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Poongodi R, Yang TH, Huang YH, Yang KD, Chen HZ, Chu TY, Wang TY, Lin HC, Cheng JK. Stem cell exosome-loaded Gelfoam improves locomotor dysfunction and neuropathic pain in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:143. [PMID: 38764049 PMCID: PMC11103960 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03758-5] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating illness in humans that causes permanent loss of movement or sensation. To treat SCI, exosomes, with their unique benefits, can circumvent limitations through direct stem cell transplantation. Therefore, we utilized Gelfoam encapsulated with exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HucMSC-EX) in a rat SCI model. METHODS SCI model was established through hemisection surgery in T9 spinal cord of female Sprague-Dawley rats. Exosome-loaded Gelfoam was implanted into the lesion site. An in vivo uptake assay using labeled exosomes was conducted on day 3 post-implantation. Locomotor functions and gait analyses were assessed using Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating scale and DigiGait Imaging System from weeks 1 to 8. Nociceptive responses were evaluated through von Frey filament and noxious radiant heat tests. The therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms were analyzed using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining at week 8 post-SCI. RESULTS For the in vivo exosome uptake assay, we observed the uptake of labeled exosomes by NeuN+, Iba1+, GFAP+, and OLIG2+ cells around the injured area. Exosome treatment consistently increased the BBB score from 1 to 8 weeks compared with the Gelfoam-saline and SCI control groups. Additionally, exosome treatment significantly improved gait abnormalities including right-to-left hind paw contact area ratio, stance/stride, stride length, stride frequency, and swing duration, validating motor function recovery. Immunostaining and Western blotting revealed high expression of NF200, MBP, GAP43, synaptophysin, and PSD95 in exosome treatment group, indicating the promotion of nerve regeneration, remyelination, and synapse formation. Interestingly, exosome treatment reduced SCI-induced upregulation of GFAP and CSPG. Furthermore, levels of Bax, p75NTR, Iba1, and iNOS were reduced around the injured area, suggesting anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Moreover, exosome treatment alleviated SCI-induced pain behaviors and reduced pain-associated proteins (BDNF, TRPV1, and Cav3.2). Exosomal miRNA analysis revealed several promising therapeutic miRNAs. The cell culture study also confirmed the neurotrophic effect of HucMSCs-EX. CONCLUSION Implantation of HucMSCs-EX-encapsulated Gelfoam improves SCI-induced motor dysfunction and neuropathic pain, possibly through its capabilities in nerve regeneration, remyelination, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis. Overall, exosomes could serve as a promising therapeutic alternative for SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Poongodi
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Tao-Hsiang Yang
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hsien Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan
| | - Kuender D Yang
- Institute of Long-Term Care, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan.
- Department of Pediatrics, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Hong-Zhao Chen
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Tsuei-Yu Chu
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Tao-Yeuan Wang
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Chieh Lin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300093, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices (IDS 2 B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 30068, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Kun Cheng
- Department of Medical Research, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan.
- Department of Anesthesiology, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 10449, Taiwan.
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, 25245, Taiwan.
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Shehab S, Javed H, Johnson AM, Tariq S, Kumar CA, Emerald BS. Unveiling the mechanisms of neuropathic pain suppression: perineural resiniferatoxin targets Trpv1 and beyond. Front Neuroanat 2023; 17:1306180. [PMID: 38099210 PMCID: PMC10720729 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2023.1306180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain arises from damage or disorders affecting the somatosensory system. In rats, L5 nerve injury induces thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity/hyperalgesia. Recently, we demonstrated that applying resiniferatoxin (RTX) directly on uninjured L3 and L4 nerves alleviated thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity resulting from L5 nerve injury. Herein, using immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and qRT-PCR techniques, we reveal that perineural application of RTX (0.002%) on the L4 nerve substantially downregulated the expression of its receptor (Trpv1) and three different voltage-gated ion channels (Nav1.9, Kv4.3, and Cav2.2). These channels are found primarily in small-sized neurons and show significant colocalization with Trpv1 in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). However, RTX treatment did not affect the expression of Kv1.1, Piezo2 (found in large-sized neurons without colocalization with Trpv1), and Kir4.1 (localized in satellite cells) in the ipsilateral DRGs. Furthermore, RTX application on L3 and L4 nerves reduced the activation of c-fos in the spinal neurons induced by heat stimulation. Subsequently, we investigated whether applying RTX to the L3 and L4 nerves 3 weeks before the L5 nerve injury could prevent the onset of neuropathic pain. Both 0.002 and 0.004% concentrations of RTX produced significant analgesic effects, while complete prevention of thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity required a concentration of 0.008%. Importantly, this preventive effect on neuropathic manifestations was not associated with nerve degeneration, as microscopic examination revealed no morphological changes. Overall, this study underscores the mechanisms and the significance of perineural RTX treatment applied to adjacent uninjured nerves in entirely preventing nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safa Shehab
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
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3
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Liu Q, Lu Z, Ren H, Fu L, Wang Y, Bu H, Ma M, Ma L, Huang C, Wang J, Zang W, Cao J, Fan X. Cav3.2 T-Type calcium channels downregulation attenuates bone cancer pain induced by inhibiting IGF-1/HIF-1α signaling pathway in the rat spinal cord. J Bone Oncol 2023; 42:100495. [PMID: 37583441 PMCID: PMC10423893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2023.100495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bone cancer pain (BCP) is one of the most ubiquitous and refractory symptoms of cancer patients that needs to be urgently addressed. Substantial studies have revealed the pivotal role of Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels in chronic pain, however, its involvement in BCP and the specific molecular mechanism have not been fully elucidated. Methods The expression levels of Cav3.2, insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1), IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) were detected by Western blot in tissues and cells. X-ray and Micro CT used to detect bone destruction in rats. Immunofluorescence was used to detect protein expression and spatial location in the spinal dorsal horn. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay used to verify the interaction between HIF-1α and Cav3.2. Results The results showed that the expression of Cav3.2 channel was upregulated and blockade of this channel alleviated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in BCP rats. Additionally, inhibition of IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling not only reversed the BCP-induced upregulation of Cav3.2 and HIF-1α, but also decreased nociceptive hypersensitivity in BCP rats. Inhibition of IGF-1 increased Cav3.2 expression levels, which were abolished by pretreatment with HIF-1α siRNA in PC12 cells. Furthermore, nuclear HIF-1α bound to the promoter of Cav3.2 to regulate the Cav3.2 transcription level, and knockdown of HIF-1α suppresses the IGF-1-induced upregulation of Cav3.2 and pain behaviors in rats with BCP. Conclusion These findings suggest that spinal Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels play a central role during the development of bone cancer pain in rats via regulation of the IGF-1/IGF-1R/HIF-1α pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingying Liu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Zhongyuan Lu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Huan Ren
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Lijun Fu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Yueliang Wang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Huilian Bu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Minyu Ma
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Letian Ma
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China
| | - Weidong Zang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China
| | - Xiaochong Fan
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
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Rangel-Galván M, Rangel-Galván V, Rangel-Huerta A. T-type calcium channel modulation by hydrogen sulfide in neuropathic pain conditions. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1212800. [PMID: 37529702 PMCID: PMC10387653 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1212800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain can appear as a direct or indirect nerve damage lesion or disease that affects the somatosensory nervous system. If the neurons are damaged or indirectly stimulated, immune cells contribute significantly to inflammatory and neuropathic pain. After nerve injury, peripheral macrophages/spinal microglia accumulate around damaged neurons, producing endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) through the cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) enzyme. H2S has a pronociceptive modulation on the Cav3.2 subtype, the predominant Cav3 isoform involved in pain processes. The present review provides relevant information about H2S modulation on the Cav3.2 T-type channels in neuropathic pain conditions. We have discussed that the dual effect of H2S on T-type channels is concentration-dependent, that is, an inhibitory effect is seen at low concentrations of 10 µM and an augmentation effect on T-current at 100 µM. The modulation mechanism of the Cav3.2 channel by H2S involves the direct participation of the redox/Zn2+ affinity site located in the His191 in the extracellular loop of domain I of the channel, involving a group of extracellular cysteines, comprising C114, C123, C128, and C1333, that can modify the local redox environment. The indirect interaction pathways involve the regulation of the Cav3.2 channel through cytokines, kinases, and post-translational regulators of channel expression. The findings conclude that the CSE/H2S/Cav3.2 pathway could be a promising therapeutic target for neuropathic pain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricruz Rangel-Galván
- Biothecnology Department, Metropolitan Polytechnic University of Puebla, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Violeta Rangel-Galván
- Nursing and Physiotherapy Department, University of Professional Development, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Rangel-Huerta
- Faculty of Computer Science, Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla, Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
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5
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Yan Y, Zhu M, Cao X, Xu G, Shen W, Li F, Zhang J, Luo L, Zhang X, Zhang D, Liu T. Thalamocortical Circuit Controls Neuropathic Pain via Up-regulation of HCN2 in the Ventral Posterolateral Thalamus. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:774-792. [PMID: 36538279 PMCID: PMC10169982 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00989-5] [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: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The thalamocortical (TC) circuit is closely associated with pain processing. The hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) 2 channel is predominantly expressed in the ventral posterolateral thalamus (VPL) that has been shown to mediate neuropathic pain. However, the role of VPL HCN2 in modulating TC circuit activity is largely unknown. Here, by using optogenetics, neuronal tracing, electrophysiological recordings, and virus knockdown strategies, we showed that the activation of VPL TC neurons potentiates excitatory synaptic transmission to the hindlimb region of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1HL) as well as mechanical hypersensitivity following spared nerve injury (SNI)-induced neuropathic pain in mice. Either pharmacological blockade or virus knockdown of HCN2 (shRNA-Hcn2) in the VPL was sufficient to alleviate SNI-induced hyperalgesia. Moreover, shRNA-Hcn2 decreased the excitability of TC neurons and synaptic transmission of the VPL-S1HL circuit. Together, our studies provide a novel mechanism by which HCN2 enhances the excitability of the TC circuit to facilitate neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yan
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Mengye Zhu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Xuezhong Cao
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jinjin Zhang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Lingyun Luo
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Xuexue Zhang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Daying Zhang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
- Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, 330006, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neuropathic Pain, Healthcare Commission of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Tao Liu
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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Gomez K, Khanna R. Ca V 3.2 calcium channels: new players in facial pain. Pain 2022; 163:e1166-e1168. [PMID: 35442930 PMCID: PMC9568618 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Gomez
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry,
New York University, New York, NY, 10010, USA
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, 8
Floor, New York University, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry,
New York University, New York, NY, 10010, USA
- NYU Pain Research Center, 433 First Avenue, 8
Floor, New York University, New York, NY, 10010, USA
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7
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T-Type Calcium Channels: A Mixed Blessing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179894. [PMID: 36077291 PMCID: PMC9456242 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of T-type calcium channels is well established in excitable cells, where they preside over action potential generation, automaticity, and firing. They also contribute to intracellular calcium signaling, cell cycle progression, and cell fate; and, in this sense, they emerge as key regulators also in non-excitable cells. In particular, their expression may be considered a prognostic factor in cancer. Almost all cancer cells express T-type calcium channels to the point that it has been considered a pharmacological target; but, as the drugs used to reduce their expression are not completely selective, several complications develop, especially within the heart. T-type calcium channels are also involved in a specific side effect of several anticancer agents, that act on microtubule transport, increase the expression of the channel, and, thus, the excitability of sensory neurons, and make the patient more sensitive to pain. This review puts into context the relevance of T-type calcium channels in cancer and in chemotherapy side effects, considering also the cardiotoxicity induced by new classes of antineoplastic molecules.
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8
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Li W, Liu J, Chen A, Dai D, Zhao T, Liu Q, Song J, Xiong L, Gao XF. Shared nociceptive dorsal root ganglion neurons participating in acupoint sensitization. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:974007. [PMID: 36106140 PMCID: PMC9465389 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.974007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
When the body is under pathological stress (injury or disease), the status of associated acupoints changes, including decreased pain threshold. Such changes in acupoint from a “silent” to an “active” state are considered “acupoint sensitization,” which has become an important indicator of acupoint selection. However, the mechanism of acupoint sensitization remains unclear. In this study, by retrograde tracing, morphological, chemogenetic, and behavioral methods, we found there are some dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons innervating the ST36 acupoint and ipsilateral hind paw (IHP) plantar simultaneously. Inhibition of these shared neurons induced analgesia in the complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) pain model and obstruction of nociceptive sensation in normal mice, and elevated the mechanical pain threshold (MPT) of ST36 acupoint in the CFA model. Excitation of shared neurons induced pain and declined the MPT of ST36 acupoint. Furthermore, most of the shared DRG neurons express TRPV1, a marker of nociceptive neurons. These results indicate that the shared nociceptive DRG neurons participate in ST36 acupoint sensitization in CFA-induced chronic pain. This raised a neural mechanism of acupoint sensitization at the level of primary sensory transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanrong Li
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Faculty of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Aiwen Chen
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
| | - Danqing Dai
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiantian Zhao
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianren Song
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lize Xiong
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Lize Xiong,
| | - Xiao-Fei Gao
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai, China
- Xiao-Fei Gao,
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Harding EK, Zamponi GW. Central and peripheral contributions of T-type calcium channels in pain. Mol Brain 2022; 15:39. [PMID: 35501819 PMCID: PMC9063214 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00923-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractChronic pain is a severely debilitating condition that reflects a long-term sensitization of signal transduction in the afferent pain pathway. Among the key players in this pathway are T-type calcium channels, in particular the Cav3.2 isoform. Because of their biophysical characteristics, these channels are ideally suited towards regulating neuronal excitability. Recent evidence suggests that T-type channels contribute to excitability of neurons all along the ascending and descending pain pathways, within primary afferent neurons, spinal dorsal horn neurons, and within pain-processing neurons in the midbrain and cortex. Here we review the contribution of T-type channels to neuronal excitability and function in each of these neuronal populations and how they are dysregulated in chronic pain conditions. Finally, we discuss their molecular pharmacology and the potential role of these channels as therapeutic targets for chronic pain.
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10
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CaV3.2 calcium channels contribute to trigeminal neuralgia. Pain 2022; 163:2315-2325. [PMID: 35467587 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a rare but debilitating disorder characterized by excruciating facial pain, with a higher incidence in women. Recent studies demonstrated that TN patients present mutations in the gene encoding the CaV3.2 T-type calcium channel, an important player in peripheral pain pathways. Here we characterize the role of CaV3.2 channels in TN at two levels. First, we examined the biophysical properties of CACNA1H variants found in TN patients. Second, we investigated the role of CaV3.2 in an animal model of trigeminal neuropathic pain. Whole cell patch clamp recordings from four different mutants expressed in tsA-201 cells (E286K in the pore loop of domain I, H526Y, G563R and P566T in the domain I-II linker) identified a loss-of-function in activation in the E286K mutation and gain-of-function in the G563R and P566T mutations. Moreover, a loss-of-function in inactivation was observed with the E286K and H526Y mutations. Cell surface biotinylation revealed no difference in channel trafficking among the variants. The G563R mutant also caused a gain-of-function in the firing properties of transfected trigeminal ganglion neurons. In female and male mice, constriction of the infraorbital nerve (CION) induced facial thermal heat hyperalgesia. Block of T-type channels with Z944 resulted in antihyperalgesia. The effect of Z944 was absent in CaV3.2-/- mice, indicating that CaV3.2 is the molecular target of the antihyperalgesic Z944 effect. Finally, ELISA analysis revealed increased CaV3.2 channel expression in the spinal trigeminal subnucleus caudalis. Altogether, the present study demonstrates an important role of CaV3.2 channels in trigeminal pain.
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[Effects of CACNA1H gene knockout on autistic-like behaviors and the morphology of hippocampal neurons in mice]. BEIJING DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF PEKING UNIVERSITY. HEALTH SCIENCES 2022; 54. [PMID: 35435181 PMCID: PMC9069025 DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167x.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of CACNA1H gene knockout (KO) on autistic-like behaviors and the morphology of hippocampal neurons in mice. METHODS In the study, 25 CACNA1H KO mice of 3-4 weeks old and C57BL/6 background were recruited as the experimental group, and 26 wild type (WT) mice of the same age and background were recruited as the control group. Three-chamber test and open field test were used to observe the social interaction, anxiety, and repetitive behaviors in mice. After that, their brain weight and size were measured, and the number of hippocampal neurons were observed by Nissl staining. Furthermore, the CACNA1H heterozygote mice were interbred with Thy1-GFP-O mice to generate CACNA1H-/--Thy1+(KO-GFP) and CACNA1H+/+-Thy1+ (WT-GFP) mice. The density and maturity of dendritic spines of hippocampal neurons were observed. RESULTS In the sociability test session of the three-chamber test, the KO mice spent more time in the chamber of the stranger mice than in the object one (F1, 14=95.086, P < 0.05; Post-Hoc: P < 0.05), without any significant difference for the explored preference index between the two groups (t=1.044, P>0.05). However, in the social novelty recognition test session, no difference was observed between the time of the KO mice spend in the chamber of new stranger mice and the stranger one (F1, 14=18.062, P < 0.05; Post-Hoc: P>0.05), and the explored preference index of the KO mice was less than that of the control group (t=2.390, P < 0.05). In the open field test, the KO mice spent less time in the center of the open field apparatus than the control group (t=2.503, P < 0.05), but the self-grooming time was significantly increased compared with the control group (t=-2.299, P < 0.05). Morphological results showed that the brain weight/body weight ratio (t=0.356, P>0.05) and brain size (t=-0.660, P>0.05) of the KO mice were not significantly different from those of the control group, but the number of neurons were significantly reduced in hippocampal dentate gyrus compared with the control group (t=2.323, P < 0.05). Moreover, the density of dendritic spine of dentate gyrus neurons in the KO-GFP mice was significantly increased compared with the control group (t=-2.374, P < 0.05), without any significant difference in spine maturity (t=-1.935, P>0.05). CONCLUSION CACNA1H KO mice represent autistic-like behavior, which may be related to the decrease in the number of neurons and the increase in the density of dendritic spine in the dentate gyrus.
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Zhi YR, Cao F, Su XJ, Gao SW, Zheng HN, Jiang JY, Su L, Liu J, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Y. The T-Type Calcium Channel Cav3.2 in Somatostatin Interneurons in Spinal Dorsal Horn Participates in Mechanosensation and Mechanical Allodynia in Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:875726. [PMID: 35465611 PMCID: PMC9024096 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.875726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatostatin-positive (SOM+) neurons have been proposed as one of the key populations of excitatory interneurons in the spinal dorsal horn involved in mechanical pain. However, the molecular mechanism for their role in pain modulation remains unknown. Here, we showed that the T-type calcium channel Cav3.2 was highly expressed in spinal SOM+ interneurons. Colocalization of Cacna1h (which codes for Cav3.2) and SOMtdTomato was observed in the in situ hybridization studies. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting of SOMtdTomato cells in spinal dorsal horn also proved a high expression of Cacna1h in SOM+ neurons. Behaviorally, virus-mediated knockdown of Cacna1h in spinal SOM+ neurons reduced the sensitivity to light touch and responsiveness to noxious mechanical stimuli in naïve mice. Furthermore, knockdown of Cacna1h in spinal SOM+ neurons attenuated thermal hyperalgesia and dynamic allodynia in the complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced inflammatory pain model, and reduced both dynamic and static allodynia in a neuropathic pain model of spared nerve injury. Mechanistically, a decrease in the percentage of neurons with Aβ-eEPSCs and Aβ-eAPs in superficial dorsal horn was observed after Cacna1h knockdown in spinal SOM+ neurons. Altogether, our results proved a crucial role of Cav3.2 in spinal SOM+ neurons in mechanosensation under basal conditions and in mechanical allodynia under pathological pain conditions. This work reveals a molecular basis for SOM+ neurons in transmitting mechanical pain and shows a functional role of Cav3.2 in tactile and pain processing at the level of spinal cord in addition to its well-established peripheral role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ru Zhi
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of China, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Cao
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of China, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Su
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Shu-Wen Gao
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of China, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao-Nan Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Yan Jiang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of China, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Su
- Center of Medical and Health Analysis, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Center of Medical and Health Analysis, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of China, Peking University, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Zhang,
| | - Ying Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission of China, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Yan Zhang,
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Kuang H, Liu T, Jiao C, Wang J, Wu S, Wu J, Peng S, Davidson AM, Zeng SX, Lu H, Mostany R. Genetic Deficiency of p53 Leads to Structural, Functional, and Synaptic Deficits in Primary Somatosensory Cortical Neurons of Adult Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:871974. [PMID: 35465090 PMCID: PMC9021533 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.871974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor suppressor p53 plays a crucial role in embryonic neuron development and neurite growth, and its involvement in neuronal homeostasis has been proposed. To better understand how the lack of the p53 gene function affects neuronal activity, spine development, and plasticity, we examined the electrophysiological and morphological properties of layer 5 (L5) pyramidal neurons in the primary somatosensory cortex barrel field (S1BF) by using in vitro whole-cell patch clamp and in vivo two-photon imaging techniques in p53 knockout (KO) mice. We found that the spiking frequency, excitatory inputs, and sag ratio were decreased in L5 pyramidal neurons of p53KO mice. In addition, both in vitro and in vivo morphological analyses demonstrated that dendritic spine density in the apical tuft is decreased in L5 pyramidal neurons of p53KO mice. Furthermore, chronic imaging showed that p53 deletion decreased dendritic spine turnover in steady-state conditions, and prevented the increase in spine turnover associated with whisker stimulation seen in wildtype mice. In addition, the sensitivity of whisker-dependent texture discrimination was impaired in p53KO mice compared with wildtype controls. Together, these results suggest that p53 plays an important role in regulating synaptic plasticity by reducing neuronal excitability and the number of excitatory synapses in S1BF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Kuang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- *Correspondence: Tao Liu Hua Lu Ricardo Mostany
| | - Cui Jiao
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jianmei Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shinan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Sicong Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Andrew M. Davidson
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Shelya X. Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Hua Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- *Correspondence: Tao Liu Hua Lu Ricardo Mostany
| | - Ricardo Mostany
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
- *Correspondence: Tao Liu Hua Lu Ricardo Mostany
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Garcia-Caballero A, Gadotti VM, Ali MY, Bladen C, Gambeta E, Van Humbeck JF, MacCallum JL, Zamponi GW. A Synthetically Accessible Small-Molecule Inhibitor of USP5-Cav3.2 Calcium Channel Interactions with Analgesic Properties. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:524-536. [PMID: 35113527 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cav3.2 calcium channels are important mediators of nociceptive signaling in the primary afferent pain pathway, and their expression is increased in various rodent models of chronic pain. Previous work from our laboratory has shown that this is in part mediated by an aberrant expression of deubiquitinase USP5, which associates with these channels and increases their stability. Here, we report on a novel bioactive rhodanine compound (II-1), which was identified in compound library screens. II-1 inhibits biochemical interactions between USP5 and the Cav3.2 domain III-IV linker in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting the enzymatic activity of USP5. Molecular docking analysis reveals two potential binding pockets at the USP5-Cav3.2 interface that are distinct from the binding site of the deubiquitinase inhibitor WP1130 (a.k.a. degrasyn). With an understanding of the ability of some rhodanines to produce false positives in high-throughput screening, we have conducted several orthogonal assays to confirm the validity of this hit, including in vivo experiments. Intrathecal delivery of II-1 inhibited both phases of formalin-induced nocifensive behaviors in mice, as well as abolished thermal hyperalgesia induced by the delivery of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to the hind paw. The latter effects were abolished in Cav3.2 null mice, thus confirming that Cav3.2 is required for the action of II-1. II-1 also mediated a robust inhibition of mechanical allodynia induced by injury to the sciatic nerve. Altogether, our data uncover a novel class of analgesics─well suited to rapid structure-activity relationship studies─that target the Cav3.2/USP5 interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Garcia-Caballero
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 4N1, Canada
- Zymedyne Therapeutics, Calgary T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Vinicius M. Gadotti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 4N1, Canada
- Zymedyne Therapeutics, Calgary T2L 1Y8, Canada
| | - Md Yousof Ali
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Chris Bladen
- Zymedyne Therapeutics, Calgary T2L 1Y8, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Macquarie University, 75 Talavera Rd, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Eder Gambeta
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 4N1, Canada
| | | | | | - Gerald W. Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 4N1, Canada
- Zymedyne Therapeutics, Calgary T2L 1Y8, Canada
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Voltage-dependent Ca V3.2 and Ca V2.2 channels in nociceptive pathways. Pflugers Arch 2022; 474:421-434. [PMID: 35043234 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-022-02666-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Noxious stimuli like cold, heat, pH change, tissue damage, and inflammation depolarize a membrane of peripheral endings of specialized nociceptive neurons which eventually results in the generation of an action potential. The electrical signal is carried along a long axon of nociceptive neurons from peripheral organs to soma located in dorsal root ganglions and further to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord where it is transmitted through a chemical synapse and is carried through the spinal thalamic tract into the brain. Two subtypes of voltage-activated calcium play a major role in signal transmission: a low voltage-activated CaV3.2 channel and a high voltage-activated CaV2.2 channel. The CaV3.2 channel contributes mainly to the signal conductance along nociceptive neurons while the principal role of the CaV2.2 channel is in the synaptic transmission at the dorsal horn. Both channels contribute to the signal initiation at peripheral nerve endings. This review summarizes current knowledge about the expression and distribution of these channels in a nociceptive pathway, the regulation of their expression and gating during pain pathology, and their suitability as targets for pharmacological therapy.
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Joksimovic SL, Jevtovic-Todorovic V, Todorovic SM. The Mechanisms of Plasticity of Nociceptive Ion Channels in Painful Diabetic Neuropathy. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 3:869735. [PMID: 35419564 PMCID: PMC8995507 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.869735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Treating pain in patients suffering from small fiber neuropathies still represents a therapeutic challenge for health care providers and drug developers worldwide. Unfortunately, none of the currently available treatments can completely reverse symptoms of either gain or loss of peripheral nerve sensation. Therefore, there is a clear need for novel mechanism-based therapies for peripheral diabetic neuropathy (PDN) that would improve treatment of this serious condition. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms and causes of peripheral sensory neurons damage in diabetes. In particular, we focused on the subsets of voltage-gated sodium channels, TRP family of ion channels and a CaV3.2 isoform of T-type voltage-gated calcium channels. However, even though their potential is well-validated in multiple rodent models of painful PDN, clinical trials with specific pharmacological blockers of these channels have failed to exhibit therapeutic efficacy. We argue that understanding the development of diabetes and causal relationship between hyperglycemia, glycosylation, and other post-translational modifications may lead to the development of novel therapeutics that would efficiently alleviate painful PDN by targeting disease-specific mechanisms rather than individual nociceptive ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja L. Joksimovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | - Slobodan M. Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
- *Correspondence: Slobodan M. Todorovic
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Hoffmann T, Kistner K, Joksimovic SLJ, Todorovic SM, Reeh PW, Sauer SK. Painful diabetic neuropathy leads to functional Ca V3.2 expression and spontaneous activity in skin nociceptors of mice. Exp Neurol 2021; 346:113838. [PMID: 34450183 PMCID: PMC8549116 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Painful diabetic neuropathy occurs in approximately 20% of diabetic patients with underlying pathomechanisms not fully understood. We evaluated the contribution of the CaV3.2 isoform of T-type calcium channel to hyperglycemia-induced changes in cutaneous sensory C-fiber functions and neuropeptide release employing the streptozotocin (STZ) diabetes model in congenic mouse strains including global knockouts (KOs). Hyperglycemia established for 3-5 weeks in male C57BL/6J mice led to major reorganizations in peripheral C-fiber functions. Unbiased electrophysiological screening of mechanosensitive single-fibers in isolated hairy hindpaw skin revealed a relative loss of (polymodal) heat sensing in favor of cold sensing. In healthy CaV3.2 KO mice both heat and cold sensitivity among the C-fibers seemed underrepresented in favor of exclusive mechanosensitivity, low-threshold in particular, which deficit became significant in the diabetic KOs. Diabetes also led to a marked increase in the incidence of spontaneous discharge activity among the C-fibers of wildtype mice, which was reduced by the specific CaV3.2 blocker TTA-P2 and largely absent in the KOs. Evaluation restricted to the peptidergic class of nerve fibers - measuring KCl-stimulated CGRP release - revealed a marked reduction in the sciatic nerve by TTA-P2 in healthy but not diabetic wildtypes, the latter showing CGRP release that was as much reduced as in healthy and, to the same extent, in diabetic CaV3.2 KOs. These data suggest that diabetes abrogates all CaV3.2 functionality in the peripheral nerve axons. In striking contrast, diabetes markedly increased the KCl-stimulated CGRP release from isolated hairy skin of wildtypes but not KO mice, and TTA-P2 reversed this increase, strongly suggesting a de novo expression of CaV3.2 in peptidergic cutaneous nerve endings which may contribute to the enhanced spontaneous activity. De-glycosylation by neuraminidase showed clear desensitizing effects, both in regard to spontaneous activity and stimulated CGRP release, but included actions independent of CaV3.2. However, as diabetes-enhanced glycosylation is decisive for intra-axonal trafficking, it may account for the substantial reorganizations of the CaV3.2 distribution. The results may strengthen the validation of CaV3.2 channel as a therapeutic target of treating painful diabetic neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Hoffmann
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitaetsstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Katrin Kistner
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitaetsstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sonja L J Joksimovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Slobodan M Todorovic
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Peter W Reeh
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitaetsstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Susanne K Sauer
- Institute for Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Universitaetsstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany.
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Zhu M, Yan Y, Cao X, Zeng F, Xu G, Shen W, Li F, Luo L, Wang Z, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Zhang D, Liu T. Electrophysiological and Morphological Features of Rebound Depolarization Characterized Interneurons in Rat Superficial Spinal Dorsal Horn. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:736879. [PMID: 34621158 PMCID: PMC8490703 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.736879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons, which are located in the spinal dorsal horn (lamina II), have been identified as the “central gate” for the transmission and modulation of nociceptive information. Rebound depolarization (RD), a biophysical property mediated by membrane hyperpolarization that is frequently recorded in the central nervous system, contributes to shaping neuronal intrinsic excitability and, in turn, contributes to neuronal output and network function. However, the electrophysiological and morphological properties of SG neurons exhibiting RD remain unclarified. In this study, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed on SG neurons from parasagittal spinal cord slices. RD was detected in 44.44% (84 out of 189) of the SG neurons recorded. We found that RD-expressing neurons had more depolarized resting membrane potentials, more hyperpolarized action potential (AP) thresholds, higher AP amplitudes, shorter AP durations, and higher spike frequencies in response to depolarizing current injection than neurons without RD. Based on their firing patterns and morphological characteristics, we propose that most of the SG neurons with RD mainly displayed tonic firing (69.05%) and corresponded to islet cell morphology (58.82%). Meanwhile, subthreshold currents, including the hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) and T-type calcium current (IT), were identified in SG neurons with RD. Blockage of Ih delayed the onset of the first spike in RD, while abolishment of IT significantly blunted the amplitude of RD. Regarding synaptic inputs, SG neurons with RD showed lower frequencies in both spontaneous and miniature excitatory synaptic currents. Furthermore, RD-expressing neurons received either Aδ- or C-afferent-mediated monosynaptic and polysynaptic inputs. However, RD-lacking neurons received afferents from monosynaptic and polysynaptic Aδ fibers and predominantly polysynaptic C-fibers. These findings demonstrate that SG neurons with RD have a specific cell-type distribution, and may differentially process somatosensory information compared to those without RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengye Zhu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, China
| | - Yi Yan
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, China
| | - Xuezhong Cao
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, China
| | - Fei Zeng
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei Shen
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, China
| | - Lingyun Luo
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhijian Wang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, China
| | - Xuexue Zhang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, China
| | - Daying Zhang
- Department of Pain Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Pain Medicine, Jiangxi Academy of Clinical and Medical Sciences, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Center for Experimental Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Cheng YC, Chiu YM, Dai ZK, Wu BN. Loganin Ameliorates Painful Diabetic Neuropathy by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Insulin Sensitivity in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Rats. Cells 2021; 10:2688. [PMID: 34685668 PMCID: PMC8534751 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Loganin is an iridoid glycoside with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, glucose-lowering activities which may address the pathological mechanisms of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and hyperglycemia. This study investigated the underlying mechanisms of action of loganin on PDN. The in vivo model of PDN was established by streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA) induction in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Subsequently, loganin (5 mg/kg) was administered by daily intraperitoneal injection. High-glucose stimulated human SH-SY5Y cells co-incubated with loganin were used to mimic the in vitro model of PDN. Loganin improved PDN rats' associated pain behaviors (allodynia and hyperalgesia), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), and serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione. Loganin also reduced pain-associated channel protein CaV3.2 and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the surficial spinal dorsal horn of PDN rats. Loganin inhibited oxidative stress and NF-κB activation and decreased the levels of mRNA and protein of proinflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α. Moreover, loganin attenuated insulin resistance by modulating the JNK-IRS-1 (insulin receptor substrate-1)-Akt-GSK3β signaling pathway in PDN rats. These results suggested that loganin improved PDN-mediated pain behaviors by inhibiting oxidative stress-provoked inflammation in the spinal cord, resulting in improved neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chi Cheng
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Department of Pharmacology, Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (Y.-M.C.)
| | - Yu-Min Chiu
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Department of Pharmacology, Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (Y.-M.C.)
| | - Zen-Kong Dai
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology and Pulmonology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Bin-Nan Wu
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Department of Pharmacology, Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (Y.-M.C.)
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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20
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Targeting T-type/CaV3.2 channels for chronic pain. Transl Res 2021; 234:20-30. [PMID: 33422652 PMCID: PMC8217081 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
T-type calcium channels regulate neuronal excitability and are important contributors of pain processing. CaV3.2 channels are the major isoform expressed in nonpeptidergic and peptidergic nociceptive neurons and are emerging as promising targets for pain treatment. Numerous studies have shown that CaV3.2 expression and/or activity are significantly increased in spinal dorsal horn and in dorsal root ganglia neurons in different inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. Pharmacological campaigns to inhibit the functional expression of CaV3.2 for treatment of pain have focused on the development of direct channel blockers, but none have produced lead candidates. Targeting the proteins that regulate the trafficking or transcription, and the ones that modify the channels via post-translational modifications are alternative means to regulate expression and function of CaV3.2 channels and hence to develop new drugs to control pain. Here we synthesize data supporting a role for CaV3.2 in numerous pain modalities and then discuss emerging opportunities for the indirect targeting of CaV3.2 channels.
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21
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Shin SM, Cai Y, Itson-Zoske B, Qiu C, Hao X, Xiang H, Hogan QH, Yu H. Enhanced T-type calcium channel 3.2 activity in sensory neurons contributes to neuropathic-like pain of monosodium iodoacetate-induced knee osteoarthritis. Mol Pain 2021; 16:1744806920963807. [PMID: 33054557 PMCID: PMC7570798 DOI: 10.1177/1744806920963807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The monosodium iodoacetate knee osteoarthritis model has been widely used for the evaluation of osteoarthritis pain, but the pathogenesis of associated chronic pain is not fully understood. The T-type calcium channel 3.2 (CaV3.2) is abundantly expressed in the primary sensory neurons, in which it regulates neuronal excitability at both the somata and peripheral terminals and facilitates spontaneous neurotransmitter release at the spinal terminals. In this study, we investigated the involvement of primary sensory neuron-CaV3.2 activation in monosodium iodoacetate osteoarthritis pain. Knee joint osteoarthritis pain was induced by intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (2 mg) in rats, and sensory behavior was evaluated for 35 days. At that time, knee joint structural histology, primary sensory neuron injury, and inflammatory gliosis in lumbar dorsal root ganglia, and spinal dorsal horn were examined. Primary sensory neuron-T-type calcium channel current by patch-clamp recording and CaV3.2 expression by immunohistochemistry and immunoblots were determined. In a subset of animals, pain relief by CaV3.2 inhibition after delivery of CaV3.2 inhibitor TTA-P2 into sciatic nerve was investigated. Knee injection of monosodium iodoacetate resulted in osteoarthritis histopathology, weight-bearing asymmetry, sensory hypersensitivity of the ipsilateral hindpaw, and inflammatory gliosis in the ipsilateral dorsal root ganglia, sciatic nerve, and spinal dorsal horn. Neuronal injury marker ATF-3 was extensively upregulated in primary sensory neurons, suggesting that neuronal damage was beyond merely knee-innervating primary sensory neurons. T-type current in dissociated primary sensory neurons from lumbar dorsal root ganglia of monosodium iodoacetate rats was significantly increased, and CaV3.2 protein levels in the dorsal root ganglia and spinal dorsal horn ipsilateral to monosodium iodoacetate by immunoblots were significantly increased, compared to controls. Perineural application of TTA-P2 into the ipsilateral sciatic nerve alleviated mechanical hypersensitivity and weight-bearing asymmetry in monosodium iodoacetate osteoarthritis rats. Overall, our findings demonstrate an elevated CaV3.2 expression and enhanced function of primary sensory neuron-T channels in the monosodium iodoacetate osteoarthritis pain. Further study is needed to delineate the importance of dysfunctional primary sensory neuron-CaV3.2 in osteoarthritis pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Min Shin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Yongsong Cai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Xi'an Honghui Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Brandon Itson-Zoske
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Chensheng Qiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Xu Hao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Hongfei Xiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, PR China
| | - Quinn H Hogan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Hongwei Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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22
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Harding EK, Dedek A, Bonin RP, Salter MW, Snutch TP, Hildebrand ME. The T-type calcium channel antagonist, Z944, reduces spinal excitability and pain hypersensitivity. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:3517-3532. [PMID: 33871884 PMCID: PMC8453510 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose T‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels are an emerging therapeutic target for neurological disorders including epilepsy and pain. Inhibition of T‐type channels reduces the excitability of peripheral nociceptive sensory neurons and reverses pain hypersensitivity in male rodent pain models. However, administration of peripherally restricted T‐type antagonists failed to show efficacy in multiple clinical and preclinical pain trials, suggesting that inhibition of peripheral T‐type channels alone may be insufficient for pain relief. Experimental Approach We utilized the selective and CNS‐penetrant T‐type channel antagonist, Z944, in electrophysiological, calcium imaging and behavioural paradigms to determine its effect on lamina I neuron excitability and inflammatory pain behaviours. Key Results Voltage‐clamp recordings from lamina I spinal neurons of adult rats revealed that approximately 80% of neurons possess a low threshold T‐type current, which was blocked by Z944. Due to this highly prevalent T‐type current, Z944 potently blocked action‐potential evoked somatic and dendritic calcium transients in lamina I neurons. Moreover, application of Z944 to spinal cord slices attenuated action potential firing rates in over half of laminae I/II neurons. Finally, we found that intraperitoneal injection of Z944 (1–10 mg·kg−1) dose‐dependently reversed mechanical allodynia in the complete Freund's adjuvant model of persistent inflammatory pain, with a similar magnitude and time course of analgesic effects between male and female rats. Conclusion and Implications T‐type calcium channels critically shape the excitability of lamina I pain processing neurons and inhibition of these channels by the clinical stage antagonist Z944 potently reverses pain hypersensitivity across sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika K Harding
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Annemarie Dedek
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert P Bonin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael W Salter
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terrance P Snutch
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael E Hildebrand
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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23
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Abstract
The chronification of pain can be attributed to changes in membrane receptors and channels underlying neuronal plasticity and signal transduction largely within nociceptive neurons that initiate and maintain pathological pain states. These proteins are subject to dynamic modification by posttranslational modifications, creating a code that controls protein function in time and space. Phosphorylation is an important posttranslational modification that affects ∼30% of proteins in vivo. Increased phosphorylation of various nociceptive ion channels and of their modulators underlies sensitization of different pain states. Cyclin-dependent kinases are proline-directed serine/threonine kinases that impact various biological and cellular systems. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), one member of this kinase family, and its activators p35 and p39 are expressed in spinal nerves, dorsal root ganglia, and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. In neuropathic pain conditions, expression and/or activity of Cdk5 is increased, implicating Cdk5 in nociception. Experimental evidence suggests that Cdk5 is regulated through its own phosphorylation, through increasing p35's interaction with Cdk5, and through cleavage of p35 into p25. This narrative review discusses the molecular mechanisms of Cdk5-mediated regulation of target proteins involved in neuropathic pain. We focus on Cdk5 substrates that have been linked to nociceptive pathways, including channels (eg, transient receptor potential cation channel and voltage-gated calcium channel), proteins involved in neurotransmitter release (eg, synaptophysin and collapsin response mediator protein 2), and receptors (eg, glutamate, purinergic, and opioid). By altering the phosphoregulatory "set point" of proteins involved in pain signaling, Cdk5 thus appears to be an attractive target for treating neuropathic pain conditions.
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24
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Sinha GP, Prasoon P, Smith BN, Taylor BK. Fast A-type currents shape a rapidly adapting form of delayed short latency firing of excitatory superficial dorsal horn neurons that express the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor. J Physiol 2021; 599:2723-2750. [PMID: 33768539 DOI: 10.1113/jp281033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor-expressing neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord contribute to chronic pain. For the first time, we characterized the firing patterns of Y1-expressing neurons in Y1eGFP reporter mice. Under hyperpolarized conditions, most Y1eGFP neurons exhibited fast A-type potassium currents and delayed, short-latency firing (DSLF). Y1eGFP DSLF neurons were almost always rapidly adapting and often exhibited rebound spiking, characteristics of spinal pain neurons under the control of T-type calcium channels. These results will inspire future studies to determine whether tissue or nerve injury downregulates the channels that underlie A-currents, thus unmasking membrane hyperexcitability in Y1-expressing dorsal horn neurons, leading to persistent pain. ABSTRACT Neuroanatomical and behavioural evidence indicates that neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor-expressing interneurons (Y1-INs) in the superficial dorsal horn (SDH) are predominantly excitatory and contribute to chronic pain. Using an adult ex vivo spinal cord slice preparation from Y1eGFP reporter mice, we characterized firing patterns in response to steady state depolarizing current injection of GFP-positive cells in lamina II, the great majority of which expressed Y1 mRNA (88%). Randomly sampled (RS) and Y1eGFP neurons exhibited five firing patterns: tonic, initial burst, phasic, delayed short-latency <180 ms (DSLF) and delayed long-latency >180 ms (DLLF). When studied at resting membrane potential, most RS neurons exhibited delayed firing, while most Y1eGFP neurons exhibited phasic firing. A preconditioning membrane hyperpolarization produced only subtle changes in the firing patterns of RS neurons, but dramatically shifted Y1eGFP neurons to DSLF (46%) and DLLF (24%). In contrast to RS DSLF neurons, which rarely exhibited spike frequency adaptation, Y1eGFP DSLF neurons were almost always rapidly adapting, a characteristic of nociceptive-responsive SDH neurons. Rebound spiking was more prevalent in Y1eGFP neurons (6% RS vs. 32% Y1eGFP), indicating enrichment of T-type calcium currents. Y1eGFP DSLF neurons exhibited fast A-type potassium currents that are known to delay or limit action potential firing and exhibited smaller current density as compared to RS DSLF neurons. Our results will inspire future studies to determine whether tissue or nerve injury downregulates channels that contribute to A-currents, thus potentially unmasking T-type calcium channel activity and membrane hyperexcitability in Y1-INs, leading to persistent pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghanshyam P Sinha
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, and the Pittsburgh Project to end Opioid Misuse, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Pranav Prasoon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, and the Pittsburgh Project to end Opioid Misuse, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bret N Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Bradley K Taylor
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, and the Pittsburgh Project to end Opioid Misuse, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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25
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A modulator of the low-voltage-activated T-type calcium channel that reverses HIV glycoprotein 120-, paclitaxel-, and spinal nerve ligation-induced peripheral neuropathies. Pain 2021; 161:2551-2570. [PMID: 32541387 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The voltage-gated calcium channels CaV3.1-3.3 constitute the T-type subfamily, whose dysfunctions are associated with epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, and chronic pain. The unique properties of low-voltage-activation, faster inactivation, and slower deactivation of these channels support their role in modulation of cellular excitability and low-threshold firing. Thus, selective T-type calcium channel antagonists are highly sought after. Here, we explored Ugi-azide multicomponent reaction products to identify compounds targeting T-type calcium channel. Of the 46 compounds tested, an analog of benzimidazolonepiperidine-5bk (1-{1-[(R)-{1-[(1S)-1-phenylethyl]-1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-yl}(thiophen-3-yl)methyl]piperidin-4-yl}-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,3-benzodiazol-2-one) modulated depolarization-induced calcium influx in rat sensory neurons. Modulation of T-type calcium channels by 5bk was further confirmed in whole-cell patch clamp assays in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, where pharmacological isolation of T-type currents led to a time- and concentration-dependent regulation with a low micromolar IC50. Lack of an acute effect of 5bk argues against a direct action on T-type channels. Genetic knockdown revealed CaV3.2 to be the isoform preferentially modulated by 5bk. High voltage-gated calcium, as well as tetrodotoxin-sensitive and -resistant sodium, channels were unaffected by 5bk. 5bk inhibited spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents and depolarization-evoked release of calcitonin gene-related peptide from lumbar spinal cord slices. Notably, 5bk did not bind human mu, delta, or kappa opioid receptors. 5bk reversed mechanical allodynia in rat models of HIV-associated neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and spinal nerve ligation-induced neuropathy, without effects on locomotion or anxiety. Thus, 5bk represents a novel T-type modulator that could be used to develop nonaddictive pain therapeutics.
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26
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Ueta Y, Miyata M. Brainstem local microglia induce whisker map plasticity in the thalamus after peripheral nerve injury. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108823. [PMID: 33691115 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Whisker deafferentation in mice disrupts topographic connectivity from the brainstem to the thalamic ventral posteromedial nucleus (VPM), which represents whisker map, by recruiting "ectopic" axons carrying non-whisker information in VPM. However, mechanisms inducing this plasticity remain largely unknown. Here, we show the role of region-specific microglia in the brainstem principal trigeminal nucleus (Pr5), a whisker sensory-recipient region, in VPM whisker map plasticity. Systemic or local manipulation of microglial activity reveals that microglia in Pr5, but not in VPM, are necessary and sufficient for recruiting ectopic axons in VPM. Deafferentation causes membrane hyperexcitability of Pr5 neurons dependent on microglia. Inactivation of Pr5 neurons abolishes this somatotopic reorganization in VPM. Additionally, microglial depletion prevents deafferentation-induced ectopic mechanical hypersensitivity. Our results indicate that local microglia in the brainstem induce peripheral nerve injury-induced plasticity of map organization in the thalamus and suggest that microglia are potential therapeutic targets for peripheral nerve injury-induced mechanical hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Ueta
- Division of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan.
| | - Mariko Miyata
- Division of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan.
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27
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Cardoso FC. Multi-targeting sodium and calcium channels using venom peptides for the treatment of complex ion channels-related diseases. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:114107. [PMID: 32579958 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Venom peptides are amongst the most exquisite group of bioactive molecules able to alter the normal physiology of organisms. These bioactive peptides penetrate tissues and blood vessels to encounter a number of receptors and ion channels to which they bind with high affinity and execute modulatory activities. Arachnid is the most diverse class of venomous animals often rich in peptides modulating voltage-gated sodium (NaV), calcium (CaV), and potassium (KV) channels. Spider venoms, in particular, contain potent and selective peptides targeting these channels, with a few displaying interesting multi-target properties for NaV and CaV channels underlying disease mechanisms such as in neuropathic pain, motor neuron disease and cancer. The elucidation of the pharmacology and structure-function properties of these venom peptides are invaluable for the development of effective drugs targeting NaV and CaV channels. This perspective discusses spider venom peptides displaying multi-target properties to modulate NaV and CaV channels in regard to their pharmacological features, structure-function relationships and potential to become the next generation of effective drugs to treat neurological disorders and other multi-ion channels related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Rd., St Lucia, QLD AU 4072, Australia
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