain-related markers in L4-5 DRGs and spinal cord were evaluated. TRPV1 channel modulation by activin C was measured. KEY RESULTS Following peripheral nerve injury, expression of activin βC subunit mRNA and activin C protein was markedly up-regulated in L4-5 DRGs of animals with axotomy, SNL or CCI. [Correction added on 26 November 2020, after first online publication: The preceding sentence has been corrected in this current version.] Intrathecal activin C dose-dependently inhibited neuropathic pain in spinal nerve ligated rats. Local pre-administration of activin C decreased neuropathic pain, macrophage infiltration into ipsilateral L4-5 DRGs and microglial reaction in L4-5 spinal cords of mice with CCI. In rat DRG neurons, activin C enhanced capsaicin-induced TRPV1 currents. Pre-treatment with activin C reduced capsaicin-evoked acute hyperalgesia and normalized capsaicin-evoked persistent hypothermia in mice. Finally, the analgesic effect of activin C was abolished in TRPV1 knockout mice with CCI. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Activin C inhibits neuropathic pain by modulating TRPV1 channels, revealing potential analgesic applications in chronic neuropathic pain therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya‐Kun Huang
- School of PharmacyNantong UniversityNantongChina
- Pain and Related Diseases Research LaboratoryShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Yu‐Gang Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pulmonary HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of GeriatricsRenji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jing‐Bing Zhang
- Pain and Related Diseases Research LaboratoryShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | | | - Yong Chen
- School of PharmacyNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Ling‐Bo Bi
- School of PharmacyNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Jia‐Hui Gu
- School of PharmacyNantong UniversityNantongChina
| | - Zuo‐Jie Jiang
- Pain and Related Diseases Research LaboratoryShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Xiao‐Man Wu
- Pain and Related Diseases Research LaboratoryShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Qing‐Yi Li
- Pain and Related Diseases Research LaboratoryShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Yanli Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical ScienceSoochow UniversitySuzhouChina
| | - Jian‐Xin Shen
- Pain and Related Diseases Research LaboratoryShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Xing‐Jun Liu
- School of PharmacyNantong UniversityNantongChina
- Pain and Related Diseases Research LaboratoryShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
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17
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Joksimovic SL, Joksimovic SM, Manzella FM, Asnake B, Orestes P, Raol YH, Krishnan K, Covey DF, Jevtovic-Todorovic V, Todorovic SM. Novel neuroactive steroid with hypnotic and T-type calcium channel blocking properties exerts effective analgesia in a rodent model of post-surgical pain. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:1735-1753. [PMID: 31732978 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Neuroactive steroid (3β,5β,17β)-3-hydroxyandrostane-17-carbonitrile (3β-OH) is a novel hypnotic and voltage-dependent blocker of T-type calcium channels. Here, we examine its potential analgesic effects and adjuvant anaesthetic properties using a post-surgical pain model in rodents. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Analgesic properties of 3β-OH were investigated in thermal and mechanical nociceptive tests in sham or surgically incised rats and mice, with drug injected either systemically (intraperitoneal) or locally via intrathecal or intraplantar routes. Hypnotic properties of 3β-OH and its use as an adjuvant anaesthetic in combination with isoflurane were investigated using behavioural experiments and in vivo EEG recordings in adolescent rats. KEY RESULTS A combination of 1% isoflurane with 3β-OH (60 mg·kg-1 , i.p.) induced suppression of cortical EEG and stronger thermal and mechanical anti-hyperalgesia during 3 days post-surgery, when compared to isoflurane alone and isoflurane with morphine. 3β-OH exerted prominent enantioselective thermal and mechanical antinociception in healthy rats and reduced T-channel-dependent excitability of primary sensory neurons. Intrathecal injection of 3β-OH alleviated mechanical hyperalgesia, while repeated intraplantar application alleviated both thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia in the rats after incision. Using mouse genetics, we found that CaV 3.2 T-calcium channels are important for anti-hyperalgesic effect of 3β-OH and are contributing to its hypnotic effect. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our study identifies 3β-OH as a novel analgesic for surgical procedures. 3β-OH can be used to reduce T-channel-dependent excitability of peripheral sensory neurons as an adjuvant for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia while improving analgesia and lowering the amount of volatile anaesthetic needed for surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Lj Joksimovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Co, USA.,Pharmacology Graduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Srdjan M Joksimovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Co, USA
| | - Francesca M Manzella
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Co, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Betelehem Asnake
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Peihan Orestes
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Co, USA
| | - Yogendra H Raol
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Translational Epilepsy Research Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kathiresan Krishnan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Co, USA
| | - Slobodan M Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Co, USA.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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