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Cheng Z, Feng S, Yang L, Huang J, Chen X, Guo Y, Xiang Y, Peng B. Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain Induced by Spinal Nerve Ligation: A New Approach via an Oblique Lateral Incision. J Pain Res 2024; 17:2443-2454. [PMID: 39070852 PMCID: PMC11277983 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s452344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model is a typical peripheral neuropathic pain model. During its construction, the removal of paraspinal muscles and transverse processes typically occurs, resulting in additional trauma that may potentially affect the pathophysiologic process of neuropathic pain. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of establishing a more reliable SNL model using an oblique lateral approach. Methods 36 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: the traditional SNL (T-SNL) group, the new SNL (N-SNL) group (where the left L5 spinal nerve was ligated with a titanium clip via an oblique lateral approach), and the sham-operated (Sham) group. The operation time, Intraoperative bleeding, the number of rats that died, gait behavior, mechanical and cold pain threshold were recorded and measured. Stereology technology was used to calculate the number of microglia in spinal dorsal horn, and the Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technology was used to detect the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in spinal cord as well as C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum in order to assess the effect of surgery on animal inflammation. Results Compared with the T-SNL group, operative time and intraoperative bleeding were significantly decreased in the N-SNL group. Within 14 days postoperation, one rat in the N-SNL group was died, two rats in the T-SNL group were died. Compared with the Sham group, the N-SNL group showed obvious spontaneous pain behavior, decreased the pain thresholds, the number of microglia and the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly increased, and there was no significant difference in these indexes compared with T-SNL group. There was no significant difference in serum CRP levels among the three groups. Conclusion This study suggests that the oblique lateral approach SNL model is a reliable NP model with the advantages of good reproducibility, accessibility, and low trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Cheng
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Song Feng
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Dazhou Third People’s Hospital, Dazhou, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Linfeng Yang
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Huang
- Innovation Center for Science and Technology, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xilei Chen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Guo
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Xiang
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Peng
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
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Le D, Zhang C, Liu L, Zhao M, Liang Y, Liao P, Yang F. Neuropathic pain development following nerve injury is mediated by SOX11-ARID1A-SOCS3 transcriptional regulation in the spinal cord. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:281. [PMID: 38324208 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09183-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain, a complex condition originating from nervous system damage, remains a significant clinical challenge due to limited understanding of its underlying mechanisms. Recent research highlights the SOX11 transcription factor, known for its role in nervous system development, as a crucial player in neuropathic pain development and maintenance. This study investigates the role of the SOX11-ARID1A-SOCS3 pathway in neuropathic pain modulation within the spinal cord. METHODS AND RESULTS Using a spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model in mice, we observed a significant upregulation of Sox11 in the spinal cord dorsal horn post-injury. Intrathecal administration of Sox11 shRNA mitigated SNL-induced neuropathic pain behaviors, including mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia. Further, we demonstrated that Sox11 regulates neuropathic pain via transcriptional control of ARID1A, with subsequent modulation of SOCS3 expression. Knockdown of ARID1A and SOCS3 via shRNA resulted in alleviation of Sox11-induced pain sensitization. Additionally, Sox11 overexpression led to an increase in ARID1A binding to the SOCS3 promoter, enhancing chromatin accessibility and indicating a direct regulatory relationship. These findings were further supported by in vitro luciferase reporter assays and chromatin accessibility analysis. CONCLUSIONS The SOX11-ARID1A-SOCS3 pathway plays a pivotal role in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Sox11 acts as a master regulator, modulating ARID1A, which in turn influences SOCS3 expression, thereby contributing to the modulation of neuropathic pain. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain and highlight potential therapeutic targets for its treatment. The differential regulation of this pathway in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) underscores its complexity and the need for targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Le
- Department of Pain Management, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Pain Management, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Pain Management, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mailin Zhao
- Department of Pain Management, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingping Liang
- Department of Pain Management, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Pingsheng Liao
- Department of Pain Management, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Pain Management, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 1, Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China.
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Temmermand R, Barrett JE, Fontana ACK. Glutamatergic systems in neuropathic pain and emerging non-opioid therapies. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106492. [PMID: 36228868 PMCID: PMC10413816 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain, a disease of the somatosensory nervous system, afflicts many individuals and adequate management with current pharmacotherapies remains elusive. The glutamatergic system of neurons, receptors and transporters are intimately involved in pain but, to date, there have been few drugs developed that therapeutically modulate this system. Glutamate transporters, or excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs), remove excess glutamate around pain transmitting neurons to decrease nociception suggesting that the modulation of glutamate transporters may represent a novel approach to the treatment of pain. This review highlights and summarizes (1) the physiology of the glutamatergic system in neuropathic pain, (2) the preclinical evidence for dysregulation of glutamate transport in animal pain models, and (3) emerging novel therapies that modulate glutamate transporters. Successful drug discovery requires continuous focus on basic and translational methods to fully elucidate the etiologies of this disease to enable the development of targeted therapies. Increasing the efficacy of astrocytic EAATs may serve as a new way to successfully treat those suffering from this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhea Temmermand
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - James E Barrett
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Andréia C K Fontana
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
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Sciatic nerve stimulation alleviates acute neuropathic pain via modulation of neuroinflammation and descending pain inhibition in a rodent model. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:153. [PMID: 35706025 PMCID: PMC9199305 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02513-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropathic pain (NP) is characterized by abnormal activation of pain conducting pathways and manifests as mechanical allodynia and thermal hypersensitivity. Peripheral nerve stimulation is used for treatment of medically refractory chronic NP and has been shown to reduce neuroinflammation. However, whether sciatic nerve stimulation (SNS) is of therapeutic benefit to NP remains unclear. Moreover, the optimal frequency for SNS is unknown. To address this research gap, we investigated the effect of SNS in an acute NP rodent model. Methods Rats with right L5 nerve root ligation (NRL) or Sham surgery were used. Ipsilateral SNS was performed at 2 Hz, 20 Hz, and 60 Hz frequencies. Behavioral tests were performed to assess pain and thermal hypersensitivity before and after NRL and SNS. Expression of inflammatory proteins in the L5 spinal cord and the immunohistochemical alterations of spinal cord astrocytes and microglia were examined on post-injury day 7 (PID7) following NRL and SNS. The involvement of the descending pain modulatory pathway was also investigated. Results Following NRL, the rats showed a decreased pain threshold and latency on the von Frey and Hargreaves tests. The immunofluorescence results indicated hyperactivation of superficial spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH) neurons. Both 2-Hz and 20-Hz SNS alleviated pain behavior and hyperactivation of SCDH neurons. On PID7, NRL resulted in elevated expression of spinal cord inflammatory proteins including NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, which was mitigated by 2-Hz and 20-Hz SNS. Furthermore, 2-Hz and 20-Hz SNS suppressed the activation of spinal cord astrocytes and microglia following NRL on PID7. Activity of the descending serotoninergic pain modulation pathway showed an increase early on PID1 following 2-Hz and 20-Hz SNS. Conclusions Our results support that both 2-Hz and 20-Hz SNS can alleviate NP behaviors and hyperactivation of pain conducting pathways. We showed that SNS regulates neuroinflammation and reduces inflammatory protein expression, astrocytic gliosis, and microglia activation. During the early post-injury period, SNS also facilitates the descending pain modulatory pathway. Taken together, these findings support the therapeutic potential of SNS for acute NP. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02513-y.
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Shi C, Jin J, Xu H, Ma J, Li T, Xie Y, Li Z. CCR1 enhances SUMOylation of DGCR8 by up-regulating ERK phosphorylation to promote spinal nerve ligation-induced neuropathic pain. Gene Ther 2021; 29:379-389. [PMID: 34413501 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00285-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a somatosensory nervous system dysfunction that remains a threatening health problem globally. Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of C-C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1) in neuropathic pain. Herein, the current study set out to explore the modulatory role of CCR1 in spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced neuropathic pain and its underlying molecular mechanism. First, it was found that CCR1 was highly expressed in spinal cord tissues and microglial cells of SNL rats. On the other hand, CCR1 knockdown attenuated nerve pain in SNL rats and repressed microglial cell activation in SNL rats and also in the LPS-induced microglial cell model of nerve injury, as evidenced by elevated microglial cell markers OX-42 and IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Mechanistically, CCR1 enhanced small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 (SUMO1) modification of DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 8 (DGCR8) in LPS-treated microglial cells by phosphorylating ERK. Moreover, CCR1 silencing brought about elevations in mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency. To conclude, our findings indicated that CCR1 enhanced the modification of DGCR8 by SUMO1 through phosphorylation of ERK, thereby promoting the activation and inflammatory response of spinal cord microglial cells and increasing the sensitivity of SNL rats to pain. Thus, this study offers a promising therapeutic target for the management of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunxian Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Jin Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Hongyu Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Central Hospital of Zibo City, Zibo, China
| | - Jiahai Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Yonggang Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China.
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, China.
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Chan AK, Ballatori A, Nyayapati P, Mummaneni NV, Coughlin D, Liebenberg E, Külling FA, Zhang N, Waldorff EI, Ryaby JT, Lotz JC. Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Accelerate Sensorimotor Recovery Following Experimental Disc Herniation. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2021; 46:E222-E233. [PMID: 33475275 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000003762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN An experimental animal study. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on recovery of sensorimotor function in a rodent model of disc herniation (DH). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Radiculopathy associated with DH is mediated by proinflammatory cytokines. Although we have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of PEMF on various tissues, we have not investigated the potential therapeutic effect of PEMF on radiculopathy resulting from DH. METHODS Nineteen rats were divided into three groups: positive control (PC; left L4 nerve ligation) (n = 6), DH alone (DH; exposure of left L4 dorsal root ganglion [DRG] to harvested nucleus pulposus and DRG displacement) (n = 6), and DH + PEMF (n = 7). Rodents from the DH + PEMF group were exposed to PEMF immediately postoperatively and for 3 hours/day until the end of the study. Sensory function was assessed via paw withdrawal thresholds to non-noxious stimuli preoperatively and 1 and 3 days postoperatively, and every 7 days thereafter until 7 weeks after surgery. Motor function was assessed via DigiGait treadmill analysis preoperatively and weekly starting 7 days following surgery until 7 weeks following surgery. RESULTS All groups demonstrated marked increases in the left hindlimb response threshold postoperatively. However, 1 week following surgery, there was a significant effect of condition on left hindlimb withdrawal thresholds (one-way analysis of variance: F = 3.82, df = 2, P = 0.044) where a more rapid recovery to baseline threshold was evident for DH + PEMF compared to PC and DH alone. All groups demonstrated gait disturbance postoperatively. However, DH + PEMF rodents were able to regain baseline gait speeds before DH and PC rodents. When comparing gait parameters, DH + PEMF showed consistently less impairment postoperatively suggesting that PEMF treatment was associated with less severe gait disturbance. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that PEMF accelerates sensorimotor recovery in a rodent model of DH, suggesting that PEMF may be reasonable to evaluate for the clinical management of patients with herniation-associated radiculopathy.Level of Evidence: N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew K Chan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Alexander Ballatori
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Priya Nyayapati
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Nikhil V Mummaneni
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Dezba Coughlin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Ellen Liebenberg
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Fabrice A Külling
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Jeffrey C Lotz
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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The Delayed-Onset Mechanical Pain Behavior Induced by Infant Peripheral Nerve Injury Is Accompanied by Sympathetic Sprouting in the Dorsal Root Ganglion. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:9165475. [PMID: 32626770 PMCID: PMC7315272 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9165475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Sympathetic sprouting in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) following nerve injuries had been proved to induce adult neuropathic pain. However, it is unclear whether the abnormal sprouting occurs in infant nerve injury. Methods L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) or sham surgery was performed on adult rats and 10-day-old pups, and mechanical thresholds and heat hyperalgesia were analyzed on 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 postoperative days. Tyrosine hydroxylase-labeled sympathetic fibers were observed at each time point, and 2 neurotrophin receptors (p75NTR and TrkA) were identified to explore the mechanisms of sympathetic sprouting. Results Adult rats rapidly developed mechanical and heat hyperalgesia from postoperative day 3, with concurrent sympathetic sprouting in DRG. In contrast, the pup rats did not show a significantly lower mechanical threshold until postoperative day 28, at which time the sympathetic sprouting became evident in the DRG. No heat hyperalgesia was presented in pup rats at any time point. There was a late expression of glial p75NTR in DRG of pups from postoperative day 28, which was parallel to the occurrence of sympathetic sprouting. The expression of TrkA did not show such a postoperative syncing change. Conclusion The delayed-onset mechanical allodynia in the infant nerve lesion was accompanied with parallel sympathetic sprouting in DRG. The late parallel expression of glial p75NTR injury may play an essential role in this process, which provides novel insight into the treatment of delayed adolescent neuropathic pain.
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