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Wang X, Luo H, Peng X, Chen J. Spider and scorpion knottins targeting voltage-gated sodium ion channels in pain signaling. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116465. [PMID: 39102991 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116465] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
In sensory neurons that transmit pain signals, whether acute or chronic, voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are crucial for regulating excitability. NaV1.1, NaV1.3, NaV1.6, NaV1.7, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9 have been demonstrated and defined their functional roles in pain signaling based on their biophysical properties and distinct patterns of expression in each subtype of sensory neurons. Scorpions and spiders are traditional Chinese medicinal materials, belonging to the arachnid class. Most of the studied species of them have evolved venom peptides that exhibit a wide variety of knottins specifically targeting VGSCs with subtype selectivity and conformational specificity. This review provides an overview on the exquisite knottins from scorpion and spider venoms targeting pain-related NaV channels, describing the sequences and the structural features as well as molecular determinants that influence their selectivity on special subtype and at particular conformation, with an aim for the development of novel research tools on NaV channels and analgesics with minimal adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiting Wang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China
| | - Huan Luo
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China
| | - Xiaozhen Peng
- School of Public Health & Laboratory Medicine, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China.
| | - Jinjun Chen
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan 410128, China; Hunan Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Cell Mechanics and Function Analysis, Changsha 418000, China.
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Pei S, Wang N, Mei Z, Zhangsun D, Craik DJ, McIntosh JM, Zhu X, Luo S. Conotoxins Targeting Voltage-Gated Sodium Ion Channels. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:828-845. [PMID: 38914468 PMCID: PMC11331937 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000923] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels are intimately involved in the generation and transmission of action potentials, and dysfunction of these channels may contribute to nervous system diseases, such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain, psychosis, autism, and cardiac arrhythmia. Many venom peptides selectively act on NaV channels. These include conotoxins, which are neurotoxins secreted by cone snails for prey capture or self-defense but which are also valuable pharmacological tools for the identification and/or treatment of human diseases. Typically, conotoxins contain two or three disulfide bonds, and these internal crossbraces contribute to conotoxins having compact, well defined structures and high stability. Of the conotoxins containing three disulfide bonds, some selectively target mammalian NaV channels and can block, stimulate, or modulate these channels. Such conotoxins have great potential to serve as pharmacological tools for studying the functions and characteristics of NaV channels or as drug leads for neurologic diseases related to NaV channels. Accordingly, discovering or designing conotoxins targeting NaV channels with high potency and selectivity is important. The amino acid sequences, disulfide bond connectivity, and three-dimensional structures are key factors that affect the biological activity of conotoxins, and targeted synthetic modifications of conotoxins can greatly improve their activity and selectivity. This review examines NaV channel-targeted conotoxins, focusing on their structures, activities, and designed modifications, with a view toward expanding their applications. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: NaV channels are crucial in various neurologic diseases. Some conotoxins selectively target NaV channels, causing either blockade or activation, thus enabling their use as pharmacological tools for studying the channels' characteristics and functions. Conotoxins also have promising potential to be developed as drug leads. The disulfide bonds in these peptides are important for stabilizing their structures, thus leading to enhanced specificity and potency. Together, conotoxins targeting NaV channels have both immediate research value and promising future application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengrong Pei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Nan Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Zaoli Mei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Dongting Zhangsun
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - David J Craik
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Xiaopeng Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
| | - Sulan Luo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Special Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, China (S.P., N.W., Z.M., D.Z., X.Z., S.L.); Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, Haikou, China (D.Z., S.L.); Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (D.J.C.); Departments of Biology and Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.); and George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (J.M.M.)
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Ruan Y, Jin X, Ji H, Zhu C, Yang Y, Zhou Y, Yu G, Wang C, Tang Z. Water extract of Notopterygium incisum alleviates cold allodynia in neuropathic pain by regulation of TRPA1. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 305:116065. [PMID: 36587876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Neuropathic pain can be debilitating and drastically affects the quality of life of those patients suffering from this condition. The Chinese herb Notopterygium incisum Ting ex H.T. Chang has long been used to disperse "cold". One under examined clinical feature of neuropathic pain is sensitivity to cold. Patients with neuropathic pain or arthritis usually describe a worsening of symptoms during the winter. AIMS OF THIS STUDY We proposed to test the hypothesis that Notopterygium incisum has a positive effect on the cold sensitivity found in neuropathic pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we established chronic constriction injury (CCI) and cisplatin induced neuropathic pain mice models. Behavioral experiments and physiological examination methods were employed to investigate the effect of water extract of Notopterygium incisum (WN) on cold pain. RESULTS We found WN reduced cold pain and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC, Transient Receptor Potential A1 (TRPA1 agonist)) induced pain. WN inhibited AITC induced calcium response in HEK 293 cells transfected with TRPA1 and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Moreover, we found that oral administration of WN reduced cold allodynia and mechanical allodynia caused by (CCI) and cisplatin induced neuropathic pain. We also observed that oral administration of WN decreased responses to AITC in DRG neurons as well as expression of TRPA1 in the WN treated neuropathic pain model. CONCLUSIONS The present study provide evidence that Notopterygium incisum alleviates cold allodynia in CCI and cisplatin induced neuropathic pain mouse models. WN alleviated neuropathic pain induced cold allodynia via directly modulating TRPA1. Our findings identify WN as a promising candidate for treating neuropathic pain that highlights a new mechanism of Notopterygium incisum on 'disperse cold'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglan Ruan
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Xiang Jin
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Haiwang Ji
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Chan Zhu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yan Yang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yuan Zhou
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Guang Yu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Changming Wang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Zongxiang Tang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Jin X, Cheng J, Zhang Q, Ji H, Zhu C, Yang Y, Zhou Y, Yu G, Wang C, Tang Z. Aconitine - A promising candidate for treating cold and mechanical allodynia in cancer induced bone pain. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114284. [PMID: 36868017 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Patients suffering from cancer induced bone pain (CIBP) have a poor quality of life that is exacerbated by the lack of effective therapeutic drugs. Monkshood is a flowering plant that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine where it has been used to relieve cold pain. Aconitine is the active component of monkshood, but the molecular mechanism for how this compound reduces pain is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we employed molecular and behavioral experiments to explore the analgesic effect of aconitine. We observed aconitine alleviated cold hyperalgesia and AITC (allyl-isothiocyanate, TRPA1 agonist) induced pain. Interestingly, we found aconitine directly inhibits TRPA1 activity in calcium imaging studies. More importantly, we found aconitine alleviated cold and mechanical allodynia in CIBP mice. Both the activity and expression of TRPA1 in L4 and L5 DRG (Dorsal Root Ganglion) neurons were reduced with the treatment of aconitine in the CIBP model. Moreover, we observed aconiti radix (AR) and aconiti kusnezoffii radix (AKR), both components of monkshood that contain aconitine, alleviated cold hyperalgesia and AITC induced pain. Furthermore, both AR and AKR alleviated CIBP induced cold allodynia and mechanical allodynia. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, aconitine alleviates both cold and mechanical allodynia in cancer induced bone pain via the regulation of TRPA1. This research on the analgesic effect of aconitine in cancer induced bone pain highlights a component of a traditional Chinese medicine may have clinical applications for pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Jin
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Rd, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jiafei Cheng
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine (Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine), Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Qing Zhang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Rd, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Haiwang Ji
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Rd, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Chan Zhu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Rd, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yan Yang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Rd, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yuan Zhou
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Rd, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Guang Yu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Rd, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Changming Wang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Rd, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zongxiang Tang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Rd, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China.
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Wang Q, Wang R, Zheng C, Zhang L, Meng H, Zhang Y, Ma L, Chen B, Wang J. Anticonvulsant Activity of Bombyx batryticatus and Analysis of Bioactive Extracts Based on UHPLC-Q-TOF MS/MS and Molecular Networking. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27238315. [PMID: 36500408 PMCID: PMC9740854 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Bombyx batryticatus (BB) is an anticonvulsant animal medicine in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acts on the central nervous system. This research aimed to study the anticonvulsant effects of different polarity fractions of extracts from BB and to explore the components conferring anticonvulsant activity. Materials and methods: Crude extracts of BB at 20 g/kg were divided into different polarity fractions (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, water) and were administered to groups of mice before injecting pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) to induce convulsions. The animals were placed in chambers, and their behaviors were recorded for 30 min following the injection. Latency time, percent of protection, convulsion, convulsion rate, and convulsion score were determined for these mice. The compounds present in the different fractions were analyzed, and those from the fraction that conferred anticonvulsant activity were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF MS) and molecular networking (MN). The chloroform extract fractions (B-C) clearly increased the seizure latency time and protection percentage and decreased the convulsion percentage compared to the control group. The anticonvulsant effect of other extract fractions was not significant. Our study shows that the chloroform extract fractions (B-C) of BB have a significant anticonvulsant effect. We also identified 17 compounds including lumichrome, pheophorbide A, and episyringaresinol 4'-O-beta-d-glucopyranose that were found for the first time. The results of this study may lay the groundwork for studying compounds derived from Bombyx batryticatus and their anticonvulsant effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Rong Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory of Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Traditional Chinese Patent Medicine), Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Cheng Zheng
- NMPA Key Laboratory of Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Traditional Chinese Patent Medicine), Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory of Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Traditional Chinese Patent Medicine), Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Hong Meng
- Department of Pharmacological Toxicology, Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Linke Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory of Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Traditional Chinese Patent Medicine), Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (B.C.); (J.W.)
| | - Bilian Chen
- NMPA Key Laboratory of Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Traditional Chinese Patent Medicine), Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (B.C.); (J.W.)
| | - Juanjuan Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory of Quality Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Traditional Chinese Patent Medicine), Zhejiang Institute for Food and Drug Control, Hangzhou 310052, China
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (B.C.); (J.W.)
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Liu Y, Li Y, Zhu Y, Zhang L, Ji J, Gui M, Li C, Song Y. Study of Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activity of Scorpion Toxins DKK-SP1/2 from Scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch ( BmK). Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13070498. [PMID: 34357970 PMCID: PMC8310270 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13070498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK), is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used for a long history for the treatment of many diseases, such as inflammation, pain and cancer. In this study, DKK-SP1/2/3 genes were screened and extracted from the cDNA library of BmK. The DKK-SP1/2/3 were expressed by using plasmid pSYPU-1b in E. coli BL21, and recombinant proteins were obtained by column chromatography. In the xylene-induced mouse ear swelling and carrageenan-induced rat paw swelling model, DKK-SP1 exerted a significant anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the expression of Nav1.8 channel. Meanwhile, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (COX-2, IL-6) was decreased significantly and the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) were elevated significantly. Moreover, DKK-SP1 could significantly decrease the Nav1.8 current in acutely isolated rat DRG neurons. In the acetic acid-writhing and ION-CCI model, DKK-SP2 displayed significant analgesic activity by inhibiting the expression of the Nav1.7 channel. Moreover, DKK-SP2 could significantly inhibit the Nav1.7 current in the hNav1.7-CHO cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxia Liu
- College of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.L.); (M.G.)
| | - Yan Li
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.J.)
| | - Yuchen Zhu
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.J.)
| | - Liping Zhang
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.J.)
| | - Junyu Ji
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.J.)
| | - Mingze Gui
- College of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.L.); (M.G.)
| | - Chunli Li
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.J.)
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yongbo Song
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China; (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.J.)
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (Y.S.)
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Haberberger RV, Barry C, Matusica D. Immortalized Dorsal Root Ganglion Neuron Cell Lines. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:184. [PMID: 32636736 PMCID: PMC7319018 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is one of the most significant causes of suffering and disability world-wide, and arguably the most burdensome global health challenge. The growing number of patients suffering from chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome, migraine and irritable bowel syndrome, not only reflect the complexity and heterogeneity of pain types, but also our lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Sensory neurons within the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) have emerged as viable targets for effective chronic pain therapy. However, DRG's contain different classes of primary sensory neurons including pain-associated nociceptive neurons, non-nociceptive temperature sensing, mechanosensory and chemoreceptive neurons, as well as multiple types of immune and endothelial cells. This cell-population heterogeneity makes investigations of individual subgroups of DRG neurons, such as nociceptors, difficult. In attempts to overcome some of these difficulties, a limited number of immortalized DRG-derived cell lines have been generated over the past few decades. In vitro experiments using DRG-derived cell lines have been useful in understanding sensory neuron function. In addition to retaining phenotypic similarities to primary cultured DRG neurons, these cells offer greater suitability for high throughput assays due to ease of culture, maintenance, growth efficiency and cost-effectiveness. For accurate interpretation and translation of results it is critical, however, that phenotypic similarities and differences of DRG-derived cells lines are methodically compared to native neurons. Published reports to date show notable variability in how these DRG-derived cells are maintained and differentiated. Understanding the cellular and molecular differences stemming from different culture methods, is essential to validate past and future experiments, and enable these cells to be used to their full potential. This review describes currently available DRG-derived cell lines, their known sensory and nociceptor specific molecular profiles, and summarize their morphological features related to differentiation and neurite outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Viktor Haberberger
- Anatomy & Histology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health & Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Christine Barry
- Anatomy & Histology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health & Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Dusan Matusica
- Anatomy & Histology, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health & Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Anticonvulsant Effects of Dingxian Pill in Pentylenetetrazol-Kindled Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:4534167. [PMID: 31011358 PMCID: PMC6442303 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4534167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Dingxian pill has been used as an antiepilepsy agent in China from ancient to modern times, of which the concrete pharmacological characterization and the underlying molecular mechanism remain unclear. The present study was undertaken to investigate them by animal behavior, electroencephalogram (EEG), Morris water maze, immunohistochemistry, transcriptomics, and real-time PCR. In our results, the treatment of Dingxian pill dose-dependently inhibited PTZ-induced seizure-like behavior and reduced the seizure grades, LFP power spectral density, and brain wave of the epileptiform EEG component induced by PTZ. In Morris water maze tests, the learning and memory ability of kindled epileptic rats could be attenuated more efficiently by Dingxian pill. For the immediate early gene c-fos, the expression was reduced after Dingxian pill treatment, and the difference was significant between the treatment and the model group. Through the transcriptome analysis of the gene expression in hippocampus, Egr3, Nrg, Arc, and Ptgs2, closely related to epilepsy, had been proved to be downregulated by application of Dingxian pill. All of the results not only highlight the antiepileptic effects of Dingxian pill and its molecular mechanism, but also provide a modern validity theory for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
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Tao J, Jiang F, Liu C, Liu Z, Zhu Y, Xu J, Ge Y, Xu K, Yin P. Modulatory effects of bufalin, an active ingredient from toad venom on voltage-gated sodium channels. Mol Biol Rep 2018; 45:721-740. [PMID: 29931533 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-018-4213-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chan-su (toad venom) has been used as an analgesic agent in China from ancient to modern times. Bufalin, a non-peptide toxin extracted from toad venom, is considered as one of the analgesic components. The molecular mechanism underlying the anti-nociceptive effects of bufalin remains unclear so far. In this study, we investigated the pharmacological effects of bufalin on pain-related ion channels as well as animal models through patch clamping, calcium imaging and animal behavior observation. Using the whole-cell recording, bufalin caused remarkable suppressive effect on the peak currents of Nav channels (voltage gated sodium channels, VGSCs) of dorsal root ganglion neuroblastomas (ND7-23 cell) in a dose-dependent manner. Bufalin facilitated the voltage-dependent activation and induced a negative shift on the fast inactivation of VGSCs. The recovery kinetics of VGSCs were significantly slowed and the recovery proportion were reduced after administering bufalin. However, bufalin prompted no significant effect not only on Kv4.2, Kv4.3 and BK channels heterologously expressed in HEK293T cells, but also on the capsaicin and allyl isothiocyanate induced Ca2+ influx. What's more, bufalin could observably relieve formalin-induced spontaneous flinching and licking response as well as carrageenan-induced thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia in dose-dependent manner in agreement with the results of in vitro experiments. The present results imply that the remarkable anti-nociceptive effects produced by bufalin are probably ascribed to its specific regulation on Nav channels. Bufalin inhibits the Nav channels in a dose-dependent manner, which will provide references for the optimal dose selection of analgesia drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Tao
- Department of Central Laboratory and Neurosurgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Feng Jiang
- Xinhua Hospital (Chongming) Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Chongming Xinhua Translational Medical Institute for Cancer Pain, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory and Neurosurgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhirui Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yudan Zhu
- Department of Central Laboratory and Neurosurgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Central Laboratory and Neurosurgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqin Ge
- Department of Central Laboratory and Neurosurgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kan Xu
- Department of Central Laboratory and Neurosurgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Peihao Yin
- Department of Central Laboratory and Neurosurgery, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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10
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Maatoug R, Jebali J, Guieu R, De Waard M, Kharrat R. BotAF, a new Buthus occitanus tunetanus scorpion toxin, produces potent analgesia in rodents. Toxicon 2018; 149:72-85. [PMID: 29337220 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This work reports the purification of new potent scorpion neuropeptide, named BotAF, by an activity-guided screening approach. BotAF is a 64-residue long-chain peptide that shares very high similarity with the original β-like scorpion toxin group, in which several peptides have been characterized to be anti-nociceptive in rodents. BotAF administration to rodents does not produce any toxicity or motor impairment, including at high doses. In all models investigated, BotAF turned out to be an efficient peptide in abolishing acute and inflammatory (both somatic and visceral) pain in rodents. It performs with high potency compared to standard analgesics tested in the same conditions. The anti-nociceptive activity of BotAF depends on the route of injection: it is inactive when tested by i.c.v. or i.v. routes but gains in potency when pre-injected locally (in the same compartment than the irritant itself) or by i.t. root 40 to 60 min before pain induction, respectively. BotAF is not an AINS-like compound as it fails to reduce inflammatory edema. Also, it does not activate the opioidergic system as its activity is not affected by naloxone. BotAF does also not bind onto RyR and has low activity towards DRG ion channels (particularly TTX sensitive Na+ channels) and does not bind onto rat brain synaptosome receptors. In somatic and visceral pain models, BotAF dose-dependently inhibited lumbar spinal cord c-fos/c-jun mRNA up regulation. Altogether, our data favor a spinal or peripheral anti-nociceptive mode of action of BotAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riadh Maatoug
- Université de Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques, 13, Place Pasteur BP-74, Tunis, 1002, Tunisia
| | - Jed Jebali
- Université de Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques, 13, Place Pasteur BP-74, Tunis, 1002, Tunisia
| | - Régis Guieu
- Biochimie, Hôpital de la Timone, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Michel De Waard
- Inserm U1087, Institut du Thorax, groupe IIb, Université de Nantes, 8 quai moncousu, 44000, Nantes, France; Smartox Biotechnology, 570 rue de la chimie, bâtiment Nanobio, 38700, Saint Martin d'Hères, France
| | - Riadh Kharrat
- Université de Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratoire des Venins et Biomolécules Thérapeutiques, 13, Place Pasteur BP-74, Tunis, 1002, Tunisia.
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11
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Yang F, Liu S, Zhang Y, Qin C, Xu L, Li W, Cao Z, Li W, Wu Y. Expression of recombinant α-toxin BmKM9 from scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch and its functional characterization on sodium channels. Peptides 2018; 99:153-160. [PMID: 28986244 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Scorpion toxins are invaluable pharmacological tools for studying ion channels and potential drugs for channelopathies. The long-chain toxins from scorpion venom with four disulfide bridges exhibit their unusual bioactivity or biotoxicity by acting on the sodium channels. However, the functional properties of most toxins are still unclear due to their tiny amounts in crude venom and their challenging production by chemical and gene engineering techniques. Here, we expressed one of the long-chain α-toxins, BmKM9, found in the venom of the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch and characterized its pharmacological properties on sodium channels. Unlike previous toxin production, the recombinant BmKM9 (rBmKM9) possessed no additional amino acid residues such as the His-tag and thrombin cleavage site. The refolded toxin could inhibit the inactivation of rNav1.4, hNav1.5 and hNav1.7 sodium channels. Dose-response experiments were further conducted on these channels. The calculated EC50 values were 131.7±6.6nM for rNav1.4, 454.2±50.1nM for hNav1.5 and 30.9±10.3μM for hNav1.7. The channel activation experiments indicated that the rBmKM9 toxin could shift the activation curves of rNav1.4 and hNav1.5 channels toward a more negative direction and present the typical features of a β-toxin. However, instead of the same activation property on sodium channels, the rBmKM9 toxin could result in different inactivation shift capabilities on rNav1.4 and hNav1.5 channels. The V1/2 values of the steady-state inactivation were altered to be more positive for rNav1.4 and more negative for hNav1.5. Moreover, the recovery of the hNav1.5 channel from inactivation was more significantly delayed than that of the rNav1.4 channel by exposure to rBmKM9. Together, these findings highlighted that the rBmKM9 toxin presents the pharmacological properties of both α- and β-toxins, which would increase the challenge to the classical classification of scorpion toxins. Furthermore, the expression method and functional information on sodium channels would promote the potential application of toxins and contribute to further channel structural and functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yaoyun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Chenhu Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Lingna Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wenhua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Biodrug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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12
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Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are critical in generation and conduction of electrical signals in multiple excitable tissues. Natural toxins, produced by animal, plant, and microorganisms, target VGSCs through diverse strategies developed over millions of years of evolutions. Studying of the diverse interaction between VGSC and VGSC-targeting toxins has been contributing to the increasing understanding of molecular structure and function, pharmacology, and drug development potential of VGSCs. This chapter aims to summarize some of the current views on the VGSC-toxin interaction based on the established receptor sites of VGSC for natural toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghua Ji
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
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13
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Meng X, Xu Y, Wang F, Zhao M, Hou X, Ma Y, Jin Y, Liu Y, Song Y, Zhang J. The roles of conserved aromatic residues (Tyr5 and Tyr42) in interaction of scorpion toxin BmK AGP-SYPU1 with human Na v 1.7. Int J Biol Macromol 2017; 99:105-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 12/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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14
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Housley DM, Housley GD, Liddell MJ, Jennings EA. Scorpion toxin peptide action at the ion channel subunit level. Neuropharmacology 2016; 127:46-78. [PMID: 27729239 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This review categorizes functionally validated actions of defined scorpion toxin (SCTX) neuropeptides across ion channel subclasses, highlighting key trends in this rapidly evolving field. Scorpion envenomation is a common event in many tropical and subtropical countries, with neuropharmacological actions, particularly autonomic nervous system modulation, causing significant mortality. The primary active agents within scorpion venoms are a diverse group of small neuropeptides that elicit specific potent actions across a wide range of ion channel classes. The identification and functional characterisation of these SCTX peptides has tremendous potential for development of novel pharmaceuticals that advance knowledge of ion channels and establish lead compounds for treatment of excitable tissue disorders. This review delineates the unique specificities of 320 individual SCTX peptides that collectively act on 41 ion channel subclasses. Thus the SCTX research field has significant translational implications for pathophysiology spanning neurotransmission, neurohumoral signalling, sensori-motor systems and excitation-contraction coupling. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Housley
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Cairns Campus, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Gary D Housley
- Translational Neuroscience Facility and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael J Liddell
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science and College of Science & Engineering, Cairns Campus, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Ernest A Jennings
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, Cairns Campus, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia; Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics, James Cook University, Queensland 4878, Australia; Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns Campus, QLD, Australia
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15
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Chen Q, Tao J, Hei H, Li F, Wang Y, Peng W, Zhang X. Up-Regulatory Effects of Curcumin on Large Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ Channels. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144800. [PMID: 26672753 PMCID: PMC4682634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Large conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels (BK) are targets for research that explores therapeutic means to various diseases, owing to the roles of the channels in mediating multiple physiological processes in various cells and tissues. We investigated the pharmacological effects of curcumin, a compound isolated from the herb Curcuma longa, on BK channels. As recorded by whole-cell patch-clamp, curcumin increased BK (α) and BK (α+β1) currents in transfected HEK293 cells as well as the current density of BK in A7r5 smooth muscle cells in a dose-dependent manner. By incubating with curcumin for 24 hours, the current density of exogenous BK (α) in HEK293 cells and the endogenous BK in A7r5 cells were both enhanced notably, though the steady-state activation of the channels did not shift significantly, except for BK (α+β1). Curcumin up-regulated the BK protein expression without changing its mRNA level in A7r5 cells. The surface expression and the half-life of BK channels were also increased by curcumin in HEK293 cells. These effects of curcumin were abolished by MG-132, a proteasome inhibitor. Curcumin also increased ERK 1/2 phosphorylation, while inhibiting ERK by U0126 attenuated the curcumin-induced up-regulation of BK protein expression. We also observed that the curcumin-induced relaxation in the isolated rat aortic rings was significantly attenuated by paxilline, a BK channel specific blocker. These results show that curcumin enhances the activity of the BK channels by interacting with BK directly as well as enhancing BK protein expression through inhibiting proteasomal degradation and activating ERK signaling pathway. The findings suggest that curcumin is a potential BK channel activator and provide novel insight into its complicated pharmacological effects and the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijing Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jie Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Department of Nephrology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,164 Lanxi road, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Hongya Hei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Fangping Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yunman Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,164 Lanxi road, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Wen Peng
- Department of Nephrology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,164 Lanxi road, Shanghai, 200062, China
- * E-mail: (XZ); (WP)
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201203, China
- * E-mail: (XZ); (WP)
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16
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Feng YJ, Feng Q, Tao J, Zhao R, Ji YH. Allosteric interactions between receptor site 3 and 4 of voltage-gated sodium channels: a novel perspective for the underlying mechanism of scorpion sting-induced pain. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2015; 21:42. [PMID: 26491429 PMCID: PMC4612427 DOI: 10.1186/s40409-015-0043-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND BmK I, a site-3-specific modulator of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), causes pain and hyperalgesia in rats, while BmK IT2, a site-4-specific modulator of VGSCs, suppresses pain-related responses. A stronger pain-related effect has been previously attributed to Buthus martensi Karsch (BmK) venom, which points out the joint pharmacological effect in the crude venom. METHODS In order to detect the joint effect of BmK I and BmK IT2 on ND7-23 cells, the membrane current was measured by whole cell recording. BmK I and BmK IT2 were applied successively and jointly, and the synergistic modulations of VGSCs on ND7-23 cells were detected. RESULTS Larger peak INa and more negative half-activation voltage were elicited by joint application of BmK I and BmK IT2 than by application of BmK I or BmK IT2 alone. Compared to the control, co-applied BmK I and BmK IT2 also significantly prolonged the time constant of inactivation. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that site-4 toxin (BmK IT2) could enhance the pharmacological effect induced by site-3 toxin (BmK I), suggesting a stronger effect elicited by both toxins that alone usually exhibit opposite pharmacological effects, which is related to the allosteric interaction between receptor site 3 and site 4. Meanwhile, these results may bring a novel perspective for exploring the underlying mechanisms of scorpion sting-induced pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jun Feng
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai, 200444 China
| | - Qi Feng
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai, 200444 China
| | - Jie Tao
- Department of Nephrology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 164 Lanxi Road, Shanghai, 200062 China ; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Rong Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Yong-Hua Ji
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai, 200444 China
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17
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Meng X, Xu Y, Zhao M, Wang F, Ma Y, Jin Y, Liu Y, Song Y, Zhang J. The Functional Property Changes of Muscular Nav1.4 and Cardiac Nav1.5 Induced by Scorpion Toxin BmK AGP-SYPU1 Mutants Y42F and Y5F. Biochemistry 2015; 54:2988-96. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangxue Meng
- School of Life Sciences & Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
- Benxi
Medicine Institute, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shiqiaozi, 177005 Benxi, PR China
| | - Yijia Xu
- School of Life Sciences & Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
| | - Mingyi Zhao
- School of Life Sciences & Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
| | - Fangyang Wang
- School of Life Sciences & Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Ma
- School of Life Sciences & Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
| | - Yao Jin
- School of Life Sciences & Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
| | - Yanfeng Liu
- School of Life Sciences & Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
| | - Yongbo Song
- School of Life Sciences & Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
| | - Jinghai Zhang
- School of Life Sciences & Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
- School
of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua
Road, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
- Benxi
Medicine Institute, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shiqiaozi, 177005 Benxi, PR China
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18
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Recombinant expression and functional characterization of martentoxin: a selective inhibitor for BK channel (α + β4). Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:1419-33. [PMID: 24759175 PMCID: PMC4014743 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6041419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Martentoxin (MarTX), a 37-residue peptide purified from the venom of East-Asian scorpion (Buthus martensi Karsch), was capable of blocking large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels. Here, we report an effective expression and purification approach for this toxin. The cDNA encoding martentoxin was expressed by the prokaryotic expression system pGEX-4T-3 which was added an enterokinase cleavage site by PCR. The fusion protein (GST-rMarTX) was digested by enterokinase to release hetero-expressed toxin and further purified via reverse-phase HPLC. The molecular weight of the hetero-expressed rMarTX was 4059.06 Da, which is identical to that of the natural peptide isolated from scorpion venom. Functional characterization through whole-cell patch clamp showed that rMarTX selectively and potently inhibited the currents of neuronal BK channels (α + β4) (IC50 = 186 nM), partly inhibited mKv1.3, but hardly having any significant effect on hKv4.2 and hKv3.1a even at 10 μM. Successful expression of martentoxin lays basis for further studies of structure-function relationship underlying martentoxin or other potassium-channel specific blockers.
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19
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Liu ZR, Tao J, Dong BQ, Ding G, Cheng ZJ, He HQ, Ji YH. Pharmacological kinetics of BmK AS, a sodium channel site 4-specific modulator on Nav1.3. Neurosci Bull 2014; 28:209-21. [PMID: 22622820 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-012-1234-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, the pharmacological kinetics of Buthus martensi Karsch (BmK) AS, a specific modulator of voltage-gated sodium channel site 4, was investigated on Na(v)1.3 expressed in Xenopus oocytes. METHODS Two-electrode voltage clamp was used to record the whole-cell sodium current. RESULTS The peak currents of Na(v)1.3 were depressed by BmK AS over a wide range of concentrations (10, 100, and 500 nmol/L). Most remarkably, BmK AS at 100 nmol/L hyperpolarized the voltage-dependence and increased the voltage-sensitivity of steady-state activation/inactivation. In addition, BmK AS was capable of hyperpolarizing not only the fast inactivation but also the slow inactivation, with a greater preference for the latter. Moreover, BmK AS accelerated the time constant and increased the ratio of recovery in Na(v)1.3 at all concentrations. CONCLUSION This study provides direct evidence that BmK AS facilitates steady-state activation and inhibits slow inactivation by stabilizing both the closed and open states of the Na(v)1.3 channel, which might result from an integrative binding to two receptor sites on the voltage-gated sodium channels. These results may shed light on therapeutics against Na(v)1.3-targeted pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Rui Liu
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
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20
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Liu ZR, Zhang H, Wu JQ, Zhou JJ, Ji YH. PKA phosphorylation reshapes the pharmacological kinetics of BmK AS, a unique site-4 sodium channel-specific modulator. Sci Rep 2014; 4:3721. [PMID: 24430351 PMCID: PMC5379197 DOI: 10.1038/srep03721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Although modulation of the activity of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) by protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation has been investigated in multiple preparations, the pharmacological sensitivity of VGSCs to scorpion toxins after PKA phosphorylation has rarely been approached. In this study, the effects of BmK AS, a sodium channel-specific modulator from Chinese scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch, on the voltage-dependent activation and inactivation of Nav1.2 were examined before and after PKA activation. After PKA phosphorylation, the pattern of dose-dependent modulation of BmK AS, on both Nav1.2α and Nav1.2 (α + β1) was reshaped. Meanwhile, the shifts in voltage-dependency of activation and inactivation induced by BmK AS were attenuated. The results suggested that PKA might play a role in different patterns how β-like toxins such as BmK AS modulate gating properties and peak currents of VGSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z R Liu
- 1] Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Medical Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, South Chongqing Road 280, Shanghai 200025, P.R.China [2] Lab of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai 200436, P.R. China
| | - H Zhang
- Lab of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai 200436, P.R. China
| | - J Q Wu
- Lab of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai 200436, P.R. China
| | - J J Zhou
- Lab of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai 200436, P.R. China
| | - Y H Ji
- 1] Lab of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Nanchen Road 333, Shanghai 200436, P.R. China [2] Shanghai Chongmin Xinhua Translational Institute of Cancer Pain, Nanmen Road 25, Shanghai 202151, P.R. China
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21
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Jiang F, Hua LM, Jiao YL, Ye P, Fu J, Cheng ZJ, Ding G, Ji YH. Activation of mammalian target of rapamycin contributes to pain nociception induced in rats by BmK I, a sodium channel-specific modulator. Neurosci Bull 2013; 30:21-32. [PMID: 24132796 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-013-1377-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2012] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is essential for maintenance of the sensitivity of certain adult sensory neurons. Here, we investigated whether the mTOR cascade is involved in scorpion envenomation-induced pain hypersensitivity in rats. The results showed that intraplantar injection of a neurotoxin from Buthus martensii Karsch, BmK I (10 μg), induced the activation of mTOR, as well as its downstream molecules p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase (p70 S6K) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), in lumbar 5-6 dorsal root ganglia neurons on both sides in rats. The activation peaked at 2 h and recovered 1 day after injection. Compared with the control group, the ratios of p-mTOR/p-p70 S6K/p-4EBP1 in three types of neurons changed significantly. The cell typology of p-mTOR/p-p70 S6K/p-4E-BP1 immuno-reactive neurons also changed. Intrathecal administration of deforolimus, a specific inhibitor of mTOR, attenuated BmK I-induced pain responses (spontaneous flinching, paroxysmal pain-like behavior, and mechanical hypersensitivity). Together, these results imply that the mTOR signaling pathway is mobilized by and contributes to experimental scorpion sting-induced pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Jiang
- Xinhua Hospital (Chongming) Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Chongming Xinhua Translational Medical Institute for Cancer Pain, Shanghai, 202150, China
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Jiang F, Pang XY, Niu QS, Hua LM, Cheng M, Ji YH. Activation of mammalian target of rapamycin mediates rat pain-related responses induced by BmK I, a sodium channel-specific modulator. Mol Pain 2013; 9:50. [PMID: 24099268 PMCID: PMC3842742 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-9-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is known to regulate cell proliferation and growth by controlling protein translation. Recently, it has been shown that mTOR signaling pathway is involved in long-term synaptic plasticity. However, the role of mTOR under different pain conditions is less clear. In this study, the spatiotemporal activation of mTOR that contributes to pain-related behaviors was investigated using a novel animal inflammatory pain model induced by BmK I, a sodium channel-specific modulator purified from scorpion venom. In this study, intraplantar injections of BmK I were found to induce the activation of mTOR, p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase (p70 S6K) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) in rat L5-L6 spinal neurons. In the spinal cord, mTOR, p70 S6K and 4E-BP1 were observed to be activated in the ipsilateral and contralateral regions, peaking at 1-2 h and recovery at 24 h post-intraplantar (i.pl.) BmK I administration. In addition, intrathecal (i.t.) injection of rapamycin - a specific inhibitor of mTOR - was observed to result in the reduction of spontaneous pain responses and the attenuation of unilateral thermal and bilateral mechanical hypersensitivity elicited by BmK I. Thus, these results indicate that the mTOR signaling pathway is mobilized in the induction and maintenance of pain-activated hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Jiang
- Lab of Neuropharmacology & Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, 200444 Shanghai, P,R, China.
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Leipold E, Borges A, Heinemann SH. Scorpion β-toxin interference with NaV channel voltage sensor gives rise to excitatory and depressant modes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 139:305-19. [PMID: 22450487 PMCID: PMC3315148 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201110720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion β toxins, peptides of ∼70 residues, specifically target voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels to cause use-dependent subthreshold channel openings via a voltage–sensor trapping mechanism. This excitatory action is often overlaid by a not yet understood depressant mode in which NaV channel activity is inhibited. Here, we analyzed these two modes of gating modification by β-toxin Tz1 from Tityus zulianus on heterologously expressed NaV1.4 and NaV1.5 channels using the whole cell patch-clamp method. Tz1 facilitated the opening of NaV1.4 in a use-dependent manner and inhibited channel opening with a reversed use dependence. In contrast, the opening of NaV1.5 was exclusively inhibited without noticeable use dependence. Using chimeras of NaV1.4 and NaV1.5 channels, we demonstrated that gating modification by Tz1 depends on the specific structure of the voltage sensor in domain 2. Although residue G658 in NaV1.4 promotes the use-dependent transitions between Tz1 modification phenotypes, the equivalent residue in NaV1.5, N803, abolishes them. Gating charge neutralizations in the NaV1.4 domain 2 voltage sensor identified arginine residues at positions 663 and 669 as crucial for the outward and inward movement of this sensor, respectively. Our data support a model in which Tz1 can stabilize two conformations of the domain 2 voltage sensor: a preactivated outward position leading to NaV channels that open at subthreshold potentials, and a deactivated inward position preventing channels from opening. The results are best explained by a two-state voltage–sensor trapping model in that bound scorpion β toxin slows the activation as well as the deactivation kinetics of the voltage sensor in domain 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Leipold
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena and Jena University Hospital, Jena D-07745, Germany
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Zhang Y, Xu J, Wang Z, Zhang X, Liang X, Civelli O. BmK-YA, an enkephalin-like peptide in scorpion venom. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40417. [PMID: 22792309 PMCID: PMC3392217 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
By screening extracts of venom from the Asian scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK) for their abilities to activate opioid receptors, we have identified BmK-YA, an amidated peptide containing an enkephalin-like sequence. BmK-YA is encoded by a precursor that displays a signal sequence and contains four copies of BmK-YA sequences and four of His4-BmK-YA, all flanked by single amino acid residues. BmK-YA and His4-BmK-YA are amidated and thus fulfill the characteristics expected of bioactive peptides. BmK-YA can activate mammalian opioid receptors with selectivity for the δ subtype while His4-BmK-YA is inactive at opioid receptors. The discovery of BmK-YA suggests that scorpion venom may represent a novel source of bioactive molecules targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and reveal additional insights on the evolution of the opioid precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Junyan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Xiuli Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Xinmiao Liang
- Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- * E-mail: (XL); (OC)
| | - Olivier Civelli
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (XL); (OC)
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Zhao R, Weng CC, Feng Q, Chen L, Zhang XY, Zhu HY, Wang Y, Ji YH. Anticonvulsant activity of BmK AS, a sodium channel site 4-specific modulator. Epilepsy Behav 2011; 20:267-76. [PMID: 21239233 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2010] [Revised: 11/29/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The anticonvulsant activity of BmK AS, a sodium channel site 4-selective modulator purified from scorpion venom (Buthus martensi Karsch), was investigated in unanesthetized rats with acute pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)- and pilocarpine-induced seizures. Rats were microinjected in the CA1 region with either saline or BmK AS, followed by epileptogenic doses of PTZ or pilocarpine 30 minutes later. The anticonvulsant efficacy of BmK AS in PTZ- or pilocarpine-evoked seizure-like behavior and cortical epileptiform EEG activity was assessed. Intrahippocampal injections of BmK AS (0.05-1 μg in 1 μL) produced dose-dependent anticonvulsant activity in the PTZ model, suppressing seizure-associated behavior and reducing both the number and duration of high-amplitude, high-frequency discharges (HAFDs) on the EEG. In contrast, BmK AS did not affect the epileptiform EEG in the pilocarpine model over the same dose range, although it did increase the latency to status epilepticus onset and slightly, but significantly, reduced the seizure score. In summary, our results demonstrate that the sodium channel site 4-selective modulator BmK AS is an effective inhibitor of PTZ- but not pilocarpine-induced acute seizures. These results indicate that BmK AS may serve as a novel probe in exploring the role of different sodium channel subtypes in an epileptogenic setting and as a potential lead in developing antiepileptic drugs specifically for the therapy of sodium channel site 4-related epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhao
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Neurotoxicology, Shanghai University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Erratum. Br J Pharmacol 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00737.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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