Spinal glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor infusion reverses reduction of Kv4.1-mediated A-type potassium currents of injured myelinated primary afferent neurons in a neuropathic pain model

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Altered Excitability of Cardiac Efferent Neurons in Cirrhotic Rats

Patients with cirrhosis often exhibit cardiac autonomic dysfunction (CAD), characterized by enhanced cardiac sympathetic activity and diminished cardiac vagal tone, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. This study delineates the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with altered neuronal activities causing cirrhosis-induced CAD. Biliary and nonbiliary cirrhotic rats were produced by common bile duct ligation (CBDL) and intraperitoneal injections of thioacetamide (TAA), respectively. Three weeks after CBDL or TAA injection, the assessment of heart rate variability revealed autonomic imbalance in cirrhotic rats. We observed increased excitability in stellate ganglion (SG) neurons and decreased excitability in intracardiac ganglion (ICG) neurons in cirrhotic rats compared to sham-operated controls. Additionally, threshold, rheobase, and action potential duration exhibited opposite alterations in SG and ICG neurons, along with changes in afterhyperpolarization duration. A- and M-type K⁺ channels were significantly downregulated in SG neurons, while M-type K⁺ channels were upregulated, with downregulation of the N- and L-type Ca2⁺ channels in the ICG neurons of cirrhotic rats, both in transcript expression and functional activity. Collectively, these findings suggest that cirrhosis induces an imbalance between cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic neuronal activities via the differential regulation of K+ and Ca2+ channels. Thus, cirrhosis-induced CAD may be associated with impaired autonomic efferent functions within the homeostatic reflex arc that regulates cardiac functions.

Integration of Multi-Omics Data for the Classification of Glioma Types and Identification of Novel Biomarkers

Glioma is currently one of the most prevalent types of primary brain cancer. Given its high level of heterogeneity along with the complex biological molecular markers, many efforts have been made to accurately classify the type of glioma in each patient, which, in turn, is critical to improve early diagnosis and increase survival. Nonetheless, as a result of the fast-growing technological advances in high-throughput sequencing and evolving molecular understanding of glioma biology, its classification has been recently subject to significant alterations. In this study, we integrate multiple glioma omics modalities (including mRNA, DNA methylation, and miRNA) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), while using the revised glioma reclassified labels, with a supervised method based on sparse canonical correlation analysis (DIABLO) to discriminate between glioma types. We were able to find a set of highly correlated features distinguishing glioblastoma from lower-grade gliomas (LGGs) that were mainly associated with the disruption of receptor tyrosine kinases signaling pathways and extracellular matrix organization and remodeling. Concurrently, the discrimination of the LGG types was characterized primarily by features involved in ubiquitination and DNA transcription processes. Furthermore, we could identify several novel glioma biomarkers likely helpful in both diagnosis and prognosis of the patients, including the genes PPP1R8, GPBP1L1, KIAA1614, C14orf23, CCDC77, BVES, EXD3, CD300A, and HEPN1. Collectively, this comprehensive approach not only allowed a highly accurate discrimination of the different TCGA glioma patients but also presented a step forward in advancing our comprehension of the underlying molecular mechanisms driving glioma heterogeneity. Ultimately, our study also revealed novel candidate biomarkers that might constitute potential therapeutic targets, marking a significant stride toward personalized and more effective treatment strategies for patients with glioma.

Trace amine-associated receptor 1 regulation of Kv1.4 channels in trigeminal ganglion neurons contributes to nociceptive behaviors

BACKGROUND

Trace amines, such as tyramine, are endogenous amino acid metabolites that have been hypothesized to promote headache. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unknown.

METHODS

Using patch-clamp recording, immunostaining, molecular biological approaches and behaviour tests, we elucidated a critically functional role of tyramine in regulating membrane excitability and pain sensitivity by manipulating Kv1.4 channels in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons.

RESULTS

Application of tyramine to TG neurons decreased the A-type K⁺ current (I_A) in a manner dependent on trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1). Either siRNA knockdown of Gαo or chemical inhibition of βγ subunit (G_βγ) signaling abrogated the response to tyramine. Antagonism of protein kinase C (PKC) prevented the tyramine-induced I_A response, while inhibition of conventional PKC isoforms or protein kinase A elicited no such effect. Tyramine increased the membrane abundance of PKC_θ in TG neurons, and either pharmacological or genetic inhibition of PKC_θ blocked the TAAR1-mediated I_A decrease. Furthermore, PKC_θ-dependent I_A suppression was mediated by Kv1.4 channels. Knockdown of Kv1.4 abrogated the TAAR1-induced I_A decrease, neuronal hyperexcitability, and pain hypersensitivity. In a mouse model of migraine induced by electrical stimulation of the dura mater surrounding the superior sagittal sinus, blockade of TAAR1 signaling attenuated mechanical allodynia; this effect was occluded by lentiviral overexpression of Kv1.4 in TG neurons.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that tyramine induces Kv1.4-mediated I_A suppression through stimulation of TAAR1 coupled to the G_βγ-dependent PKC_θ signaling cascade, thereby enhancing TG neuronal excitability and mechanical pain sensitivity. Insight into TAAR1 signaling in sensory neurons provides attractive targets for the treatment of headache disorders such as migraine.

K+ channel Kv4.1 is expressed in the nociceptors/secondary nociceptive neurons and participates in pain regulation

BACKGROUND

Kv4 channels are key components controlling neuronal excitability at membrane potentials below action potential thresholds. It remains elusive whether Kv4.1 participates in pain regulation.

METHODS

We raised a Kv4.1 antibody to map Kv4.1⁺ neurons in the superficial dorsal horn of spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of rats. Behavioral, biochemical, and immunohistochemical methods were used to examine whether the activity of Kv4.1⁺ neurons or Kv4.1 expression level is altered after peripheral nerve injury.

RESULTS

In lamina I of spinal cord, Kv4.1 immunoreactivity (IR) was detected in neurokinin-1 receptor positive (NK1R)⁺ projection neurons (the secondary nociceptive neurons) and NK1R⁺ excitatory interneurons. Kv4.1, KChIP2 and DPP10 were co-expressed in these neurons. Peripheral nerve injury evoked by lumbar spinal nerve ligation (SNL) immediately induced phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinase (pERK, an indicator of enhanced neuronal activity) in lamina I Kv4.1⁺ neurons and lamina II Kv4.2/Kv4.3⁺ neurons of the spinal cord. Furthermore, Kv4.1 appeared in 59.9% of DRG neurons with variable sizes. Kv4.1 mRNA and protein levels in DRG neurons were gradually decreased after SNL. Following intrathecal injection of Kv4.1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ASO) into naive rats, Kv4.1 protein level was reduced in the DRG, and mechanical but not thermal hypersensitivity was induced.

CONCLUSIONS

Kv4.1 appears in the secondary nociceptive neurons, and peripheral nerve injury increases the activity of these neurons. Kv4.1 expression in DRG neurons (including half of the nociceptors) is gradually reduced after peripheral nerve injury, and knockdown of Kv4.1 in DRG neurons induces pain. Thus, Kv4.1 participates in pain regulation.

SIGNIFICANCE

Based on the expression of Kv4.1 and Kv4.3 in the nociceptors, Kv4.1 in the secondary nociceptive neurons, Kv4.1 in spinal lamina I excitatory interneurons that regulate the activity of the secondary nociceptive neurons, as well as Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 in spinal lamina II excitatory interneurons that also regulate the activity of the secondary nociceptive neurons, developing Kv4 activators or genetic manipulation to increase Kv4 channel activity in these pain-related Kv4⁺ neurons will be useful in future pain therapeutics.

Peripheral Voltage-Gated Cation Channels in Neuropathic Pain and Their Potential as Therapeutic Targets

The persistence of increased excitability and spontaneous activity in injured peripheral neurons is imperative for the development and persistence of many forms of neuropathic pain. This aberrant activity involves increased activity and/or expression of voltage-gated Na+ and Ca2+ channels and hyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide gated (HCN) channels as well as decreased function of K+ channels. Because they display limited central side effects, peripherally restricted Na+ and Ca2+ channel blockers and K+ channel activators offer potential therapeutic approaches to pain management. This review outlines the current status and future therapeutic promise of peripherally acting channel modulators. Selective blockers of Nav1.3, Nav1.7, Nav1.8, Cav3.2, and HCN2 and activators of Kv7.2 abrogate signs of neuropathic pain in animal models. Unfortunately, their performance in the clinic has been disappointing; some substances fail to meet therapeutic end points whereas others produce dose-limiting side effects. Despite this, peripheral voltage-gated cation channels retain their promise as therapeutic targets. The way forward may include (i) further structural refinement of K+ channel activators such as retigabine and ASP0819 to improve selectivity and limit toxicity; use or modification of Na+ channel blockers such as vixotrigine, PF-05089771, A803467, PF-01247324, VX-150 or arachnid toxins such as Tap1a; the use of Ca2+ channel blockers such as TTA-P2, TTA-A2, Z 944, ACT709478, and CNCB-2; (ii) improving methods for assessing "pain" as opposed to nociception in rodent models; (iii) recognizing sex differences in pain etiology; (iv) tailoring of therapeutic approaches to meet the symptoms and etiology of pain in individual patients via quantitative sensory testing and other personalized medicine approaches; (v) targeting genetic and biochemical mechanisms controlling channel expression using anti-NGF antibodies such as tanezumab or re-purposed drugs such as vorinostat, a histone methyltransferase inhibitor used in the management of T-cell lymphoma, or cercosporamide a MNK 1/2 inhibitor used in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; (vi) combination therapy using drugs that are selective for different channel types or regulatory processes; (vii) directing preclinical validation work toward the use of human or human-derived tissue samples; and (viii) application of molecular biological approaches such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technology.

Mechanistic Insight from Preclinical Models of Parkinson's Disease Could Help Redirect Clinical Trial Efforts in GDNF Therapy

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by four pathognomonic hallmarks: (1) motor and non-motor deficits; (2) neuroinflammation and oxidative stress; (3) pathological aggregates of the α-synuclein (α-syn) protein; (4) neurodegeneration of the nigrostriatal system. Recent evidence sustains that the aggregation of pathological α-syn occurs in the early stages of the disease, becoming the first trigger of neuroinflammation and subsequent neurodegeneration. Thus, a therapeutic line aims at striking back α-synucleinopathy and neuroinflammation to impede neurodegeneration. Another therapeutic line is restoring the compromised dopaminergic system using neurotrophic factors, particularly the glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). Preclinical studies with GDNF have provided encouraging results but often lack evaluation of anti-α-syn and anti-inflammatory effects. In contrast, clinical trials have yielded imprecise results and have reported the emergence of severe side effects. Here, we analyze the discrepancy between preclinical and clinical outcomes, review the mechanisms of the aggregation of pathological α-syn, including neuroinflammation, and evaluate the neurorestorative properties of GDNF, emphasizing its anti-α-syn and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical and clinical trials.

Positive Regulatory Domain I-binding Factor 1 Mediates Peripheral Nerve Injury-induced Nociception in Mice by Repressing Kv4.3 Channel Expression

BACKGROUND

The transcriptional repressor positive regulatory domain I-binding factor 1 (PRDM1) is expressed in adult mouse dorsal root ganglion and regulates the formation and function of peripheral sensory neurons. The authors hypothesized that PRDM1 in the dorsal root ganglion may contribute to peripheral nerve injury-induced nociception regulation and that its mechanism may involve Kv4.3 channel transcriptional repression.

METHODS

Nociception was induced in C57BL/6 mice by applying chronic constriction injury, complete Freund's adjuvant, or capsaicin plantar injection. Nociceptive response was evaluated by mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, cold hyperalgesia, or gait analysis. The role of PRDM1 was evaluated by injection of Prdm1 knockdown and overexpression adeno-associated viruses. The interaction of PRDM1 at the Kv4.3 (Kcnd3) promoter was evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons was evaluated by whole cell patch clamp recordings, and calcium signaling in spinal dorsal horn neurons was evaluated by in vivo two-photon imaging.

RESULTS

Peripheral nerve injury increased PRDM1 expression in the dorsal root ganglion, which reduced the activity of the Kv4.3 promoter and repressed Kv4.3 channel expression (injured vs. uninjured; all P < 0.001). Knockdown of PRDM1 rescued Kv4.3 expression, reduced the high excitability of injured dorsal root ganglion neurons, and alleviated peripheral nerve injury-induced nociception (short hairpin RNA vs. Scram; all P < 0.05). In contrast, PRDM1 overexpression in naive mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons diminished Kv4.3 channel expression and induced hyperalgesia (PRDM1 overexpression vs. control, mean ± SD; n = 13; all P < 0.0001) as evaluated by mechanical allodynia (0.6 ± 0.3 vs. 1.2 ± 0.2 g), thermal hyperalgesia (5.2 ± 1.3 vs. 9.8 ± 1.7 s), and cold hyperalgesia (3.4 ± 0.5 vs. 5.3 ± 0.6 s). Finally, PRDM1 downregulation in naive mice reduced the calcium signaling response of spinal dorsal horn neurons to thermal stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

PRDM1 contributes to peripheral nerve injury-induced nociception by repressing Kv4.3 channel expression in injured dorsal root ganglion neurons.

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Kv4.3 Channel Dysfunction Contributes to Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain Manifested with Orofacial Cold Hypersensitivity in Rats

Trigeminal neuropathic pain is the most debilitating pain disorder but current treatments including opiates are not effective. A common symptom of trigeminal neuropathic pain is cold allodynia/hyperalgesia or cold hypersensitivity in orofacial area, a region where exposure to cooling temperatures are inevitable in daily life. Mechanisms underlying trigeminal neuropathic pain manifested with cold hypersensitivity are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated trigeminal neuropathic pain in male rats following infraorbital nerve chronic constrictive injury (ION-CCI). Assessed by the orofacial operant behavioral test, ION-CCI animals displayed orofacial cold hypersensitivity. The cold hypersensitivity was associated with the hyperexcitability of small-sized trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons that innervated orofacial regions. Furthermore, ION-CCI resulted in a reduction of A-type voltage-gated K⁺ currents (IA currents) in these TG neurons. We further showed that these small-sized TG neurons expressed Kv4.3 voltage-gated K⁺ channels, and Kv4.3 expression in these cells was significantly downregulated following ION-CCI. Pharmacological inhibition of Kv4.3 channels with phrixotoxin-2 inhibited IA-currents in these TG neurons and induced orofacial cold hypersensitivity. On the other hand, pharmacological potentiation of Kv4.3 channels amplified IA currents in these TG neurons and alleviated orofacial cold hypersensitivity in ION-CCI rats. Collectively, Kv4.3 downregulation in nociceptive trigeminal afferent fibers may contribute to peripheral cold hypersensitivity following trigeminal nerve injury, and Kv4.3 activators may be clinically useful to alleviate trigeminal neuropathic pain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Trigeminal neuropathic pain, the most debilitating pain disorder, is often triggered and exacerbated by cooling temperatures. Here, we created infraorbital nerve chronic constrictive injury (ION-CCI) in rats, an animal model of trigeminal neuropathic pain to show that dysfunction of Kv4.3 voltage-gated K⁺ channels in nociceptive-like trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons underlies the trigeminal neuropathic pain manifested with cold hypersensitivity in orofacial regions. Furthermore, we demonstrate that pharmacological potentiation of Kv4.3 channels can alleviate orofacial cold hypersensitivity in ION-CCI rats. Our results may have clinical implications in trigeminal neuropathic pain in human patients, and Kv4.3 channels may be an effective therapeutic target for this devastating pain disorder.

Interplay of BDNF and GDNF in the Mature Spinal Somatosensory System and Its Potential Therapeutic Relevance

The growth factors BDNF and GDNF are gaining more and more attention as modulators of synaptic transmission in the mature central nervous system (CNS). The two molecules undergo a regulated secretion in neurons and may be anterogradely transported to terminals where they can positively or negatively modulate fast synaptic transmission. There is today a wide consensus on the role of BDNF as a pro-nociceptive modulator, as the neurotrophin has an important part in the initiation and maintenance of inflammatory, chronic, and/or neuropathic pain at the peripheral and central level. At the spinal level, BDNF intervenes in the regulation of chloride equilibrium potential, decreases the excitatory synaptic drive to inhibitory neurons, with complex changes in GABAergic/glycinergic synaptic transmission, and increases excitatory transmission in the superficial dorsal horn. Differently from BDNF, the role of GDNF still remains to be unraveled in full. This review resumes the current literature on the interplay between BDNF and GDNF in the regulation of nociceptive neurotransmission in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord. We will first discuss the circuitries involved in such a regulation, as well as the reciprocal interactions between the two factors in nociceptive pathways. The development of small molecules specifically targeting BDNF, GDNF and/or downstream effectors is opening new perspectives for investigating these neurotrophic factors as modulators of nociceptive transmission and chronic pain. Therefore, we will finally consider the molecules of (potential) pharmacological relevance for tackling normal and pathological pain.

K+ Channels in Primary Afferents and Their Role in Nerve Injury-Induced Pain

Sensory abnormalities generated by nerve injury, peripheral neuropathy or disease are often expressed as neuropathic pain. This type of pain is frequently resistant to therapeutic intervention and may be intractable. Numerous studies have revealed the importance of enduring increases in primary afferent excitability and persistent spontaneous activity in the onset and maintenance of peripherally induced neuropathic pain. Some of this activity results from modulation, increased activity and /or expression of voltage-gated Na+ channels and hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels. K+ channels expressed in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) include delayed rectifiers (Kv1.1, 1.2), A-channels (Kv1.4, 3.3, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3), KCNQ or M-channels (Kv7.2, 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5), ATP-sensitive channels (KIR6.2), Ca2+-activated K+ channels (KCa1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and 3.1), Na+-activated K+ channels (KCa4.1 and 4.2) and two pore domain leak channels (K2p; TWIK related channels). Function of all K+ channel types is reduced via a multiplicity of processes leading to altered expression and/or post-translational modification. This also increases excitability of DRG cell bodies and nociceptive free nerve endings, alters axonal conduction and increases neurotransmitter release from primary afferent terminals in the spinal dorsal horn. Correlation of these cellular changes with behavioral studies provides almost indisputable evidence for K+ channel dysfunction in the onset and maintenance of neuropathic pain. This idea is underlined by the observation that selective impairment of just one subtype of DRG K+ channel can produce signs of pain in vivo. Whilst it is established that various mediators, including cytokines and growth factors bring about injury-induced changes in DRG function and excitability, evidence presently available points to a seminal role for interleukin 1β (IL-1β) in control of K+ channel function. Despite the current state of knowledge, attempts to target K+ channels for therapeutic pain management have met with limited success. This situation may change with the advent of personalized medicine. Identification of specific sensory abnormalities and genetic profiling of individual patients may predict therapeutic benefit of K+ channel activators.

The role of P2X4 receptor in neuropathic pain and its pharmacological properties

Neuropathic pain (NPP) is a common symptom of most diseases in clinic, which seriously affects the mental health of patients and brings certain pain to patients. Due to its pathological mechanism is very complicated, and thus, its treatment has been one of the challenges in the field of medicine. Therefore, exploring the pathogenesis and treatment approach of NPP has aroused the interest of many researchers. ATP is an important energy information substance, which participates in the signal transmission in the body. The P2 × 4 receptor (P2 × 4R) is dependent on ATP ligand-gated cationic channel receptor, which can be activated by ATP and plays an important role in the transmission of information in the nervous system and the formation of pain. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of the structure and function of the P2 × 4R gene. We also discuss the pathogenesis of NPP and the intrinsic relationship between P2 × 4R and NPP. Moreover, we explore the pharmacological properties of P2 × 4R antagonists or inhibitors used as targeted therapies for NPP.

Neuropathic and cAMP-induced pain behavior is ameliorated in mice lacking CNGB1

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels, which are directly activated by cAMP and cGMP, have long been known to play a key role in retinal and olfactory signal transduction. Emerging evidence indicates that CNG channels are also involved in signaling pathways important for pain processing. Here, we found that the expression of the channel subunits CNGA2, CNGA3, CNGA4 and CNGB1 in dorsal root ganglia, and of CNGA2 in the spinal cord, is transiently altered after peripheral nerve injury in mice. Specifically, we show using in situ hybridization and quantitative real-time RT-PCR that CNG channels containing the CNGB1b subunit are localized to populations of sensory neurons and predominantly excitatory interneurons in the spinal dorsal horn. In CNGB1 knockout (CNGB1^-/-) mice, neuropathic pain behavior is considerably attenuated whereas inflammatory pain behavior is normal. Finally, we provide evidence to support CNGB1 as a downstream mediator of cAMP signaling in pain pathways. Altogether, our data suggest that CNGB1-positive CNG channels specifically contribute to neuropathic pain processing after peripheral nerve injury.

The role and pharmacological properties of the P2X7 receptor in neuropathic pain

Neuropathic Pain (NPP) is caused by direct or indirect damage to the nervous system and is a common symptom of many diseases. Clinically, drugs are usually used to suppress pain, such as (lidocaine, morphine, etc.), but the effect is short-lived, poor analgesia, and there are certain dependence and side effects. Therefore, the investigation of the treatment of NPP has become an urgent problem in medical, attracting a lot of research attention. P2X7 is dependent on Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) ion channel receptors and has dual functions for the development of nerve damage and pain. In this review, we explored the link between the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) and NPP, providing insight into the P2X7R and NPP, discussing the pathological mechanism of P2 X7R in NPP and the biological characteristics of P2X7R antagonist inhibiting its over-expression for the targeted therapy of NPP.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor expressions in the trigeminal root entry zone and trigeminal ganglion neurons of a trigeminal neuralgia rat model

Microvascular compression on the trigeminal root entry zone (TREZ) is the main etiology of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) patients. To investigate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) and TREZ, immunofluorescence staining and Western blot were used in a rat TN model. Both BDNF and GDNF were observed in the TG neurons and TREZ. The expression of the BDNF dimer in the TG was increased in the TN group, while GDNF expression was decreased after compression injury. The BDNF dimer/pro-BDNF ratio in the TREZ of the TN group was higher than that in the sham group, but the GDNF expression in the TREZ was significantly lower than that in the sham group. These results suggested that compression injury in the TREZ of rats induced dynamic changes in BDNF and GDNF in both the TG and TREZ, and these changes are involved in the nociceptive transmission of the TN animal model.

Intracellular Neuroprotective Mechanisms in Neuron-Glial Networks Mediated by Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has a pronounced neuroprotective effect in various nervous system pathologies, including ischaemic brain damage and neurodegenerative diseases. In this work, we studied the effect of GDNF on the ultrastructure and functional activity of neuron-glial networks during acute hypoxic exposure, a key damaging factor in numerous brain pathologies. We analysed the molecular mechanisms most likely involved in the positive effects of GDNF. Hypoxia modelling was performed on day 14 of culturing primary hippocampal cells obtained from mouse embryos (E18). GDNF (1 ng/ml) was added to the culture medium 20 min before oxygen deprivation. Acute hypoxia-induced irreversible changes in the ultrastructure of neurons and astrocytes led to the loss of functional Сa²⁺ activity and neural network disruption. Destructive changes in the mitochondrial apparatus and its functional activity characterized by an increase in the basal oxygen consumption rate and respiratory chain complex II activity during decreased stimulated respiration intensity were observed 24 hours after hypoxic injury. At a concentration of 1 ng/ml, GDNF maintained the functional metabolic network activity in primary hippocampal cultures and preserved the structure of the synaptic apparatus and number of mature chemical synapses, confirming its neuroprotective effect. GDNF maintained the normal structure of mitochondria in neuronal outgrowth but not in the soma. Analysis of the possible GDNF mechanism revealed that RET kinase, a component of the receptor complex, and the PI3K/Akt pathway are crucial for the neuroprotective effect of GDNF. The current study also revealed the role of GDNF in the regulation of HIF-1α transcription factor expression under hypoxic conditions.

[Effect of cinobufagin on transient outward potassium current in dorsal root ganglion cells of rats with cancer-induced bone pain]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of cinobufagin on transient outward potassium current (IA) in rat dorsal root ganglion cells of cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) and explore the possible analgesic mechanism of cinobufagin.

METHODS

Whole cell patch clamp technique was used to examine the effect of cionbufagin on IA in acutely isolated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells from normal SD rats and rats with bone cancer pain.

RESULTS

The DRG cells from rats with CIBP showed obviously decreased IA current density, an activation curve shift to the right, and an inactivation curve shift to the left. Cinobufagin treatment significantly increased the IA current density and reversed the changes in the activation and inactivation curves in the DRG cells.

CONCLUSIONS

IA current is decreased in DRG neurons from rats with CIBP. Cinobufagin can regulate the activation and inactivation of IA current in the DRG cells, which may be related to its analgesic mechanism.

Electrical stimulation of the superior sagittal sinus suppresses A-type K+ currents and increases P/Q- and T-type Ca2+ currents in rat trigeminal ganglion neurons

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a debilitating neurological disorder involving abnormal trigeminovascular activation and sensitization. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

METHODS

A rat model of conscious migraine was established through the electrical stimulation (ES) of the dural mater surrounding the superior sagittal sinus. Using patch clamp recording, immunofluorescent labelling, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blot analysis, we studied the effects of ES on sensory neuronal excitability and elucidated the underlying mechanisms mediated by voltage-gated ion channels.

RESULTS

The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) level in the jugular vein blood and the number of CGRP-positive neurons in the trigeminal ganglia (TGs) were significantly increased in rats with ES-induced migraine. The application of ES increased actional potential firing in both small-sized IB₄-negative (IB₄^-) and IB₄⁺ TG neurons. No significant changes in voltage-gated Na⁺ currents were observed in the ES-treated groups. ES robustly suppressed the transient outward K⁺ current (I_A) in both types of TG neurons, while the delayed rectifier K⁺ current remained unchanged. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the protein expression of Kv4.3 was significantly decreased in the ES-treated groups, while Kv1.4 remained unaffected. Interestingly, ES increased the P/Q-type and T-type Ca²⁺ currents in small-sized IB₄^- TG neurons, while there were no significant changes in the IB₄⁺ subpopulation of neurons.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that ES decreases the I_A in small-sized TG neurons and increases P/Q- and T-type Ca²⁺ currents in the IB₄^- subpopulation of TG neurons, which might contribute to neuronal hyperexcitability in a rat model of ES-induced migraine.