Tumor-evoked sensitization of C nociceptors: a role for endothelin

Involvement of HDAC2-mediated kcnq2/kcnq3 genes transcription repression activated by EREG/EGFR-ERK-Runx1 signaling in bone cancer pain

Bone cancer pain (BCP) represents a prevalent symptom among cancer patients with bone metastases, yet its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. This study investigated the transcriptional regulation mechanism of Kv7(KCNQ)/M potassium channels in DRG neurons and its involvement in the development of BCP in rats. We show that HDAC2-mediated transcriptional repression of kcnq2/kcnq3 genes, which encode Kv7(KCNQ)/M potassium channels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG), contributes to the sensitization of DRG neurons and the pathogenesis of BCP in rats. Also, HDAC2 requires the formation of a corepressor complex with MeCP2 and Sin3A to execute transcriptional regulation of kcnq2/kcnq3 genes. Moreover, EREG is identified as an upstream signal molecule for HDAC2-mediated kcnq2/kcnq3 genes transcription repression. Activation of EREG/EGFR-ERK-Runx1 signaling, followed by the induction of HDAC2-mediated transcriptional repression of kcnq2/kcnq3 genes in DRG neurons, leads to neuronal hyperexcitability and pain hypersensitivity in tumor-bearing rats. Consequently, the activation of EREG/EGFR-ERK-Runx1 signaling, along with the subsequent transcriptional repression of kcnq2/kcnq3 genes by HDAC2 in DRG neurons, underlies the sensitization of DRG neurons and the pathogenesis of BCP in rats. These findings uncover a potentially targetable mechanism contributing to bone metastasis-associated pain in cancer patients.

Systemic administration of Resolvin D1 reduces cancer-induced bone pain in mice: Lack of sex dependency in pain development and analgesia

AIMS

Bone cancer produces severe pain that is treated with opioids, but serious side effects limit opioid utilization. There is therefore a need to develop effective and safe non-opioid alternatives. The lipid mediator, Resolvin D1 (RvD1), could be a prospective candidate for cancer pain treatment. To assess RvD1 and other potential candidates, appropriate animal models that recapitulate clinical features must be used. Although several preclinical models of cancer pain have been developed, the influence of sex on the development of cancer pain and the effectiveness of RvD1 have not been studied.

RESULTS

Using a mouse model of fibrosarcoma growth in and around the calcaneus bone, we demonstrated that the mechanical hyperalgesia in the tumor-bearing hind paw develops independently of sex, except that it developed a little sooner in female mice. A single intravenous injection of RvD1 (0.001-10 μg/kg) decreased hyperalgesia in both sexes with similar potency (ED50 = 0.0015 μg/kg) and efficacy. Repeated daily administration of 10 μg/kg RvD1 prolonged the analgesic effect and completely abolished hyperalgesia. This was also independent of sex.

CONCLUSION

In this preclinical mouse model of bone cancer pain, the development of pain and the analgesic effectiveness of RvD1 are not influenced by sex.

Exosome-associated lysophosphatidic acid signaling contributes to cancer pain

ABSTRACT

Pain associated with bone cancer remains poorly managed, and chemotherapeutic drugs used to treat cancer usually increase pain. The discovery of dual-acting drugs that reduce cancer and produce analgesia is an optimal approach. The mechanisms underlying bone cancer pain involve interactions between cancer cells and nociceptive neurons. We demonstrated that fibrosarcoma cells express high levels of autotaxin (ATX), the enzyme synthetizing lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). Lysophosphatidic acid increased proliferation of fibrosarcoma cells in vitro. Lysophosphatidic acid is also a pain-signaling molecule, which activates LPA receptors (LPARs) located on nociceptive neurons and satellite cells in dorsal root ganglia. We therefore investigated the contribution of the ATX-LPA-LPAR signaling to pain in a mouse model of bone cancer pain in which fibrosarcoma cells are implanted into and around the calcaneus bone, resulting in tumor growth and hypersensitivity. LPA was elevated in serum of tumor-bearing mice, and blockade of ATX or LPAR reduced tumor-evoked hypersensitivity. Because cancer cell-secreted exosomes contribute to hypersensitivity and ATX is bound to exosomes, we determined the role of exosome-associated ATX-LPA-LPAR signaling in hypersensitivity produced by cancer exosomes. Intraplantar injection of cancer exosomes into naive mice produced hypersensitivity by sensitizing C-fiber nociceptors. Inhibition of ATX or blockade of LPAR attenuated cancer exosome-evoked hypersensitivity in an ATX-LPA-LPAR-dependent manner. Parallel in vitro studies revealed the involvement of ATX-LPA-LPAR signaling in direct sensitization of dorsal root ganglion neurons by cancer exosomes. Thus, our study identified a cancer exosome-mediated pathway, which may represent a therapeutic target for treating tumor growth and pain in patients with bone cancer.

Endothelin-1 Exhibiting Pro-Nociceptive and Pro-Peristaltic Activities Is Increased in Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

Background: Peritoneal carcinomatosis often results in alterations in intestinal peristalsis and recurrent abdominal pain. Pain management in these patients is often unsatisfactory. This study aimed to investigate whether endothelin-1 (EDN1) was involved in pain mediation in peritoneal carcinomatosis, and thus whether the EDN1 pathway could be a new therapeutic target for peritoneal carcinomatosis-associated pain.

Methods: EDN1 plasma levels and abdominal pain severity were assessed in patients with abdominal tumors, with or without peritoneal carcinomatosis, and in healthy donors. The effects of EDN1 on the visceromotor response to colorectal distension, and on colonic contractions were then examined in mice, and the mechanism of action of EDN1 was then investigated by measuring the impact of EDN1 exposure on calcium mobilization in cultured neurons. Inhibition studies were also performed to determine if the effects of EDN1 exposure could be reversed by EDN1-specific receptor antagonists.

Results: A positive correlation between EDN1 plasma levels and abdominal pain was identified in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. EDN1 exposure increased visceral sensitivity and the amplitude of colonic contractions in mice and induced calcium mobilization by direct binding to its receptors on sensory neurons. The effects of EDN1 were inhibited by antagonists of the EDN1 receptors.

Conclusions: This preliminary study, using data from patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis combined with data from experiments performed in mice, suggests that EDN1 may play a key role mediating pain in peritoneal carcinomatosis. Our findings suggest that antagonists of the EDN1 receptors might be beneficial in the management of pain in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Reciprocal interactions between osteoclasts and nociceptive sensory neurons in bone cancer pain

Many common cancers such as breast, prostate, and lung cancer metastasize to bones at advanced stages, producing severe pain and functional impairment. At present, the current pharmacotherapies available for bone cancer pain are insufficient to provide safe and efficacious pain relief. In this narrative review, we discuss the mechanisms used by cancer cells within the bone tumor microenvironment (TME) to drive bone cancer pain. In particular, we highlight the reciprocal interactions between tumor cells, bone-resorbing osteoclasts, and pain-sensing sensory neurons (nociceptors), which drive bone cancer pain. We discuss how tumor cells present within the bone TME accelerate osteoclast differentiation (osteoclastogenesis) and alter osteoclast activity and function. Furthermore, we highlight how this perturbed state of osteoclast overactivation contributes to bone cancer pain through (1) direct mechanisms, through their production of pronociceptive factors that act directly on sensory afferents; and (2) by indirect mechanisms, wherein osteoclasts drive bone resorption that weakens tumor-bearing bones and predisposes them to skeletal-related events, thereby driving bone cancer pain and functional impairment. Finally, we discuss some potential therapeutic agents, such as denosumab, bisphosphonates, and nivolumab, and discuss their respective effects on bone cancer pain, osteoclast overactivation, and tumor growth within the bone TME.

Inhibition of TRPV1 by SHP-1 in nociceptive primary sensory neurons is critical in PD-L1 analgesia

Recently programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) receptor PD-1 was found in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, and PD-L1 activates PD-1 to inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain by modulating neuronal excitability. However, the downstream signaling of PD-1 in sensory neurons remains unclear. Here, we show that PD-L1 activated Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) to downregulate transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in DRG neurons and inhibit bone cancer pain in mice. Local injection of PD-L1 produced analgesia. PD-1 in DRG neurons colocalized with TRPV1 and SHP-1. PD-L1 induced the phosphorylation of SHP-1 in DRG TRPV1 neurons and inhibited TRPV1 currents. Loss of TRPV1 in mice abolished bone cancer–induced thermal hyperalgesia and PD-L1 analgesia. Conditioned deletion of SHP-1 in Na_V1.8⁺ neurons aggravated bone cancer pain and diminished the inhibition of PD-L1 on TRPV1 currents and pain. Together, our findings suggest that PD-L1/PD-1 signaling suppresses bone cancer pain via inhibition of TRPV1 activity. Our results also suggest that SHP-1 in sensory neurons is an endogenous pain inhibitor and delays the development of bone cancer pain via suppressing TRPV1 function.

PD-L1/PD-1 signaling suppresses TRPV1 activity and alleviates pain-like behaviors via phosphorylation of SHP-1 in nociceptive primary sensory neurons in a mouse bone cancer model.

The endocannabinoid system: Novel targets for treating cancer induced bone pain

Treating Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) continues to be a major clinical challenge and underlying mechanisms of CIBP remain unclear. Recently, emerging body of evidence suggested the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may play essential roles in CIBP. Here, we summarized the current understanding of the antinociceptive mechanisms of endocannabinoids in CIBP and discussed the beneficial effects of endocannabinoid for CIBP treatment. Targeting non-selective cannabinoid 1 receptors or selective cannabinoid 2 receptors, and modulation of peripheral AEA and 2-AG, as well as the inhibition the function of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) have produced analgesic effects in animal models of CIBP. Management of ECS therefore appears to be a promising way for the treatment of CIBP in terms of efficacy and safety. Further clinical studies are encouraged to confirm the possible translation to humans of the very promising results already obtained in the preclinical studies.

Targeting MOR-mGluR5 heteromers reduces bone cancer pain by activating MOR and inhibiting mGluR5

Pain is among the most common symptoms in cancer and approximately 90% of patients experience end-stage cancer pain. The management of cancer pain is challenging due to the significant side effects associated with opioids, and novel therapeutic approaches are needed. MMG22 is a bivalent ligand containing MOR agonist and mGluR₅ antagonist pharmacophores joined by a 22-atom spacer. MMG22 exhibited extraordinary analgesia following intrathecal administration in a mouse model of bone cancer pain. Here, we assessed the effectiveness of systemic administration of MMG22 in reducing cancer pain and evaluated whether MMG22 displays side effects associated with opioids. Fibrosarcoma cells were injected into and around the calcaneus bone in C3H mice. Mechanical hyperalgesia was defined as an increase in the paw withdrawal frequencies (PWFs) evoked by application of a von Frey monofilament (3.9 mN bending force) applied to the plantar surface of the hind paw Subcutaneous (s.c.), intramuscular (i.m.), and oral (p.o.) administration of MMG22 produced robust dose-dependent antihyperalgesia, whose ED₅₀ was orders of magnitude lower than morphine. Moreover, the ED₅₀ for MMG22 decreased with disease progression. Importantly, s.c. administration of MMG22 did not produce acute (24 h) or long-term (9 days) tolerance, was not rewarding (conditioned place preference test), and did not produce naloxone-induced precipitated withdrawal or alter motor function. A possible mechanism of action of MMG22 is discussed in terms of inhibition of spinal NMDAR via antagonism of its co-receptor, mGluR₅, and concomitant activation of neuronal MOR. We suggest that MMG22 may be a powerful alternative to traditional opioids for managing cancer pain. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'New Vistas in Opioid Pharmacology'.

Sensitization of nociceptors and dorsal horn neurons contributes to pain in sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) describes a group of disorders associated with a point mutation in the beta chain of hemoglobin. The mutation leads to the creation of sickle hemoglobin (HbS) and causes distortion of erythrocytes through polymerization under low oxygen, resulting in characteristic sickle red blood cells. Vaso-occlusion episodes caused by accumulation of sRBCs results in ischemia-reperfusion injury, reduced oxygen supply to organs, oxidative stress, organ damage and severe pain that often requires hospitalization and opioid treatment. Further, many patients suffer from chronic pain, including hypersensitivity to heat and cold stimuli. Progress towards the development of novel strategies for both acute and chronic pain in patients with SCD has been impeded by a lack of understanding the mechanisms underlying pain in SCD. The purpose of this review is to highlight evidence for the contribution of peripheral and central sensitization that leads to widespread, chronic pain and hyperalgesia. Targeting the mechanisms that initiate and maintain sensitization in SCD might offer effective approaches to manage the severe and debilitating pain associated with this condition.

Sensitization of nociceptors by prostaglandin E2-glycerol contributes to hyperalgesia in mice with sickle cell disease

Pain is a characteristic feature of sickle cell disease (SCD), 1 of the most common inherited diseases. Patients may experience acute painful crises as well as chronic pain. In the Berkley transgenic murine model of SCD, HbSS-BERK mice express only human hemoglobin S. These mice share many features of SCD patients, including persistent inflammation and hyperalgesia. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is elevated in skin, dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and spinal cord in HbSS-BERK mice. In addition to arachidonic acid, COX-2 oxidizes the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) to produce prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂)-glycerol (PGE₂-G); PGE₂-G is known to produce hyperalgesia. We tested the hypotheses that PGE₂-G is increased in DRGs of HbSS-BERK mice and sensitizes nociceptors (sensory neurons that respond to noxious stimuli), and that blocking its synthesis would decrease hyperalgesia in HbSS-BERK mice. Systemic administration of R-flurbiprofen preferentially reduced production of PGE₂-G over that of PGE₂ in DRGs, decreased mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, and decreased sensitization of nociceptors in HbSS-BERK mice. The same dose of R-flurbiprofen had no behavioral effect in HbAA-BERK mice (the transgenic control), but local injection of PGE₂-G into the hind paw of HbAA-BERK mice produced sensitization of nociceptors and hyperalgesia. Coadministration of a P2Y6 receptor antagonist blocked the effect of PGE₂-G, indicating that this receptor is a mediator of pain in SCD. The ability of R-flurbiprofen to block the synthesis of PGE₂-G and to normalize levels of 2-AG suggests that R-flurbiprofen may be beneficial to treat pain in SCD, thereby reducing the use of opioids to relieve pain.

Breast cancer induced nociceptor aberrant growth and collateral sensory axonal branching

The tumour and neuron interaction has a significant impact upon disease progression and the patients quality of life. In breast cancer patients, it is known that there is an interaction between the tumour microenvironment and the sensory neurons to influence the progression of cancer as well as pain, though these mechanisms still need to be clearly defined. Here it is demonstrated that in a rodent orthotopic model of breast cancer (MDA MB 231) there was an increase in nerve fibre innervation into the tumour microenvironment (protein gene product 9.5), which were calcitonin gene related peptide positive C fibre nociceptors. In contrast, there was a reduction in myelinated nerve fibres (NF200). A sensory neuronal cell line was cultured in response to conditioned media from MDA MB231 and MCF7 as well as vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). All these experimental conditions induced sensory neuronal growth, with increased formation of collateral axonal branches. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that MDA MB231 and VEGF-A induced sensory neuronal sensitisation in response to capsaicin a TRPV1 agonist. MDA MB231 induced neuronal growth was suppressed by VEGFR2 inhibition (ZM323881 and neutralising antibody DC101), in addition both MDA MB231 and VEGF-A induced neurite growth was attenuated by the inhibition of ARP2/3 complex through co-treatment with CK666. This demonstrates that breast cancer can interact with the sensory nervous system to drive neuritogenesis through a VEGF-A/VEGFR2/ARP2/3 mediated pathway.

Differences in electrophysiological properties of functionally identified nociceptive sensory neurons in an animal model of cancer-induced bone pain

Background

Bone cancer pain is often severe, yet little is known about mechanisms generating this type of chronic pain. While previous studies have identified functional alterations in peripheral sensory neurons that correlate with bone tumours, none has provided direct evidence correlating behavioural nociceptive responses with properties of sensory neurons in an intact bone cancer model.

Results

In a rat model of prostate cancer-induced bone pain, we confirmed tactile hypersensitivity using the von Frey test. Subsequently, we recorded intracellularly from dorsal root ganglion neurons in vivo in anesthetized animals. Neurons remained connected to their peripheral receptive terminals and were classified on the basis of action potential properties, responses to dorsal root stimulation, and to mechanical stimulation of the respective peripheral receptive fields. Neurons included C-, Aδ-, and Aβ-fibre nociceptors, identified by their expression of substance P. We suggest that bone tumour may induce phenotypic changes in peripheral nociceptors and that these could contribute to bone cancer pain.

Conclusions

This work represents a significant technical and conceptual advance in the study of peripheral nociceptor functions in the development of cancer-induced bone pain. This is the first study to report that changes in sensitivity and excitability of dorsal root ganglion primary afferents directly correspond to mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia behaviours following prostate cancer cell injection into the femur of rats. Furthermore, our unique combination of techniques has allowed us to follow, in a single neuron, mechanical pain-related behaviours, electrophysiological changes in action potential properties, and dorsal root substance P expression. These data provide a more complete understanding of this unique pain state at the cellular level that may allow for future development of mechanism-based treatments for cancer-induced bone pain.

Suppression of KCNQ/M (Kv7) potassium channels in the spinal cord contributes to the sensitization of dorsal horn WDR neurons and pain hypersensitivity in a rat model of bone cancer pain

Primary and metastatic cancers that affect bones are frequently associated with severe and intractable pain. The mechanisms underlying the development of bone cancer pain are largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated whether inhibition of KCNQ/M (Kv7) potassium channels in the spinal cord contributes to the development of bone cancer pain via sensitization of dorsal horn wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons. Using a rat model of bone cancer pain based on intratibial injection of MRMT-1 tumor cells, we observed a significant increase in C-fiber responses of dorsal horn WDR neurons in the MRMT-1 injected rats, indicating sensitization of spinal WDR neurons in bone cancer rats. Furthermore, we discovered that blockade of KCNQ/M channels in the spinal cord by local administration of XE-991, a specific KCNQ/M channel blocker, caused a robust increase in excitability of dorsal horn WDR neurons, while, producing obvious pain hypersensitivity in normal rats. On the contrary, activation of spinal KCNQ/M channels by retigabine, a selective KCNQ/M channel opener, not only inhibited the bone cancer‑induced hyperexcitability of dorsal horn WDR neurons, but also alleviated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in the bone cancer rats, while all of these effects of retigabine could be blocked by KCNQ/M-channel antagonist XE-991. All things considered, these results suggest that suppression of KCNQ/M channels in the spinal cord likely contributes to the development of bone cancer pain via sensitization of dorsal horn WDR neurons in rats following tumor cell inoculation.

New insights of nociceptor sensitization in bone cancer pain

INTRODUCTION

Numerous studies have shown that an intact CNS is required for the conscious perception of cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) and that changes in the CNS are clearly evident. Accordingly, the blockage of nociceptive stimulus into the CNS can effectively relieve or markedly attenuate CIBP, revealing the clinical implication of the blockage of ongoing peripheral inputs for the control of CIBP.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the heterogeneity and excitability of nociceptors in bone are covered. Furthermore, their role in initiating and maintaining CIBP is also described.

EXPERT OPINION

Developing mechanistic therapies to treat CIBP is a challenge, but they have the potential to fundamentally change our ability to effectively block/relieve CIBP and increase the functional status and quality of life of patients with bone metastasis. Further studies are desperately needed at both the preclinical and clinical levels to determine whether the targets as mentioned in this review are viable and feasible for patient populations.

Evidence for the endothelin system as an emerging therapeutic target for the treatment of chronic pain

Many people worldwide suffer from pain and a portion of these sufferers are diagnosed with a chronic pain condition. The management of chronic pain continues to be a challenge, and despite taking prescribed medication for pain, patients continue to have pain of moderate severity. Current pain therapies are often inadequate, with side effects that limit medication adherence. There is a need to identify novel therapeutic targets for the management of chronic pain. One potential candidate for the treatment of chronic pain is therapies aimed at modulating the vasoactive peptide endothelin-1. In addition to vasoactive properties, endothelin-1 has been implicated in pain transmission in both humans and animal models of nociception. Endothelin-1 directly activates nociceptors and potentiates the effect of other algogens, including capsaicin, formalin, and arachidonic acid. In addition, endothelin-1 has been shown to be involved in inflammatory pain, cancer pain, neuropathic pain, diabetic neuropathy, and pain associated with sickle cell disease. Therefore, endothelin-1 may prove a novel therapeutic target for the relief of many types of chronic pain.

Peripheral TGF-β1 signaling is a critical event in bone cancer-induced hyperalgesia in rodents

Pain is the most common symptom of bone cancer. TGF-β, a major bone-derived growth factor, is largely released by osteoclast bone resorption during the progression of bone cancer and contributes to proliferation, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, invasion, and metastasis. Here, we further show that TGF-β1 is critical for bone cancer-induced pain sensitization. We found that, after the progression of bone cancer, TGF-β1 was highly expressed in tumor-bearing bone, and the expression of its receptors, TGFβRI and TGFβRII, was significantly increased in the DRG in a rat model of bone cancer pain that is based on intratibia inoculation of Walker 256 mammary gland carcinoma cells. The blockade of TGF-β receptors by the TGFβRI antagonist SD-208 robustly suppressed bone cancer-induced thermal hyperalgesia on post-tumor day 14 (PTD 14). Peripheral injection of TGF-β1 directly induced thermal hyperalgesia in intact rats and wide-type mice, but not in Trpv1(-/-) mice. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from DRG neurons showed that transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV1) sensitivity was significantly enhanced on PTD 14. Extracellular application of TGF-β1 significantly potentiated TRPV1 currents and increased [Ca(2+)]i in DRG neurons. Pharmacological studies revealed that the TGF-β1 sensitization of TRPV1 and the induction of thermal hyperalgesia required the TGF-βR-mediated Smad-independent PKCε and TGF-β activating kinase 1-p38 pathways. These findings suggest that TGF-β1 signaling contributes to bone cancer pain via the upregulation and sensitization of TRPV1 in primary sensory neurons and that therapeutic targeting of TGF-β1 may ameliorate the bone cancer pain in advanced cancer.

The non-selective cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 attenuates responses of C-fiber nociceptors in a murine model of cancer pain

Pain from cancer can be severe, difficult to treat, and greatly diminishes patients' quality of life. It is therefore important to gain new information on the mechanisms of cancer pain and develop new treatment strategies. We have used a murine model of bone cancer pain to investigate underlying peripheral neural mechanisms and novel treatment approaches. In this model, implantation of fibrosarcoma cells into and around the calcaneous bone produces mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in mice. C-fiber nociceptors in tumor-bearing mice develop spontaneous ongoing activity and sensitization to thermal stimuli. However, it is unclear whether sensitization of nociceptors to mechanical stimuli underlies the mechanical hyperalgesia seen in tumor-bearing mice. We therefore examined responses of C-fiber nociceptors to suprathreshold mechanical stimuli in tumor-bearing mice and found they did not differ from those of C-nociceptors in control mice. Thus, sensitization of C-fiber nociceptors to mechanical stimulation does not appear to underlie tumor-evoked mechanical hyperalgesia in this murine model of bone cancer pain. We also examined the effect of the non-selective cannabinoid receptor agonist, WIN 55,212-2, on spontaneous activity and responses evoked by mechanical stimuli of C-fiber nociceptors innervating the tumor-bearing paw. Selective CB1 and CB2 antagonists were administered to determine the contribution of each receptor subtype to the effects of WIN 55,212-2. Intraplantar administration of WIN 55,212-2 attenuated spontaneous discharge and responses evoked by mechanical stimulation of C-fiber nociceptors. These effects were inhibited by prior intraplantar administration of selective CB1 (AM281) or CB2 (AM630) receptor antagonists but not by vehicle. These results indicate that activation of either CB1 or CB2 receptors reduced the spontaneous activity of C-fiber nociceptors associated with tumor growth as well as their evoked responses. Our results provide further evidence that activation of peripheral cannabinoid receptors may be a useful target for the treatment of cancer pain.

Suppression of KCNQ/M (Kv7) potassium channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons contributes to the development of bone cancer pain in a rat model

Bone cancer pain has a strong impact on the quality of life of patients, but is difficult to treat. Better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying bone cancer pain will likely lead to the development of more effective treatments. In the present study, we investigated whether inhibition of KCNQ/M channels contributed to the hyperexcitability of primary sensory neurons and to the pathogenesis of bone cancer pain. By using a rat model of bone cancer pain based on intratibial injection of MRMT-1 tumour cells, we documented a prominent decrease in expression of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 proteins and a reduction of M-current density in small-sized dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, which were associated with enhanced excitability of these DRG neurons and the hyperalgesic behaviours in bone cancer rats. Coincidently, we found that inhibition of KCNQ/M channels with XE-991 caused a robust increase in the excitability of small-sized DRG neurons and produced an obvious mechanical allodynia in normal rats. On the contrary, activation of the KCNQ/M channels with retigabine not only inhibited the hyperexcitability of these small DRG neurons, but also alleviated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in bone cancer rats, and all of these effects of retigabine could be blocked by KCNQ/M-channel antagonist XE-991. These results suggest that repression of KCNQ/M channels leads to the hyperexcitability of primary sensory neurons, which in turn causes bone cancer pain. Thus, suppression of KCNQ/M channels in primary DRG neurons plays a crucial role in the development of bone cancer pain.

Enhanced excitability of small dorsal root ganglion neurons in rats with bone cancer pain

Background

Primary and metastatic cancers that affect bone are frequently associated with severe and intractable pain. The mechanisms underlying the development of bone cancer pain are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether enhanced excitability of primary sensory neurons contributed to peripheral sensitization and tumor-induced hyperalgesia during cancer condition. In this study, using techniques of whole-cell patch-clamp recording associated with immunofluorescent staining, single-cell reverse-transcriptase PCR and behavioral test, we investigated whether the intrinsic membrane properties and the excitability of small-sized dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons altered in a rat model of bone cancer pain, and whether suppression of DRG neurons activity inhibited the bone cancer-induced pain.

Results

Our present study showed that implantation of MRMT-1 tumor cells into the tibial canal in rats produced significant mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in the ipsilateral hind paw. Moreover, implantation of tumor cells provoked spontaneous discharges and tonic excitatory discharges evoked by a depolarizing current pulse in small-sized DRG neurons. In line with these findings, alterations in intrinsic membrane properties that reflect the enhanced neuronal excitability were observed in small DRG neurons in bone cancer rats, of which including: 1) depolarized resting membrane potential (RMP); 2) decreased input resistance (R_in); 3) a marked reduction in current threshold (CT) and voltage threshold (TP) of action potential (AP); 4) a dramatic decrease in amplitude, overshot, and duration of evoked action potentials as well as in amplitude and duration of afterhyperpolarization (AHP); and 5) a significant increase in the firing frequency of evoked action potentials. Here, the decreased AP threshold and increased firing frequency of evoked action potentials implicate the occurrence of hyperexcitability in small-sized DRG neurons in bone cancer rats. In addiotion, immunofluorescent staining and single-cell reverse-transcriptase PCR revealed that in isolated small DRG neurons, most neurons were IB4-positive, or expressed TRPV1 or CGRP, indicating that most recorded small DRG neurons were nociceptive neurons. Finally, using in vivo behavioral test, we found that blockade of DRG neurons activity by TTX inhibited the tumor-evoked mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in bone cancer rats, implicating that the enhanced excitability of primary sensory neurons underlied the development of bone cancer pain.

Conclusions

Our present results suggest that implantation of tumor cells into the tibial canal in rats induces an enhanced excitability of small-sized DRG neurons that is probably as results of alterations in intrinsic electrogenic properties of these neurons. Therefore, alterations in intrinsic membrane properties associated with the hyperexcitability of primary sensory neurons likely contribute to the peripheral sensitization and tumor-induced hyperalgesia under cancer condition.

Potent anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of the endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan in monoarthritic mice

Introduction

Endothelins are involved in tissue inflammation, pain, edema and cell migration. Our genome-wide microarray analysis revealed that endothelin-1 (ET-1) and endothelin-2 (ET-2) showed a marked up-regulation in dorsal root ganglia during the acute phase of arthritis. We therefore examined the effects of endothelin receptor antagonists on the development of arthritis and inflammatory pain in monoarthritic mice.

Methods

Gene expression was examined in lumbar dorsal root ganglia two days after induction of antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) using mRNA microarray analysis. Effects of drug treatment were determined by repeated assessment of joint swelling, pain-related behavior, and histopathological manifestations during AIA.

Results

Daily oral administration of the mixed ET_A and ET_B endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan significantly attenuated knee joint swelling and inflammation to an extent that was comparable to dexamethasone. In addition, bosentan reduced inflammatory mechanical hyperalgesia. Chronic bosentan administration also inhibited joint swelling and protected against inflammation and joint destruction during AIA flare-up reactions. In contrast, the ET_A-selective antagonist ambrisentan failed to promote any detectable antiinflammatory or antinociceptive activity.

Conclusions

Thus, the present study reveals a pivotal role for the endothelin system in the development of arthritis and arthritic pain. We show that endothelin receptor antagonists can effectively control inflammation, pain and joint destruction during the course of arthritis. Our findings suggest that the antiinflammatory and antinociceptive effects of bosentan are predominantly mediated via the ET_B receptor.

Central glial activation mediates cancer-induced pain in a rat facial cancer model

Peripheral and central glial activation plays an important role in development of pain hypersensitivity induced by inflammation and nerve injury. However, the involvement of glial cells in cancer pain is not well understood. The present study evaluated the peripheral and central glial activation and the effect of an inhibitor of glial activation, propentofylline, on pain-related behaviors in a rat facial cancer model of the growth of Walker 256B cells in the unilateral vibrissal pad until days 3-4 post-inoculation. As compared with sham animals, the facial grooming period was prolonged, the withdrawal latency to radiant heat stimulation was shortened, and the withdrawal threshold by von Frey hair stimulation was decreased at the inoculated region, indicating the development of spontaneous pain, thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. In immunostainings for Iba1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), although there were no morphological changes of GFAP-immunopositive satellite glial cells in the trigeminal ganglion, Iba1-immunopositive microglia and GFAP-immunopositive astrocytes in the medullary dorsal horn showed large somata with cell proliferation. After the daily i.p. administration of propentofylline beginning pre-inoculation, the central glial activation was attenuated, the prolonged facial grooming was partially suppressed, and the induced allodynia and hyperalgesia from day 2 were prevented, without a change in tumor size. These results suggest that glial activation in the CNS, but not in the peripheral nervous system, mediates the enhancement of spontaneous pain and the development of allodynia and hyperalgesia at an early stage in the facial cancer model.

Loss of visceral pain following colorectal distension in an endothelin-3 deficient mouse model of Hirschsprung's disease

Endothelin peptides and their endogenous receptors play a major role in nociception in a variety of different organs. They also play an essential role in the development of the enteric nervous system. Mice with deletions of the endothelin-3 gene (lethal spotted mice, ls/ls) develop congenital aganglionosis. However, little is known about how nociception might be affected in the aganglionic rectum of mice deficient in endothelin-3. In this study we investigated changes in spinal afferent innervation and visceral pain transmission from the aganglionic rectum in ls/ls mice. Electromyogram recordings from anaesthetized ls/ls mice revealed a deficit in visceromotor responses arising from the aganglionic colorectum in response to noxious colorectal distension. Loss of visceromotor responses (VMRs) in ls/ls mice was selective, as no reduction in VMRs was detected after stimulation of the bladder or somatic organs. Calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) immunoreactivity, retrograde neuronal tracing and extracellular afferent recordings from the aganglionic rectum revealed decreased colorectal spinal innervation, combined with a reduction in mechanosensitivity of rectal afferents. The sensory defect in ls/ls mice is primarily associated with changes in low threshold wide dynamic range rectal afferents. In conclusion, disruption of endothelin 3 gene expression not only affects development and function of the enteric nervous system, but also specific classes of spinal rectal mechanoreceptors, which are required for visceral nociception from the colorectum.

Mechanical stimulation enhances endothelin-1 hyperalgesia

When comparing a cumulative dose-response curve for endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced mechanical hyperalgesia to the effect of individual doses (1 ng, 10 ng, 100 ng, and 1 μg) administered in separate groups of rats, a marked difference was observed in the peak magnitude of hyperalgesia. Hyperalgesia was measured as decrease in the threshold for mechanically-induced withdrawal of the hind paw. The cumulative dosing protocol produced markedly greater maximum hyperalgesia. To determine whether this was due to the cumulative dosing protocol or to the repeated exposure to the mechanical test stimulus, we evaluated the impact of repeated testing on ET-1-induced mechanical hyperalgesia. While ET-1-induced mechanical hyperalgesia was dose- and time-dependent, repeated testing of nociceptive threshold, at 5 min intervals, following a single dose of ET-1, produced further decrease in nociceptive threshold. This mechanical stimulation-induced enhancement of ET-1 hyperalgesia lasted only 3-4 h, while the hyperalgesia lasted in excess of 5 days. The stimulation-enhanced hyperalgesia also occurred after a second injection of ET-1, administered 24 h after the initial dose. That this phenomenon is unique to ET-1 is suggested by the observation that while five additional, direct-acting hyperalgesic agents-prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), nerve growth factor (NGF), glia-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)-induced robust mechanical hyperalgesia, none produced mechanical stimulation-enhanced hyperalgesia.

Mechanism of cancer pain

Ongoing and breakthrough pain is a primary concern for the cancer patient. Although the etiology of cancer pain remains unclear, animal models of cancer pain have allowed investigators to unravel some of the cancer-induced neuropathologic processes that occur in the region of tumor growth and in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Within the cancer microenvironment, cancer and immune cells produce and secrete mediators that activate and sensitize primary afferent nociceptors. Pursuant to these peripheral changes, nociceptive secondary neurons in spinal cord exhibit increased spontaneous activity and enhanced responsiveness to three modes of noxious stimulation: heat, cold, and mechanical stimuli. As our understanding of the peripheral and central mechanisms that underlie cancer pain improves, targeted analgesics for the cancer patient will likely follow.

In vitro sarcoma cells release a lipophilic substance that activates the pain transduction system via TRPV1

BACKGROUND

Despite success in treating many forms of cancer, pain associated with malignancy remains a serious clinical issue with a poorly understood etiology. This study determined if certain sarcoma cell lines produced a soluble factor that activates the TRPV1 ion channel expressed on nociceptive sensory neurons, thereby activating a major pain transduction system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Trigeminal ganglia were harvested from rats and cultured. A rhabdomyosarcoma (CRL1598) and osteosarcoma (CRL 1543) cell line were grown to 75% confluency. Conditioned media (CM) was collected after 24 h of exposure and subjected to reverse phase chromatography. Neuronal activation in the presence of CM was measured using iCGRP RIA and calcium imaging after treatment with vehicle or I-RTX, a potent TRPV1 antagonist. Data were analyzed by ANOVA/Bonferroni or t test.

RESULTS

The rhabdomyosarcoma CM produced a 4-fold increase in iCGRP release compared with control media (P < 0.001). The osteosarcoma cell line CM produced a 7-fold increase in iCGRP release compared with control media (P < 0.001). This evoked iCGRP release was via TRPV1 activation since the effect was blocked by the antagonist I-RTX. The application of rhabdomyosarcoma CM produced about a 4-fold increase in [Ca(2+)]I levels (P < 0.001), and this effect was blocked by pretreatment with the TRPV1 antagonist, I-RTX.

CONCLUSIONS

We have shown that certain sarcoma cell lines produce a soluble, lipophilic factor that activates the peripheral nociceptor transduction system via TRPV1 activation, thereby contributing to cancer pain. Further investigations are needed to develop tumor-specific analgesics that do not produce unwanted or harmful side-effects.

Endothelin-A receptor antagonism attenuates carcinoma-induced pain through opioids in mice

We previously reported that endothelin A (ET-A) receptor antagonism attenuates carcinoma-induced pain in a cancer pain mouse model. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of ET-A receptor-mediated antinociception and evaluated the role of endogenous opioid analgesia. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell culture treated with the ET-A receptor antagonist (BQ-123) at 10(-6) M and 10(-5) M significantly increased production and secretion of beta-endorphin and leu-enkephalin, respectively. Behavioral studies were performed by inducing tumors in the hind paw of female nude mice with local injection of cells derived from a human oral SCC. Significant pain, as indicated by reduction in withdrawal thresholds in response to mechanical stimulation, began at 4 days after SCC inoculation and lasted to 18 days, the last day of measurement. Local administration of either naloxone methiodide (500 microg/kg), selective antagonists for mu-opioid receptor (CTOP, 500 microg/kg), or delta-opioid receptor (naltrindole, 11 mg/kg) but not kappa-opioid receptor (nor-BNI, 2.5 mg/kg) significantly reversed antinociception observed from ET-A receptor antagonism (BQ-123, 92 mg/kg) in cancer animals. These results demonstrate that antagonism of peripheral ET-A receptor attenuates carcinoma pain by modulating release of endogenous opioids to act on opioid receptors in the cancer microenvironment.

PERSPECTIVE

This article proposes a novel mechanism for ET-A receptor antagonist drugs in managing cancer-induced pain. An improved understanding of the role of innate opioid analgesia in ET-A receptor-mediated antinociception might provide novel alternatives to morphine therapy for the treatment of cancer pain.