1
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Ascsillán AA, Kemény LV. The Skin-Brain Axis: From UV and Pigmentation to Behaviour Modulation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6199. [PMID: 38892387 PMCID: PMC11172643 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116199] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The skin-brain axis has been suggested to play a role in several pathophysiological conditions, including opioid addiction, Parkinson's disease and many others. Recent evidence suggests that pathways regulating skin pigmentation may directly and indirectly regulate behaviour. Conversely, CNS-driven neural and hormonal responses have been demonstrated to regulate pigmentation, e.g., under stress. Additionally, due to the shared neuroectodermal origins of the melanocytes and neurons in the CNS, certain CNS diseases may be linked to pigmentation-related changes due to common regulators, e.g., MC1R variations. Furthermore, the HPA analogue of the skin connects skin pigmentation to the endocrine system, thereby allowing the skin to index possible hormonal abnormalities visibly. In this review, insight is provided into skin pigment production and neuromelanin synthesis in the brain and recent findings are summarised on how signalling pathways in the skin, with a particular focus on pigmentation, are interconnected with the central nervous system. Thus, this review may supply a better understanding of the mechanism of several skin-brain associations in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A. Ascsillán
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatooncology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- HCEMM-SU Translational Dermatology Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Lajos V. Kemény
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatooncology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- HCEMM-SU Translational Dermatology Research Group, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
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2
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Mussetto V, Moen A, Trofimova L, Sandkühler J, Hogri R. Differential activation of spinal and parabrachial glial cells in a neuropathic pain model. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1163171. [PMID: 37082205 PMCID: PMC10110840 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1163171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical burden faced by chronic pain patients is compounded by affective comorbidities, such as depression and anxiety disorders. Emerging evidence suggests that reactive glial cells in the spinal cord dorsal horn play a key role in the chronification of pain, while supraspinal glia are important for psychological aspects of chronic pain. The lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) in the brainstem is a key node in the ascending pain system, and is crucial for the emotional dimension of pain. Yet, whether astrocytes and microglia in the LPBN are activated during chronic pain is unknown. Here, we evaluated the occurrence of glial activation in the LPBN of male Sprague-Dawley rats 1, 4, and 7 weeks after inducing a chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, a prevalent neuropathic pain model. CCI animals developed mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity that persisted for at least 4 weeks, and was mostly reversed after 7 weeks. Using immunohistochemical staining and confocal imaging, we found that CCI caused a strong increase in the expression of the astrocytic marker GFAP and the microglial marker Iba1 in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn, with peak expression observed 1 week post-injury. Moreover, morphology analysis revealed changes in microglial phenotype, indicative of microglia activation. In contrast, CCI did not induce any detectable changes in either astrocytes or microglia in the LPBN, at any time point. Thus, our results indicate that while neuropathic pain induces a robust glial reaction in the spinal dorsal horn, it fails to activate glial cells in the LPBN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Roni Hogri
- Department of Neurophysiology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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3
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Effects of intra-nasal melanocortin-4 receptor antagonist on trigeminal neuropathic pain in male and female rats. Neurosci Lett 2023; 796:137054. [PMID: 36610589 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of chronic orofacial pain remains a major therapeutic challenge despite available medications. Melanocortins have been implicated in pathologic pain. Intrathecal administration of MC4R antagonists has been shown to alleviate neuropathic pain (NP) in male rats. However, intrathecal delivery is very invasive and requires surgeon's intervention. Intra-nasal rout offers a non-invasive drug delivery method that can be self-administered making it very attractive clinically. In this study, we investigated the effects of intra-nasally delivered MC4R antagonist (HS014) on trigeminal neuropathic pain (TNP) in male and female rats. We also measured the MC4R protein levels in the trigeminal ganglia (TG) and infraorbital nerve (ION) of rats. We used ION chronic constriction injury (ION-CCI) to induce TNP in rats. We used von Frey and pinprick assays to measure the development of hypersensitivity in the face following ION-CCI. At 22 days post-ION-CCI, we delivered HS014 intra-nasally to measure its effects on TNP in rats. We used enzyme linked immunosorbent assay to measure MC4R protein levels in the TG and ION. ION-CCI resulted in a significant increase of MC4R protein levels in the ipsilateral TG and ION of male and female rats. Intra-nasal delivered HS014 resulted in a significant reduction of ION-CCI induced hypersensitivity in male and female rats. These results demonstrate that intranasal delivery of MC4R antagonist alleviated TNP in male and female rats and suggest that such treatment could be beneficial therapeutically for individuals with chronic NP.
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4
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Proinflammatory cytokines and their receptors as druggable targets to alleviate pathological pain. Pain 2022; 163:S79-S98. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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5
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Melanocortin-4 receptor signaling in the central amygdala mediates chronic inflammatory pain effects on nociception. Neuropharmacology 2022; 210:109032. [PMID: 35304172 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory pain represents one of the largest subsets of chronic pain diagnoses, which affect nearly a quarter of individuals in the United States and cost nearly $600 billion dollars annually. Chronic pain leads to persistent sensory hypersensitivities, as well as emotional and cognitive disturbances. Evidence suggests that melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4Rs) mediate pain-signaling and pain-like behaviors via actions at various nodes in the pain-neural axis, but the field lacks a complete understanding of the potential role of MC4Rs in chronic inflammatory pain in males and females. The central amygdala (CeA) expresses high quantities of MC4R and receives pain-related information from the periphery, and in vivo CeA manipulations alter nociceptive behavior in pain-naïve and in animals with chronic pain. Here, we tested the hypothesis that MC4Rs in the CeA modulate thermal nociception and mechanical sensitivity, as well as pain avoidance, in male and female Wistar rats, using a model of chronic inflammatory pain (Complete Freud's Adjuvant; CFA). First, we report that CFA produces long-lasting hyperalgesia in adult male and female Wistar rats, and long-lasting pain avoidance in male Wistar rats. Second, we report that MC4R antagonism in the CeA reduces thermal nociception and mechanical sensitivity in male and female Wistar rats treated with CFA. Finally, we report that MC4R antagonism in the CeA reduces pain avoidance in male, and that this effect is not due to drug effects on locomotor activity. Our results indicate that a model of chronic inflammatory pain produces long-lasting increases in pain-like behaviors in adult male and female Wistar rats, and that antagonism of MC4Rs in the CeA reverses those effects.
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6
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Jiang Z, Chen Z, Chen Y, Jiao J, Wang Z. RETRACTED ARTICLE: Involvement of pro-inflammatory cytokines in diabetic neuropathic pain via central PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway. Arch Physiol Biochem 2021; 127:I-IX. [PMID: 31399002 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2019.1651869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Retraction statementWe, the Editors and Publisher of Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry, have retracted the following article:Zongming Jiang, Zhonghua Chen, Yonghao Chen, Jing Jiao and Zhifeng WangInvolvement of pro-inflammatory cytokines in diabetic neuropathic pain via central PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway, Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry, Published Online 2019 Aug 9:1-9. DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2019.1651869The article has been retracted following receipt of information from the corresponding author, Zhifeng Wang, on September 11, 2019, informing us that it was realised that inappropriate doses of rapamycin and the corresponding antagonist were used in this study, which may have led to artificial results and misleading interpretations and ultimately do not support the final conclusions drawn by the authors. The article is withdrawn from all print and electronic editions.We have been informed in our decision-making by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retractions.The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as "Retracted."
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongming Jiang
- Department of Anesthesia, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, PR China
| | - Zhonghua Chen
- Department of Anesthesia, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, PR China
| | - Yonghao Chen
- Department of Anesthesia, Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, PR China
| | - Jing Jiao
- Department of Anesthesia, Shanghai Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhifeng Wang
- Department of Anesthesia, Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, PR China
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7
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Gilpin NW, Yu W, Kash TL. Forebrain-Midbrain Circuits and Peptides Involved in Hyperalgesia After Chronic Alcohol Exposure. Alcohol Res 2021; 41:13. [PMID: 34729286 PMCID: PMC8549866 DOI: 10.35946/arcr.v41.1.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
People living with pain report drinking alcohol to relieve pain. Acute alcohol use reduces pain, and chronic alcohol use facilitates the emergence or exaggeration of pain. Recently, funding agencies and neuroscientists involved in basic research have turned their attention to understanding the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie pain-alcohol interactions, with a focus on circuit and molecular mediators of alcohol-induced changes in pain-related behavior. This review briefly discusses some examples of work being done in this area, with a focus on reciprocal projections between the midbrain and extended amygdala, as well as some neurochemical mediators of pain-related phenotypes after alcohol exposure. Finally, as more work accumulates on this topic, the authors highlight the need for the neuroscience field to carefully consider sex and age in the design and analysis of pain-alcohol interaction experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W Gilpin
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana.,Department of Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana.,Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana.,Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development and Clinical Science Research and Development Intramural Program, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Waylin Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Thomas L Kash
- Department of Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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8
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Role of neuroglia in neuropathic pain and depression. Pharmacol Res 2021; 174:105957. [PMID: 34688904 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Patients with neuropathic pain induced by nerve injury usually present with co-morbid affective changes, such as depression. Neuroglia was reported to play an important role in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain both centrally and peripherally. Meanwhile, there have been studies showing that neuroglia participated in the development of depression. However, the specific role of neuroglia in neuropathic pain and depression has not been reviewed comprehensively. Therefore, we summarized the recent findings on the role of neuroglia in neuropathic pain and depression. Based on this review, we found a bridge-like role of neuroglia in neuropathic pain co-morbid with depression. This review may provide therapeutic implications in the treatment of neuropathic pain and offer potential help in the studies of mechanisms in the future.
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9
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Shikdar N, Alghamdi F. Influence of Selective Melanocortin-4 Receptor Antagonist HS014 on Hypersensitivity After Nervous System Injuries in a Model of Rat Neuropathic Pain: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Cureus 2021; 13:e17681. [PMID: 34584810 PMCID: PMC8457013 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective: The melanocortin-4 (MC4) receptor has been evaluated as a possible new therapeutic for neuropathic pain treatment. The purpose of this review article was to review and evaluate all recent in vivo studies on the effect of the MC4 receptor antagonist HS014 on rat hypersensitivity caused by neuropathic pain. Methods: An electronic search was carried out using Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The following inclusion criteria were used: rat models of neuropathic pain-induced hypersensitivity, with investigated effects of the selective antagonist HS014. The included duration of the search was within the last ten years. Data regarding HS014, neuropathic pain model, post-treatment administration time and dose (days post-injury), behavior assessment assays, treatment frequency, and route of delivery were collected and subjected descriptively as complementary data in this narrative review. Results: This narrative review included four papers that fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The findings demonstrate that as compared to vehicle-treated rats, administration of the MC4 receptor antagonist HS014 remarkably raised paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) in three studies and heat withdrawal latency in four studies among rat models subjected to neuropathic pain. Conclusions: In rat neuropathic pain models, the MC4 receptor antagonist HS014 is helpful in reducing hypersensitivity. However, further studies are needed to determine the ideal treatment dosage and timing. In addition, further investigations are required for the role of this selective receptor antagonist (HS014) and compared with other types of MC4 receptors in neuropathic pain in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narmeen Shikdar
- General Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, SAU
| | - Faisal Alghamdi
- Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, SAU
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10
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Korczeniewska OA, Kohli D, Katzmann Rider G, Zaror C, Iturriaga V, Benoliel R. Effects of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) antagonist on neuropathic pain hypersensitivity in rats - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Oral Sci 2021; 129:e12786. [PMID: 33786877 DOI: 10.1111/eos.12786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) has been investigated as a potential drug target for the treatment of neuropathic pain. The objective of the study was to systematically identify the effects of MC4R antagonists on hypersensitivity in rat models of neuropathic pain. A systematic search was conducted using the following databases: WoS, PubMed, SCOPUS, and MEDLINE. Inclusion criteria were: rat hypersensitivity induced by models of neuropathic pain with reported effects of MC4R antagonist. Two researchers performed the selection process and data extraction. SYRCLE risk of bias tool was used. Standard mean differences (SMD) were calculated and pooled by meta-analysis using random effect models. Ten articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The results reveal that, in animals exposed to neuropathic pain, administration of MC4R antagonists significantly increased paw withdrawal threshold (SHU9119 SMD = 1.67, 95% CI: [0.91, 2.44], I2 = 0%; HS014 SMD = 2.2, 95% CI: [0.53, 3.87], I2 = 71%) and heat withdrawal latency (HS014 SMD = 3.35, 95% CI: [0.56, 6.14], I2 = 83%) compared to vehicle-treated animals. MC4R antagonists are effective in the alleviation of hypersensitivity in rodent neuropathic pain models. SHU9119 and HS014 antagonists showed the most prominent results. However, further investigation is needed to determine the optimal dose and time of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Korczeniewska
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Center for Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Divya Kohli
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Center for Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Giannina Katzmann Rider
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Center for Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Carlos Zaror
- Center for Research in Epidemiology, Economics and Oral Public Health (CIEESPO), Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.,Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad San Sebastian, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - Veronica Iturriaga
- Department of Integral Adult Care Dentistry, Temporomandibular Disorder and Orofacial Pain Program, Sleep & Pain Research Group, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Rafael Benoliel
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Center for Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Newark, NJ, USA
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11
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Sharfman N, Gilpin NW. The Role of Melanocortin Plasticity in Pain-Related Outcomes After Alcohol Exposure. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:764720. [PMID: 34803772 PMCID: PMC8599269 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.764720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic has shone a light on the rates and dangers of alcohol misuse in adults and adolescents in the US and globally. Alcohol exposure during adolescence causes persistent molecular, cellular, and behavioral changes that increase the risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD) into adulthood. It is established that alcohol abuse in adulthood increases the likelihood of pain hypersensitivity and the genesis of chronic pain, and humans report drinking alcohol to relieve pain symptoms. However, the longitudinal effects of alcohol exposure on pain and the underlying CNS signaling that mediates it are understudied. Specific brain regions mediate pain effects, alcohol effects, and pain-alcohol interactions, and neural signaling in those brain regions is modulated by neuropeptides. The CNS melanocortin system is sensitive to alcohol and modulates pain sensitivity, but this system is understudied in the context of pain-alcohol interactions. In this review, we focus on the role of melanocortin signaling in brain regions sensitive to alcohol and pain, in particular the amygdala. We also discuss interactions of melanocortins with other peptide systems, including the opioid system, as potential mediators of pain-alcohol interactions. Therapeutic strategies that target the melanocortin system may mitigate the negative consequences of alcohol misuse during adolescence and/or adulthood, including effects on pain-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Sharfman
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Nicholas W Gilpin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States.,Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States.,Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States.,Southeast Louisiana VA Healthcare System (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA, United States
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12
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Starnowska-Sokół J, Piotrowska A, Bogacka J, Makuch W, Mika J, Witkowska E, Godlewska M, Osiejuk J, Gątarz S, Misicka A, Przewłocka B. Novel hybrid compounds, opioid agonist+melanocortin 4 receptor antagonist, as efficient analgesics in mouse chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain. Neuropharmacology 2020; 178:108232. [PMID: 32750445 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
When the nerve tissue is injured, endogenous agonist of melanocortin type 4 (MC4) receptor, α-MSH, exerts tonic pronociceptive action in the central nervous system, contributing to sustaining the neuropathic pain state and counteracting the analgesic effects of exogenous opioids. With the intent of enhancing opioid analgesia in neuropathy by blocking the MC4 activation, so-called parent compounds (opioid agonist, MC4 antagonist) were joined together using various linkers to create novel bifunctional hybrid compounds. Analgesic action of four hybrids was tested after intrathecal (i.t.) administration in mouse models of acute and neuropathic pain (chronic constriction injury model, CCI). Under nerve injury conditions, one of the hybrids, UW3, induced analgesia in 1500 times lower i.t. dose than the opioid parent (ED50: 0.0002 nmol for the hybrid, 0.3 nmol for the opioid parent) and in an over 16000 times lower dose than the MC4 parent (ED50: 3.33 nmol) as measured by the von Frey test. Two selected hybrids were tested for analgesic properties in CCI mice after intravenous (i.v.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration. Opioid receptor antagonists and MC4 receptor agonists diminished the analgesic action of these two hybrids studied, though the extent of this effect differed between the hybrids; this suggests that linker is of key importance here. Further results indicate a significant advantage of hybrid compounds over the physical mixture of individual pharmacophores in their analgesic effect. All this evidence justifies the idea of synthesizing a bifunctional opioid agonist-linker-MC4 antagonist compound, as such structure may bring important benefits in neuropathic pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Starnowska-Sokół
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Piotrowska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Bogacka
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Wioletta Makuch
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Mika
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewa Witkowska
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemistry Research Centre, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magda Godlewska
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemistry Research Centre, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jowita Osiejuk
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemistry Research Centre, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sandra Gątarz
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemistry Research Centre, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Misicka
- University of Warsaw, Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemistry Research Centre, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Przewłocka
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, Krakow, Poland.
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13
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Mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase-1 activation is involved in melanocortin-induced BDNF expression in Neuro2a neuronal cells. Neuroreport 2020; 31:1007-1014. [PMID: 32815825 PMCID: PMC7467152 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortins are neuropeptides exerting versatile functions in the nervous system. Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) is primarily expressed in the brain and is thought to be a major mediator for melanocortin. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may be a crucial downstream molecule of MC4R activation, to yield neurite outgrowth, neuroregenerative, anorexigenic and other actions. In this study, we stimulated Neuro2a murine neuronal cells with an α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) analog, [Nle(4), D-Phe(7)]melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-MSH). In Neuro2a cells, NDP-MSH promoted neurite outgrowth. Upon NDP-MSH administration, BDNF expression was greatly enhanced. Furthermore, this effect was effectively reversed by the MC4R antagonist, JKC-363. We found that NDP-MSH treatment activated the ERK cascade and its downstream kinase MSK1 (mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase-1). Antagonism of the MSK1 cascade by a specific inhibitor or overexpression of a defective MSK1 mutant interrupted the phosphorylation of the transcription factor cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), blocking BDNF upregulation. In addition, MSK1 activation triggered an epigenetic alteration in histone H3 (Ser10), facilitating the expression of the BDNF gene. Taken together, our results showed that MSK1 kinase positively activates MC4R-induced BDNF expression via modulating the phosphorylation of CREB and histone H3 in Neuro2a neuronal cells.
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14
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Yang QQ, Li HN, Zhang ST, Yu YL, Wei W, Zhang X, Wang JY, Zeng XY. Red nucleus IL-6 mediates the maintenance of neuropathic pain by inducing the productions of TNF-α and IL-1β through the JAK2/STAT3 and ERK signaling pathways. Neuropathology 2020; 40:347-357. [PMID: 32380573 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that interleukin (IL)-6 in the red nucleus (RN) is involved in the maintenance of neuropathic pain induced by spared nerve injury (SNI), and exerts a facilitatory effect via Janus-activated kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signal transduction pathways. The present study aimed at investigating the roles of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1β in RN IL-6-mediated maintenance of neuropathic pain and related signal transduction pathways. Being similar to the elevation of RN IL-6 three weeks after SNI, increased protein levels of both TNF-α and IL-1β were also observed in the contralateral RN three weeks after the nerve injury. The upregulations of TNF-α and IL-1β were closely correlative with IL-6 and suppressed by intrarubral injection of a neutralizing antibody against IL-6. Administration of either the JAK2 antagonist AG490 or the ERK antagonist PD98059 to the RN of rats with SNI remarkably increased the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and inhibited the up-regulations of local TNF-α and IL-1β. Further experiments indicated that intrarubral injection of exogenous IL-6 in naive rats apparently lowered the PWT of the contralateral hindpaw and boosted the local expressions of TNF-α and IL-1β. Pretreatment with AG490 could block IL-6-induced tactile hypersensitivity and suppress the up-regulations of both TNF-α and IL-1β. However, injection of PD98059 in advance only inhibited the upregulation of IL-1β, but not TNF-α. These findings indicate that RN IL-6 mediates the maintenance of neuropathic pain by inducing the productions of TNF-α and IL-1β. IL-6 induces the expression of TNF-α through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, and the production of IL-1β through the JAK2/STAT3 and ERK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qing Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Hao-Nan Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Shu-Ting Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan-Li Yu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun-Yang Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zeng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Cazuza RA, Santos-Júnior NN, da Costa LHA, Catalão CHR, Mendes-Gomes J, da Rocha MJA, Leite-Panissi CRA. Sepsis-induced encephalopathy impairs descending nociceptive pathways in rats. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 342:577198. [PMID: 32120082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a significant problem in patients with sepsis, and it is associated with a decrease in cognitive and sensitivity capability induced by systemic inflammation. SAE is implicated in reversible brain damage of several regions related to cognition, emotion, and sensation; however, it is not well established if it could affect brain regions associated with nociceptive modulation. Here were evaluated the nociceptive thresholds in rats with systemic inflammation induced by cecal ligation puncture (CLP). After 24 h of CLP, it was observed an increase in nociceptive threshold in all tests. Periaqueductal gray, rostroventral medulla, critical regions for descending nociceptive modulation, were evaluated and showed enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as glial activation. These results suggest that systemic inflammation could compromise descending facilitatory pathways, impairing nociceptive sensory functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Alves Cazuza
- Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Science and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-901, SP, Brazil
| | - Nilton Nascimento Santos-Júnior
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Ribeirão Preto Dentistry Faculty, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-904, SP, Brazil
| | - Luís Henrique Angenendt da Costa
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Ribeirão Preto Dentistry Faculty, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-904, SP, Brazil; Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique Rocha Catalão
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Ribeirão Preto Dentistry Faculty, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-904, SP, Brazil; Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Joyce Mendes-Gomes
- Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Science and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-901, SP, Brazil; UNIFADRA-FUNDEC Medical School, Dracena 17900-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria José Alves da Rocha
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, Ribeirão Preto Dentistry Faculty, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-904, SP, Brazil
| | - Christie Ramos Andrade Leite-Panissi
- Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Science and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-901, SP, Brazil.
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Zhao Y, Xin Y, Chu H. MC4R Is Involved in Neuropathic Pain by Regulating JNK Signaling Pathway After Chronic Constriction Injury. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:919. [PMID: 31551683 PMCID: PMC6746920 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropathic pain can develop after nerve injury, when deleterious changes occur in injured neurons and glia cells. Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) is involved in the regulation of pain due to its high expressions in brain. Moreover, MC4R could mediate the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, but whether the MC4R-regulated JNK signaling pathway participated in neuropathic pain after chronic constriction injury (CCI) is still unclear. Methods A total of 128 Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into four experiment groups: the SHAM group, CCI + NaCl group, CCI + HS group, and CCI + SP + HS group. For the CCI + NaCl group, the sciatic nerves were ligated. For the SHAM group, an identical manner to the CCI without ligation was performed. For CCI + HS and CCI + SP + HS groups, rats were injected with MC4R inhibitor (HS014) and HS014 plus JNK inhibitor (SP600125), respectively, from days 3 to 14 after CCI. Paw withdrawal latency (PWL) and paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) were used to assess the nociceptive behavior. ELISA was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines. qRT-PCR and Western blots (WB) were utilized to examine the mRNA and protein expressions of JNK signaling pathway-related genes. Meanwhile, the expression levels of MC4R and p-JNK were further evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) experiments. Finally, in order to confirm the in vivo results, astrocytes were isolated and transfected with MC4R-overexpression plasmid. Furthermore, the protein expressions of JNK signaling pathway-related genes were tested by WB. Results It was showed that the values of PWL and PWT were significantly increased in CCI + HS group and CCI + SP + HS group compared with CCI + NaCl group. The increased interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion in CCI + NaCl group was lowered by HS and SP + HS. MC4R, p-JNK, ATF3, and c-Jun levels were up-regulated with CCI surgery, but down-regulated with HS and SP + HS treatments. Moreover, the IHC and IF results further revealed that MC4R and p-JNK expressions in CCI + NaCl group were remarkably higher than those in HS group and HS + SP group. In vitro data also indicated that HS, SP, and SP + HS could down-regulate the expressions of MC4R, p-JNK, ATF3, and c-Jun in M1830 astrocytes. Conclusion Our findings indicated that MC4R is involved in neuropathic pain by regulating JNK signaling pathway after CCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Xin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Haichen Chu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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17
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Ni HD, Xu LS, Wang Y, Li H, An K, Liu M, Liu Q, Deng H, He Q, Huang B, Fang J, Yao M. Astrocyte activation in the periaqueductal gray promotes descending facilitation to cancer-induced bone pain through the JNK MAPK signaling pathway. Mol Pain 2019; 15:1744806919831909. [PMID: 30700204 PMCID: PMC6388461 DOI: 10.1177/1744806919831909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Descending nociceptive modulation from the supraspinal structures has an important role in cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP). Midbrain ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) is a critical component of descending nociceptive circuits; nevertheless, its precise cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in descending facilitation remain elusive. Our previous study has shown that the activation of p38 MAPK in vlPAG microglia is essential for the neuropathic pain sensitization. However, the existence of potential connection between astrocytes and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway in CIBP has not yet been elucidated. The following study examines the involvement of astrocyte activation and upregulation of p-JNK in vlPAG, using a CIBP rat model. Briefly, CIBP was mimicked by an intramedullary injection of Walker 256 mammary gland carcinoma cells into the animal tibia. A significant increase in expression levels of astrocytes in the vlPAG of CIBP rats was observed. Furthermore, stereotaxic microinjection of the astrocytic cytotoxin L-α-aminoadipic acid decreased the mechanical allodynia as well as established and reversed the astrocyte activation in CIBP rats. A significant increase in expression levels of p-JNK in astrocytes in vlPAG of CIBP rats was also observed. Moreover, the intrathecal administration of JNK inhibitors SP600125 reduced the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, while microinjection of the SP600125 decreased the mechanical allodynia of CIBP rats. These results suggested that CIBP is associated with astrocyte activation in the vlPAG that probably participates in driving descending pain facilitation through the JNK MAPK signaling pathway. To sum up, these findings reveal a novel site of astrocytes modulation of CIBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Dong Ni
- 1 The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, China.,2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Long Sheng Xu
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yungong Wang
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Hongbo Li
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Kang An
- 3 Department of Anesthesiology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Mingjuan Liu
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Qianying Liu
- 3 Department of Anesthesiology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Houshen Deng
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Qiuli He
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Bing Huang
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- 1 The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ming Yao
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
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Zhang J, Wang L, Wang H, Su Z, Pang X. Neuroinflammation and central PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway contribute to bone cancer pain. Mol Pain 2019; 15:1744806919830240. [PMID: 30717619 PMCID: PMC6390230 DOI: 10.1177/1744806919830240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is one of the most common and distressing symptoms suffered by patients with progression of cancer; however, the mechanisms responsible for hyperalgesia are not well understood. Since the midbrain periaqueductal gray is an important component of the descending inhibitory pathway controlling on central pain transmission, in this study, we examined the role for pro-inflammatory cytokines of the periaqueductal gray in regulating mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia evoked by bone cancer via phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signals. METHODS Breast sarcocarcinoma Walker 256 cells were implanted into the tibia bone cavity of rats to induce mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Western blot analysis and ELISA were used to examine PI3K/protein kinase B (Akt)/mTOR and pro-inflammatory cytokine receptors and the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). RESULTS Protein expression levels of p-PI3K/p-Akt/p-mTOR were amplified in the periaqueductal gray of bone cancer rats, and blocking PI3K-mTOR pathways in the periaqueductal gray attenuated hyperalgesia responses. In addition, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were elevated in the periaqueductal gray of bone cancer rats, and expression of their respective receptors (namely, IL-1R, IL-6R, and tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) subtype TNFR1) was upregulated. Inhibition of IL-1R, IL-6R, and TNFR1 alleviated mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in bone cancer rats, accompanied with downregulated PI3K-mTOR. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine signal in the periaqueductal gray of cancer rats amplifies PI3K-mTOR signal in this brain region and alters the descending pathways in regulating pain transmission, and this thereby contributes to the development of bone cancer-induced pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Luping Wang
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hushan Wang
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhenbo Su
- 3 Department of Anesthesiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaochuan Pang
- 4 Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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19
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Xu Y, Hong S, Zhao X, Wang S, Xu Z, Ding S, Zhang K, Zhang Y, Xu L, Yu N, Zhao T, Yan Y, Yang F, Liu Y, Yu K, Liu B, Guo Y, Pang G. Acupuncture Alleviates Rheumatoid Arthritis by Immune-Network Modulation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2018; 46:997-1019. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x18500520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune inflammatory and debilitating disease that involves the systemic imbalance of the immune network. Previous studies have shown that acupuncture can help treat RA. However, its specific mechanisms are not fully understood. Thus, the present study was designed to clarify the mechanisms of acupuncture acted on RA via immune network modulation using complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritic rats. Results revealed that manual acupuncture (MA) could alleviate the inflammation and pain of infected joints. Moreover, MA could effectively stimulate the innate immune cytokines (IL-1[Formula: see text], IL-1[Formula: see text], IL-6, IL-7, IL-18, TNF-[Formula: see text]) and adaptive immunity cytokines (IL-2, IL-12, IFN-[Formula: see text], IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17) as the main part of the immune response and repaired damage of RA. These complex immunomodulatory processes were analyzed quantitatively by cell–cell communication (CCC) networks. The CCC networks demonstrated that the immune networks were enhanced with the development of RA, while MA enhanced the immune networks in the early stage to act on RA and promoted the immune-network to a normal level at the late stage. Moreover, we found that monocyte/macrophage and endothelial cells were the key cells of innate immunity and body cells; TH1, TH2 and B cells were the key cells of adaptive immunity, which were also the main target cells for MA regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Xu
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, P. R. China
| | - Shouhai Hong
- Acupuncture Department, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of TCM, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P. R. China
| | - Xue Zhao
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, P. R. China
| | - Shenjun Wang
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, P. R. China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, P. R. China
| | - Shasha Ding
- Rehabilitation Center-Department of Acupuncture Physiotherapy, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, P. R. China
| | - Kuo Zhang
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, P. R. China
| | - Yiping Zhang
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, P. R. China
| | - Lianjie Xu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Tianjin University of Commerce, Tianjin 300134, P. R. China
| | - Nannan Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shanxi 710032, P. R. China
| | - Tianyi Zhao
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, P. R. China
| | - Yawen Yan
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, P. R. China
| | - Fuming Yang
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, P. R. China
| | - Yangyang Liu
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, P. R. China
| | - Kun Yu
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, P. R. China
| | - Baohu Liu
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, P. R. China
| | - Yi Guo
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, P. R. China
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, P. R. China
| | - Guangchang Pang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Tianjin University of Commerce, Tianjin 300134, P. R. China
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20
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Xu D, Zhao H, Gao H, Zhao H, Liu D, Li J. Participation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in neuropathic pain evoked by chemotherapeutic oxaliplatin via central GABAergic pathway. Mol Pain 2018; 14:1744806918783535. [PMID: 29900804 PMCID: PMC6047101 DOI: 10.1177/1744806918783535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropathic pain is observed in patients as chemotherapeutic oxaliplatin is
used to treat metastatic digestive tumors; however, the mechanisms
responsible for hyperalgesia are not well understood. Chronic
neuroinflammation is one of the hallmarks of pathophysiology of neuropathic
pain. Since the midbrain periaqueductal gray is an important component of
the descending inhibitory pathway controlling on central pain transmission,
we examined the role for pro-inflammatory cytokines system of the
periaqueductal gray in regulating mechanical hyperalgesia and cold
hypersensitivity evoked by oxaliplatin. Methods Neuropathic pain was induced by intraperitoneal injection of oxaliplatin in
rats. ELISA and western blot analysis were used to examine pro-inflammatory
cytokine levels and their receptors expression. Results IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were elevated within the periaqueductal gray of
oxaliplatin rats. Protein expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α receptors
(namely, IL-1R, IL-6R, and TNFR subtype TNFR1) in the plasma membrane
periaqueductal gray of oxaliplatin rats was upregulated, whereas the total
expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine receptors was not altered. In
oxaliplatin rats, impaired inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid within the
periaqueductal gray was accompanied with decreases in withdrawal thresholds
to mechanical stimulus and % time spent on the cold plate. Our data further
showed that the concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid were largely
restored by blocking those pro-inflammatory cytokine receptors in
periaqueductal gray of oxaliplatin rats; and mechanical hyperalgesia and
cold hypersensitivity evoked by oxaliplatin were attenuated. Stimulation of
gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in the periaqueductal gray also blunted
neuropathic pain in oxaliplatin rats. Conclusions Our data suggest that the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and
membrane pro-inflammatory cytokine receptor in the periaqueductal gray of
oxaliplatin rats is likely to impair the descending inhibitory pathways in
regulating pain transmission and thereby contributes to the development of
neuropathic pain after application of chemotherapeutic oxaliplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Xu
- 1 Tumor Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- 1 Tumor Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Han Gao
- 1 Tumor Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Huiling Zhao
- 1 Tumor Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Dandan Liu
- 2 Center of Physical Examination, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jing Li
- 3 Department of Radiology, The First Hospital (Eastern Division) of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Dubový P, Klusáková I, Hradilová-Svíženská I, Joukal M, Boadas-Vaello P. Activation of Astrocytes and Microglial Cells and CCL2/CCR2 Upregulation in the Dorsolateral and Ventrolateral Nuclei of Periaqueductal Gray and Rostral Ventromedial Medulla Following Different Types of Sciatic Nerve Injury. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:40. [PMID: 29515373 PMCID: PMC5825898 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) may result in cellular and molecular changes in supraspinal structures possibly involved in neuropathic pain (NPP) maintenance. Activated glial cells in specific supraspinal subregions may affect the facilitatory role of descending pathways. Sterile chronic compression injury (sCCI) and complete sciatic nerve transection (CSNT) in rats were used as NPP models to study the activation of glial cells in the subregions of periaqueductal gray (PAG) and rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM). Molecular markers for activated astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP) and microglial cells (OX42) were assessed by quantitative immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The cellular distribution of CCL2/CCR2 was monitored using immunofluorescence. sCCI induced both mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity from day 1 up to 3 weeks post-injury. Unilateral sCCI or CSNT for 3 weeks induced significant activation of astrocytes bilaterally in both dorsolateral (dlPAG) and ventrolateral PAG (vlPAG) compared to naïve or sham-operated rats. More extensive astrocyte activation by CSNT compared to sCCI was induced bilaterally in dlPAG and ipsilaterally in vlPAG. Significantly more extensive activation of astrocytes was also found in RVM after CSNT than sCCI. The CD11b immunopositive region, indicating activated microglial cells, was remarkably larger in dlPAG and vlPAG of both sides from sCCI- and CSNT-operated rats compared to naïve or sham-operated controls. No significant differences in microglial activation were detected in dlPAG or vlPAG after CSNT compared to sCCI. Both nerve injury models induced no significant differences in microglial activation in the RVM. Neurons and activated GFAP+ astrocytes displayed CCL2-immunoreaction, while activated OX42+ microglial cells were CCR2-immunopositive in both PAG and RVM after sCCI and CSNT. Overall, while CSNT induced robust astrogliosis in both PAG and RVM, microglial cell activation was similar in the supraspinal structures in both injury nerve models. Activated astrocytes in PAG and RVM may sustain facilitation of the descending system maintaining NPP, while microglial activation may be associated with a reaction to long-lasting peripheral injury. Microglial activation via CCR2 may be due to neuronal and astrocytal release of CCL2 in PAG and RVM following injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Dubový
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Neuroanatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ilona Klusáková
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Neuroanatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ivana Hradilová-Svíženská
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Neuroanatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Marek Joukal
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Neuroanatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Pere Boadas-Vaello
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Neuroanatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
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22
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Ding CP, Guo YJ, Li HN, Wang JY, Zeng XY. Red nucleus interleukin-6 participates in the maintenance of neuropathic pain through JAK/STAT3 and ERK signaling pathways. Exp Neurol 2017; 300:212-221. [PMID: 29183675 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the red nucleus (RN) is up-regulated at 3weeks after spared nerve injury (SNI), and plays facilitated role in the later maintenance of neuropathic pain. The current study aimed to reveal the roles of different signaling pathways, including Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), in RN IL-6-mediated pain modulation. In accord with the increase of IL-6 in the RN following SNI, the protein levels of phospho-STAT3 (p-STAT3), p-ERK and p-JNK were also up-regulated in the RN contralateral to the nerve injury side at 3weeks after SNI. The increases of p-STAT3 and p-ERK (but not p-JNK) were associated with IL-6 and could be blocked by anti-IL-6 antibody. Microinjection of JAK2 inhibitor AG490, ERK inhibitor PD98059 and also JNK inhibitor SP600125 into the RN significantly increased the paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and alleviated SNI-induced mechanical allodynia. Further studies showed that microinjection of recombinant rat IL-6 (rrIL-6, 20ng) into the RN of normal rats significantly decreased the PWT of rats and increased the local protein levels of p-STAT3 and p-ERK, but not p-JNK. Pre-treatment with AG490 and PD98059 could prevent IL-6-induced mechanical allodynia. Whereas, p-p38 MAPK and p-AKT did not show any expression changes in the RN of rats with SNI or rats treated with rrIL-6. These results suggest that RN IL-6 participates in the later maintenance of SNI-induced neuropathic pain and plays facilitated role through activating JAK/STAT3 and ERK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Ping Ding
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China; Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yi-Jie Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Hao-Nan Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Jun-Yang Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zeng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.
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Electroacupuncture Inhibits the Activation of p38MAPK in the Central Descending Facilitatory Pathway in Rats with Inflammatory Pain. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:7531060. [PMID: 29358970 PMCID: PMC5735650 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7531060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), especially p38MAPK, play a pivotal role in chronic pain. Electroacupuncture (EA) relieves inflammatory pain underlying the descending pathway, that is, the periaqueductal gray (PAG), the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), and the spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH). However, whether EA antagonizes inflammatory pain through regulation of p38MAPK in this descending facilitatory pathway is unclear. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) was injected into the hind paw of rats to establish inflammatory pain model. EA was administrated for 30 min at Zusanli and Kunlun acupoints at 0.5, 24.5, 48.5, and 72.5 h, respectively. The paw withdrawal threshold (PWT), paw edema, and Phosphor-p38MAPK-Immunoreactivity (p-p38MAPK-IR) cells were measured before (0 h) and at 1, 3, 5, 7, 25, and 73 h after CFA or saline injection. EA increased PWT at 1, 3, 25, and 73 h and inhibited paw edema at 25 and 73 h after CFA injection. Moreover, the increasing number of p-p38MAPK-IR cells which was induced by CFA was suppressed by EA stimulation in PAG and RVM at 3 and 5 h and in SCDH at 5, 7, 25, and 73 h. These results suggest that EA suppresses inflammation-induced hyperalgesia probably through inhibiting p38MAPK activation in the descending facilitatory pathway.
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Wan J, Ding Y, Tahir AH, Shah MK, Janyaro H, Li X, Zhong J, Vodyanoy V, Ding M. Electroacupuncture Attenuates Visceral Hypersensitivity by Inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway in the Descending Pain Modulation System. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:644. [PMID: 29209161 PMCID: PMC5701938 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) has been used for treating visceral hypersensitivity (VH). However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study was aim to testify the effect of EA on ileitis-provoked VH, and to confirm whether EA attenuates VH through Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in the periaqueductal gray (PAG)-the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM)-the spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH) axis. Methods: Goats were anesthetized and laparotomized for injecting 2,4,6-trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid (TNBS)-ethanol solution (30mg TNBS dissolved in 40% ethanol) into the ileal wall to induce VH. EA was treated for 30min from day 7, then every 3 days for six times. VH was assessed by visceromotor response (VMR) and pain behavior response to 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mmHg colorectal distension pressures at day 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, and 22. The spinal cord in the eleventh thoracic vertebra and the brain were collected at day 22. The protein and mRNA levels of IL-6, JAK2, and STAT3 in the SCDH were detected with western blot and qPCR, respectively. The distribution of these substances was observed with immunohistochemistry in the ventrolateral PAG (vlPAG), RVM (mainly the nucleus raphe magnus, NRM), SCDH, the nucleus tractus solitaries (NTS) and the dorsal motor nucleus of vagi (DMV). Results: Goats administered with TNBS-ethanol solution showed diarrhea, enhanced VMR and pain behavior response, and increased IL-6, phosphorylated JAK2 and STAT3 (pJAK2 and pSTAT3) in the vlPAG, NRM, NTS and DMV, and their protein and mRNA levels in the SCDH. EA relieved diarrhea, VMR and pain behavior response, decreased IL-6, pJAK2 and pSTAT3 levels in the vlPAG, NRM, SCDH, NTS, and DMV except for pSTAT3 in the DMV, but did not affect mRNA level of these three substances in the SCDH. Conclusion: EA attenuates VH probably through inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the PAG-RVM-SCDH axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wan
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Adnan H Tahir
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Manoj K Shah
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Habibullah Janyaro
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojing Li
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Juming Zhong
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Vitaly Vodyanoy
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Mingxing Ding
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Melanocortin-4 receptor regulation of pain. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:2515-2522. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Boadas-Vaello P, Homs J, Reina F, Carrera A, Verdú E. Neuroplasticity of Supraspinal Structures Associated with Pathological Pain. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2017; 300:1481-1501. [PMID: 28263454 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve and spinal cord injuries, along with other painful syndromes such as fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapeutic neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, complex regional pain syndrome, and/or irritable bowel syndrome, cause several neuroplasticity changes in the nervous system along its entire axis affecting the different neuronal nuclei. This paper reviews these changes, focusing on the supraspinal structures that are involved in the modulation and processing of pain, including the periaqueductal gray matter, red nucleus, locus coeruleus, rostral ventromedial medulla, thalamus, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, cerebellum, habenula, primary, and secondary somatosensory cortex, motor cortex, mammillary bodies, hippocampus, septum, amygdala, cingulated, and prefrontal cortex. Hyperexcitability caused by the modification of postsynaptic receptor expression, central sensitization, and potentiation of presynaptic delivery of neurotransmitters, as well as the reduction of inhibitory inputs, changes in dendritic spine, neural circuit remodeling, alteration of gray matter, and upregulation of proinflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines) by reactivation of astrocytes and microglial cells are the main functional, structural, and molecular neuroplasticity changes observed in the above supraspinal structures, associated with pathological pain. Studying these changes in greater depth may lead to the implementation and improvement of new therapeutic strategies against pathological pain. Anat Rec, 300:1481-1501, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Boadas-Vaello
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain
| | - Judit Homs
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain.,Department of Physical Therapy EUSES-Universitat of Girona, Salt (Girona), Catalonia, 17190, Spain
| | - Francisco Reina
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain
| | - Ana Carrera
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain
| | - Enrique Verdú
- Research Group of Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neuroscience (NEOMA), Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Catalonia, 17003, Spain
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Ding CP, Xue YS, Yu J, Guo YJ, Zeng XY, Wang JY. The Red Nucleus Interleukin-6 Participates in the Maintenance of Neuropathic Pain Induced by Spared Nerve Injury. Neurochem Res 2016; 41:3042-3051. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2023-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Fiore NT, Austin PJ. Are the emergence of affective disturbances in neuropathic pain states contingent on supraspinal neuroinflammation? Brain Behav Immun 2016; 56:397-411. [PMID: 27118632 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuro-immune interactions contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain due to peripheral nerve injury. A large body of preclinical evidence supports the idea that the immune system acts to modulate the sensory symptoms of neuropathy at both peripheral and central nervous system sites. The potential involvement of neuro-immune interactions in the highly debilitating affective disturbances of neuropathic pain, such as depression, anhedonia, impaired cognition and reduced motivation has received little attention. This is surprising given the widely accepted view that sickness behaviour, depression, cognitive impairment and other neuropsychiatric conditions can arise from inflammatory mechanisms. Moreover, there is a set of well-described immune-to-brain transmission mechanisms that explain how peripheral inflammation can lead to supraspinal neuroinflammation. In the last 5years increasing evidence has emerged that peripheral nerve injury induces supraspinal changes in cytokine or chemokine expression and alters glial cell activity. In this systematic review, based on strong preclinical evidence, we advance the argument that the emergence of affective disturbances in neuropathic pain states are contingent on pro-inflammatory mediators in the interconnected hippocampal-medial prefrontal circuitry that subserve affective behaviours. We explore how dysregulation of inflammatory mediators in these networks may result in affective disturbances through a wide variety of neuromodulatory mechanisms. There are also promising results from clinical trials showing that anti-inflammatory agents have efficacy in the treatment of a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions including depression and appear suited to sub-groups of patients with elevated pro-inflammatory profiles. Thus, although further research is required, aggressively targeting supraspinal pro-inflammatory mediators at critical time-points in appropriate clinical populations is likely to be a novel avenue to treat debilitating affective disturbances in neuropathic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan T Fiore
- Discipline of Anatomy & Histology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Paul J Austin
- Discipline of Anatomy & Histology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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Zhuang X, Chen Y, Zhuang X, Chen T, Xing T, Wang W, Yang X. Contribution of Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Signaling within Midbrain Periaqueductal Gray to Pain Sensitivity in Parkinson's Disease via GABAergic Pathway. Front Neurol 2016; 7:104. [PMID: 27504103 PMCID: PMC4959028 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2016.00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/aims Hypersensitive pain response is often observed in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, the mechanisms responsible for hyperalgesia are not well understood. Chronic neuroinflammation is one of the hallmarks of PD pathophysiology. Since the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) is an important component of the descending inhibitory pathway controlling on central pain transmission, we examined the role for pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs) system of PAG in regulating exaggerated pain evoked by PD. Methods We used a rat model of PD to perform the experimental protocols. PD was induced by microinjection of 6-hydroxydopamine to lesion the left medial forebrain bundle. Pain responses to mechanical and thermal stimulation were first examined in control rats and PD rats. Then, ELISA and Western Blot analysis were used to determine PIC levels and their receptors expression. Results Protein expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α receptors (namely, IL-1R, IL-6R, and TNFR subtype TNFR1) in the plasma membrane PAG of PD rats was upregulated, whereas the total expression of PIC receptors was not significantly altered. The ratio of membrane protein and total protein (IL-1R, IL-6R, and TNFR1) was 1.48 ± 0.15, 1.59 ± 0.18, and 1.67 ± 0.16 in PAG of PD rats (P < 0.05 vs. their respective controls). This was accompanied with increases of PICs of PAG and decreases of GABA (623 ± 21 ng/mg in control rats and 418 ± 18 ng/mg in PD rats; P < 0.05 vs. control rats) and withdrawal thresholds to mechanical and thermal stimuli. Our data further showed that the concentrations of GABA and withdrawal thresholds were largely restored by blocking those PIC receptors in PAG of PD rats. Stimulation of GABA receptors in PAG of PD rats also blunted a decrease in withdrawal thresholds. Conclusion Our data suggest that upregulation of the membrane PIC receptor in the PAG of PD rats is likely to impair the descending inhibitory pathways in regulating pain transmission and thereby plays a role in the development of hypersensitive pain response in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbo Zhuang
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital , Liaocheng , China
| | - Yanxiu Chen
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital , Liaocheng , China
| | - Xianpeng Zhuang
- Department of CT, Liaocheng Fourth People's Hospital , Liaocheng , China
| | - Tuanzhi Chen
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital , Liaocheng , China
| | - Tao Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, Liaocheng People's Hospital , Liaocheng , China
| | - Weifei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital , Liaocheng , China
| | - Xiafeng Yang
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital , Liaocheng , China
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Song YT, Liu TT, Feng L, Zhang T, Xiang HB. Melanocortin-4 receptor expression in the cuneiform nucleus is involved in modulation of opioidergic signaling. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 35:662-665. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-015-1486-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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31
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Ni HD, Yao M, Huang B, Xu LS, Zheng Y, Chu YX, Wang HQ, Liu MJ, Xu SJ, Li HB. Glial activation in the periaqueductal gray promotes descending facilitation of neuropathic pain through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. J Neurosci Res 2015; 94:50-61. [PMID: 26423029 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The midbrain ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (VL-PAG) is a key component that mediates pain modulation. Although spinal cord glial cells appear to play an important role in chronic pain development, the precise mechanisms involving descending facilitation pathways from the PAG following nerve injury are poorly understood. This study shows that cellular events that occur during glial activation in the VL-PAG may promote descending facilitation from the PAG during neuropathic pain. Chronic constriction nerve injury (CCI) was induced by ligature construction of the sciatic nerve in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Behavioral responses to noxious mechanical (paw withdrawal threshold; PWT) and thermal (paw withdrawal latency; PWL) stimuli were evaluated. After CCI, immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis of microglia and astrocytes in the VL-PAG showed morphological and quantitative changes indicative of activation in microglia and astrocytes. Intra-VL-PAG injection of microglial or astrocytic inhibitors attenuated PWT and PWL at days 7 and 14, respectively, following CCI. We also evaluated the effects of intra-VL-PAG administration of the phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) inhibitor SB 203580 at day 7 after CCI. This treatment abolished microglial activation and produced a significant time-dependent attenuation of PWT and PWL. Western blot analysis showed localized expression of p-p38 in the VL-PAG after CCI. P-p38 was expressed in labeled microglia of the VL-PAG but was not present in astrocytes and neurons on day 7 after CCI. These results demonstrate that CCI-induced neuropathic pain is associated with glial activation in the VL-PAG, which likely participates in descending pain facilitation through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Dong Ni
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, People's Republic of China
| | - Long-Sheng Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Xia Chu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, People's Republic of China
| | - Han-Qi Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Juan Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Jie Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Bo Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
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Leith JL, Wilson AW, You HJ, Lumb BM, Donaldson LF. Periaqueductal grey cyclooxygenase-dependent facilitation of C-nociceptive drive and encoding in dorsal horn neurons in the rat. J Physiol 2014; 592:5093-107. [PMID: 25239460 PMCID: PMC4241027 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2014.275909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The experience of pain is strongly affected by descending control systems originating in the brainstem ventrolateral periaqueductal grey (VL-PAG), which control the spinal processing of nociceptive information. A- and C-fibre nociceptors detect noxious stimulation, and have distinct and independent contributions to both the perception of pain quality (fast and slow pain, respectively) and the development of chronic pain. Evidence suggests a separation in the central processing of information arising from A- vs. C-nociceptors; for example, inhibition of the cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1)-prostaglandin system within the VL-PAG alters spinal nociceptive reflexes evoked by C-nociceptor input in vivo via descending pathways, leaving A-nociceptor-evoked reflexes largely unaffected. As the spinal neuronal mechanisms underlying these different responses remain unknown, we determined the effect of inhibition of VL-PAG COX-1 on dorsal horn wide dynamic-range neurons evoked by C- vs. A-nociceptor activation. Inhibition of VL-PAG COX-1 in anaesthetised rats increased firing thresholds of lamina IV-V wide dynamic-range dorsal horn neurons in response to both A- and C-nociceptor stimulation. Importantly, wide dynamic-range dorsal horn neurons continued to faithfully encode A-nociceptive information, even after VL-PAG COX-1 inhibition, whereas the encoding of C-nociceptor information by wide dynamic-range spinal neurons was significantly disrupted. Dorsal horn neurons with stronger C-nociceptor input were affected by COX-1 inhibition to a greater extent than those with weak C-fibre input. These data show that the gain and contrast of C-nociceptive information processed in individual wide dynamic-range dorsal horn neurons is modulated by prostanergic descending control mechanisms in the VL-PAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lianne Leith
- School of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Alex W Wilson
- Neurosciences CEDD, GlaxoSmithKline, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5AW, UK
| | - Hao-Jun You
- Center for Biomedical Research on Pain (CBRP), College of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Bridget M Lumb
- School of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Lucy F Donaldson
- School of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK Arthritis Research UK Pain Centre, School of Life Sciences, QMC, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
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Caruso V, Lagerström MC, Olszewski PK, Fredriksson R, Schiöth HB. Synaptic changes induced by melanocortin signalling. Nat Rev Neurosci 2014; 15:98-110. [PMID: 24588018 DOI: 10.1038/nrn3657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin system has a well-established role in the regulation of energy homeostasis, but there is growing evidence of its involvement in memory, nociception, mood disorders and addiction. In this Review, we focus on the role of the melanocortin 4 receptor and provide an integrative view of the molecular mechanisms that lead to melanocortin-induced changes in synaptic plasticity within these diverse physiological systems. We also highlight the importance of melanocortin peptides and receptors in chronic pain syndromes, memory impairments, depression and drug abuse, and the possibility of targeting them for therapeutic purposes.
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Ye DW, Liu C, Liu TT, Tian XB, Xiang HB. Motor cortex-periaqueductal gray-spinal cord neuronal circuitry may involve in modulation of nociception: a virally mediated transsynaptic tracing study in spinally transected transgenic mouse model. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89486. [PMID: 24586817 PMCID: PMC3929690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown that motor cortex stimulation provided pain relief by motor cortex plasticity and activating descending inhibitory pain control systems. Recent evidence indicated that the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) in the periaqueductal gray played an important role in neuropathic pain. This study was designed to assess whether MC4R signaling existed in motor cortex-periaqueductal gray-spinal cord neuronal circuitry modulated the activity of sympathetic pathway by a virally mediated transsynaptic tracing study. Pseudorabies virus (PRV)-614 was injected into the left gastrocnemius muscle in adult male MC4R-green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice (n = 15). After a survival time of 4-6 days, the mice (n = 5) were randomly assigned to humanely sacrifice, and spinal cords and brains were removed and sectioned, and processed for PRV-614 visualization. Neurons involved in the efferent control of the left gastrocnemius muscle were identified following visualization of PRV-614 retrograde tracing. The neurochemical phenotype of MC4R-GFP-positive neurons was identified using fluorescence immunocytochemical labeling. PRV-614/MC4R-GFP dual labeled neurons were detected in spinal IML, periaqueductal gray and motor cortex. Our findings support the hypothesis that MC4R signaling in motor cortex-periaqueductal gray-spinal cord neural pathway may participate in the modulation of the melanocortin-sympathetic signaling and contribute to the descending modulation of nociceptive transmission, suggesting that MC4R signaling in motor cortex-periaqueductal gray-spinal cord neural pathway may modulate the activity of sympathetic outflow sensitive to nociceptive signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Wei Ye
- Cancer Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Tao-Tao Liu
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Xue-Bi Tian
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Bing Xiang
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
In the last decade, preclinical investigations of electroacupuncture mechanisms on persistent tissue injury (inflammatory), nerve injury (neuropathic), cancer, and visceral pain have increased. These studies show that electroacupuncture activates the nervous system differently in health than in pain conditions, alleviates both sensory and affective inflammatory pain, and inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain more effectively at 2 to 10 Hz than at 100 Hz. Electroacupuncture blocks pain by activating a variety of bioactive chemicals through peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal mechanisms. These include opioids, which desensitize peripheral nociceptors and reduce proinflammatory cytokines peripherally and in the spinal cord, and serotonin and norepinephrine, which decrease spinal N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit GluN1 phosphorylation. Additional studies suggest that electroacupuncture, when combined with low dosages of conventional analgesics, provides effective pain management which can forestall the side effects of often-debilitating pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixin Zhang
- Assistant Professor, Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lixing Lao
- Professor, Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ke Ren
- Professor, Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, Dental School, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Brian M. Berman
- Professor, Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
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Pan XC, Song YT, Liu C, Xiang HB, Lu CJ. Melanocortin-4 receptor expression in the rostral ventromedial medulla involved in modulation of nociception in transgenic mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 33:195-198. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-013-1096-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Niu Z, Ma J, Chu H, Zhao Y, Feng W, Cheng Y. Melanocortin 4 receptor antagonists attenuates morphine antinociceptive tolerance, astroglial activation and cytokines expression in the spinal cord of rat. Neurosci Lett 2012; 529:112-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2012] [Revised: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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