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Kim K, Nan G, Bak H, Kim HY, Kim J, Cha M, Lee BH. Insular cortex stimulation alleviates neuropathic pain through changes in the expression of collapsin response mediator protein 2 involved in synaptic plasticity. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 194:106466. [PMID: 38471625 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent studies, brain stimulation has shown promising potential to alleviate chronic pain. Although studies have shown that stimulation of pain-related brain regions can induce pain-relieving effects, few studies have elucidated the mechanisms of brain stimulation in the insular cortex (IC). The present study was conducted to explore the changes in characteristic molecules involved in pain modulation mechanisms and to identify the changes in synaptic plasticity after IC stimulation (ICS). Following ICS, pain-relieving behaviors and changes in proteomics were explored. Neuronal activity in the IC after ICS was observed by optical imaging. Western blotting was used to validate the proteomics data and identify the changes in the expression of glutamatergic receptors associated with synaptic plasticity. Experimental results showed that ICS effectively relieved mechanical allodynia, and proteomics identified specific changes in collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2). Neuronal activity in the neuropathic rats was significantly decreased after ICS. Neuropathic rats showed increased expression levels of phosphorylated CRMP2, alpha amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor (AMPAR), and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit 2B (NR2B), which were inhibited by ICS. These results indicate that ICS regulates the synaptic plasticity of ICS through pCRMP2, together with AMPAR and NR2B, to induce pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeongmin Kim
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Department of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Guanghai Nan
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Department of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeji Bak
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Young Kim
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Junesun Kim
- Rehabilitation Science Program, Department of Health Science, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; Department of Health and Environment Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeounghoon Cha
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Bae Hwan Lee
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Department of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Valentinova K, Acuña MA, Ntamati NR, Nevian NE, Nevian T. An amygdala-to-cingulate cortex circuit for conflicting choices in chronic pain. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113125. [PMID: 37733589 PMCID: PMC10636611 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a complex experience with multifaceted behavioral manifestations, often leading to pain avoidance at the expense of reward approach. How pain facilitates avoidance in situations with mixed outcomes is unknown. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays a key role in pain processing and in value-based decision-making. Distinct ACC inputs inform about the sensory and emotional quality of pain. However, whether specific ACC circuits underlie pathological conflict assessment in pain remains underexplored. Here, we demonstrate that mice with chronic pain favor cold avoidance rather than reward approach in a conflicting task. This occurs along with selective strengthening of basolateral amygdala inputs onto ACC layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons. The amygdala-cingulate projection is necessary and sufficient for the conflicting cold avoidance. Further, low-frequency stimulation of this pathway restores AMPA receptor function and reduces avoidance in pain mice. Our findings provide insights into the circuits and mechanisms underlying cognitive aspects of pain and offer potential targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Valentinova
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Mario A Acuña
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Niels R Ntamati
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Natalie E Nevian
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Nevian
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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3
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Knouse MC, Deutschmann AU, Nenov MN, Wimmer ME, Briand LA. Sex differences in pre- and post-synaptic glutamate signaling in the nucleus accumbens core. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:52. [PMID: 37596655 PMCID: PMC10439632 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00537-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutamate signaling within the nucleus accumbens underlies motivated behavior and is involved in psychiatric disease. Although behavioral sex differences in these processes are well-established, the neural mechanisms driving these differences are largely unexplored. In these studies, we examine potential sex differences in synaptic plasticity and excitatory transmission within the nucleus accumbens core. Further understanding of baseline sex differences in reward circuitry will shed light on potential mechanisms driving behavioral differences in motivated behavior and psychiatric disease. METHODS Behaviorally naïve adult male and female Long-Evans rats, C57Bl/6J mice, and constitutive PKMζ knockout mice were killed and tissue containing the nucleus accumbens core was collected for ex vivo slice electrophysiology experiments. Electrophysiology recordings examined baseline sex differences in synaptic plasticity and transmission within this region and the potential role of PKMζ in long-term depression. RESULTS Within the nucleus accumbens core, both female mice and rats exhibit higher AMPA/NMDA ratios compared to male animals. Further, female mice have a larger readily releasable pool of glutamate and lower release probability compared to male mice. No significant sex differences were detected in spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current amplitude or frequency. Finally, the threshold for induction of long-term depression was lower for male animals than females, an effect that appears to be mediated, in part, by PKMζ. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that there are baseline sex differences in synaptic plasticity and excitatory transmission in the nucleus accumbens core. Our data suggest there are sex differences at multiple levels in this region that should be considered in the development of pharmacotherapies to treat psychiatric illnesses such as depression and substance use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa C Knouse
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Weiss Hall, 1701 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Andre U Deutschmann
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Weiss Hall, 1701 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Miroslav N Nenov
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Weiss Hall, 1701 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Mathieu E Wimmer
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Weiss Hall, 1701 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Lisa A Briand
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Weiss Hall, 1701 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
- Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Weiss Hall, 1701 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
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4
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Knouse MC, McGrath AG, Deutschmann AU, Rich MT, Zallar LJ, Rajadhyaksha AM, Briand LA. Sex differences in the medial prefrontal cortical glutamate system. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:66. [PMID: 36348414 PMCID: PMC9641904 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00468-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation in the prefrontal cortex underlies a variety of psychiatric illnesses, including substance use disorder, depression, and anxiety. Despite the established sex differences in prevalence and presentation of these illnesses, the neural mechanisms driving these differences are largely unexplored. Here, we investigate potential sex differences in glutamatergic transmission within the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The goal of these experiments was to determine if there are baseline sex differences in transmission within this region that may underlie sex differences in diseases that involve dysregulation in the prefrontal cortex. METHODS Adult male and female C57Bl/6J mice were used for all experiments. Mice were killed and bilateral tissue samples were taken from the medial prefrontal cortex for western blotting. Both synaptosomal and total GluA1 and GluA2 levels were measured. In a second set of experiments, mice were killed and ex vivo slice electrophysiology was performed on prepared tissue from the medial prefrontal cortex. Spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents and rectification indices were measured. RESULTS Females exhibit higher levels of synaptosomal GluA1 and GluA2 in the mPFC compared to males. Despite similar trends, no statistically significant differences are seen in total levels of GluA1 and GluA2. Females also exhibit both a higher amplitude and higher frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents and greater inward rectification in the mPFC compared to males. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we conclude that there are sex differences in glutamatergic transmission in the mPFC. Our data suggest that females have higher levels of glutamatergic transmission in this region. This provides evidence that the development of sex-specific pharmacotherapies for various psychiatric diseases is important to create more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa C. Knouse
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Weiss Hall, 1701 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
| | - Anna G. McGrath
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Weiss Hall, 1701 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
| | - Andre U. Deutschmann
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Weiss Hall, 1701 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
| | - Matthew T. Rich
- Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Lia J. Zallar
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, NY USA
| | - Anjali M. Rajadhyaksha
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, NY USA
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, NY USA
- Weill Cornell Autism Research Program, Weill Cornell Medicine of Cornell University, New York, NY USA
| | - Lisa A. Briand
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Weiss Hall, 1701 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
- Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, USA
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5
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Martins D, Dipasquale O, Veronese M, Turkheimer F, Loggia ML, McMahon S, Howard MA, Williams SC. Transcriptional and cellular signatures of cortical morphometric remodelling in chronic pain. Pain 2022; 163:e759-e773. [PMID: 34561394 PMCID: PMC8940732 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Chronic pain is a highly debilitating and difficult to treat condition, which affects the structure of the brain. Although the development of chronic pain is moderately heritable, how disease-related alterations at the microscopic genetic architecture drive macroscopic brain abnormalities is currently largely unknown. Here, we examined alterations in morphometric similarity (MS) and applied an integrative imaging transcriptomics approach to identify transcriptional and cellular correlates of these MS changes, in 3 independent small cohorts of patients with distinct chronic pain syndromes (knee osteoarthritis, low back pain, and fibromyalgia) and age-matched and sex-matched pain-free controls. We uncover a novel pattern of cortical MS remodelling involving mostly small-to-medium MS increases in the insula and limbic cortex (none of these changes survived stringent false discovery rate correction for the number of regions tested). This pattern of changes is different from that observed in patients with major depression and cuts across the boundaries of specific pain syndromes. By leveraging transcriptomic data from Allen Human Brain Atlas, we show that cortical MS remodelling in chronic pain spatially correlates with the brain-wide expression of genes related to pain and broadly involved in the glial immune response and neuronal plasticity. Our findings bridge levels to connect genes, cell classes, and biological pathways to in vivo imaging correlates of chronic pain. Although correlational, our data suggest that cortical remodelling in chronic pain might be shaped by multiple elements of the cellular architecture of the brain and identifies several pathways that could be prioritized in future genetic association or drug development studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Martins
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ottavia Dipasquale
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mattia Veronese
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Federico Turkheimer
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marco L. Loggia
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stephen McMahon
- Wolfson CARD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew A. Howard
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven C.R. Williams
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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6
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Alipio JB, Riggs LM, Plank M, Keller A. Environmental Enrichment Mitigates the Long-Lasting Sequelae of Perinatal Fentanyl Exposure in Mice. J Neurosci 2022; 42:3557-3569. [PMID: 35332082 PMCID: PMC9053848 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2083-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The opioid epidemic is a rapidly evolving societal issue driven, in part, by a surge in synthetic opioid use. A rise in fentanyl use among pregnant women has led to a 40-fold increase in the number of perinatally-exposed infants in the past decade. These children are more likely to develop mood-related and somatosensory-related conditions later in life, suggesting that fentanyl may permanently alter neural development. Here, we examined the behavioral and synaptic consequences of perinatal fentanyl exposure in adolescent male and female C57BL/6J mice and assessed the therapeutic potential of environmental enrichment to mitigate these effects. Dams were given ad libitum access to fentanyl (10 µg/ml, per os) across pregnancy and until weaning [postnatal day (PD)21]. Perinatally-exposed adolescent mice displayed hyperactivity (PD45), enhanced sensitivity to anxiogenic environments (PD46), and sensory maladaptation (PD47), sustained behavioral effects that were completely normalized by environmental enrichment (PD21-PD45). Additionally, environmental enrichment normalized the fentanyl-induced changes in the frequency of miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs) of layer 2/3 neurons in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). We also demonstrate that fentanyl impairs short-term potentiation (STP) and long-term potentiation (LTP) in S1 layer 2/3 neurons, which, instead, exhibit a sustained depression of synaptic transmission that is restored by environmental enrichment. On its own, environmental enrichment suppressed long-term depression (LTD) of control S1 neurons from vehicle-treated mice subjected to standard housing conditions. These results demonstrate that the lasting effects of fentanyl can be ameliorated with a noninvasive intervention introduced during early development.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Illicit use of fentanyl accounts for a large proportion of opioid-related overdose deaths. Children exposed to opioids during development have a higher risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders later in life. Here, we employ a preclinical model of perinatal fentanyl exposure that recapitulates these long-term impairments and show, for the first time, that environmental enrichment can reverse deficits in somatosensory circuit function and behavior. These findings have the potential to directly inform and guide ongoing efforts to mitigate the consequences of perinatal opioid exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Bondoc Alipio
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Lace Marie Riggs
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Translational and Basic Science, Program in Neuroscience and Training Program in Integrative Membrane Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Madeline Plank
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Asaf Keller
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201
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7
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Li ZZ, Han WJ, Sun ZC, Chen Y, Sun JY, Cai GH, Liu WN, Wang TZ, Xie YD, Mao HH, Wang F, Ma SB, Wang FD, Xie RG, Wu SX, Luo C. Extracellular matrix protein laminin β1 regulates pain sensitivity and anxiodepression-like behaviors in mice. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e146323. [PMID: 34156983 DOI: 10.1172/jci146323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with neuropathic pain often experience comorbid psychiatric disorders. Cellular plasticity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is assumed to be a critical interface for pain perception and emotion. However, substantial efforts have thus far been focused on the intracellular mechanisms of plasticity rather than the extracellular alterations that might trigger and facilitate intracellular changes. Laminin, a key element of the extracellular matrix (ECM), consists of one α-, one β-, and one γ-chain and is implicated in several pathophysiological processes. Here, we showed in mice that laminin β1 (LAMB1) in the ACC was significantly downregulated upon peripheral neuropathy. Knockdown of LAMB1 in the ACC exacerbated pain sensitivity and induced anxiety and depression. Mechanistic analysis revealed that loss of LAMB1 caused actin dysregulation via interaction with integrin β1 and the subsequent Src-dependent RhoA/LIMK/cofilin pathway, leading to increased presynaptic transmitter release probability and abnormal postsynaptic spine remodeling, which in turn orchestrated the structural and functional plasticity of pyramidal neurons and eventually resulted in pain hypersensitivity and anxiodepression. This study sheds new light on the functional capability of ECM LAMB1 in modulating pain plasticity and identifies a mechanism that conveys extracellular alterations to intracellular plasticity. Moreover, we identified cingulate LAMB1/integrin β1 signaling as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of neuropathic pain and associated anxiodepression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Zhen Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine.,Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, and
| | - Wen-Juan Han
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine
| | - Zhi-Chuan Sun
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine
| | - Yun Chen
- The Second Regiment, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun-Yi Sun
- The Second Regiment, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guo-Hong Cai
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine
| | - Wan-Neng Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine.,College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao-Zhi Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine.,Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang-Dan Xie
- The Second Regiment, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hong-Hui Mao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine.,Medical Experiment Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Sui-Bin Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine
| | - Fu-Dong Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine
| | - Rou-Gang Xie
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine
| | - Sheng-Xi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine
| | - Ceng Luo
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine
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8
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Zhou Z, Shi W, Fan K, Xue M, Zhou S, Chen QY, Lu JS, Li XH, Zhuo M. Inhibition of calcium-stimulated adenylyl cyclase subtype 1 (AC1) for the treatment of neuropathic and inflammatory pain in adult female mice. Mol Pain 2021; 17:17448069211021698. [PMID: 34082635 PMCID: PMC8182195 DOI: 10.1177/17448069211021698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical long-term potentiation (LTP) serves as a cellular model for chronic
pain. As an important subtype of adenylyl cyclases (ACs), adenylyl cyclase
subtype 1 (AC1) is critical for the induction of cortical LTP in the anterior
cingulate cortex (ACC). Genetic deletion of AC1 or pharmacological inhibition of
AC1 blocked behavioral allodynia in animal models of neuropathic and
inflammatory pain. Our previous experiments have identified a lead candidate AC1
inhibitor, NB001, which is highly selective for AC1 over other AC isoforms, and
found that NB001 is effective in inhibiting behavioral allodynia in animal
models of chronic neuropathic and inflammatory pain. However, previous
experiments were carried out in adult male animals. Considering the potential
gender difference as an important issue in researches of pain and analgesia, we
investigated the effect of NB001 in female chronic pain animal models. We found
that NB001, when administered orally, has an analgesic effect in female animal
models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain without any observable side effect.
Genetic deletion of AC1 also reduced allodynia responses in models of
neuropathic pain and chronic inflammation pain in adult female mice. In brain
slices of adult female mice, bath application of NB001(20 μM) blocked the
induction of LTP in ACC. Our results indicate that calcium-stimulated AC1 is
required for injury-related cortical LTP and behavioral allodynia in both sexes
of adult animals, and NB001 can be used as a potential therapeutic drug for
treating neuropathic and inflammatory pain in man and woman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxiang Zhou
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wantong Shi
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kexin Fan
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Man Xue
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Sibo Zhou
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qi-Yu Chen
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jing-Shan Lu
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xu-Hui Li
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Min Zhuo
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Institute of Brain Research, Qingdao International Academician Park, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Nociceptor-localized cGMP-dependent protein kinase I is a critical generator for central sensitization and neuropathic pain. Pain 2021; 162:135-151. [PMID: 32773598 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Patients with neuropathic pain often experience exaggerated pain and anxiety. Central sensitization has been linked with the maintenance of neuropathic pain and may become an autonomous pain generator. Conversely, emerging evidence accumulated that central sensitization is initiated and maintained by ongoing nociceptive primary afferent inputs. However, it remains elusive what mechanisms underlie this phenomenon and which peripheral candidate contributes to central sensitization that accounts for pain hypersensitivity and pain-related anxiety. Previous studies have implicated peripherally localized cGMP-dependent protein kinase I (PKG-I) in plasticity of nociceptors and spinal synaptic transmission as well as inflammatory hyperalgesia. However, whether peripheral PKG-I contributes to cortical plasticity and hence maintains nerve injury-induced pain hypersensitivity and anxiety is unknown. Here, we demonstrated significant upregulation of PKG-I in ipsilateral L3 dorsal root ganglia (DRG), no change in L4 DRG, and downregulation in L5 DRG upon spared nerve injury. Genetic ablation of PKG-I specifically in nociceptors or post-treatment with intervertebral foramen injection of PKG-I antagonist, KT5823, attenuated the development and maintenance of spared nerve injury-induced bilateral pain hypersensitivity and anxiety. Mechanistic analysis revealed that activation of PKG-I in nociceptors is responsible for synaptic potentiation in the anterior cingulate cortex upon peripheral neuropathy through presynaptic mechanisms involving brain-derived neurotropic factor signaling. Our results revealed that PKG-I expressed in nociceptors is a key determinant for cingulate synaptic plasticity after nerve injury, which contributes to the maintenance of pain hypersensitivity and anxiety. Thereby, this study presents a strong basis for opening up a novel therapeutic target, PKG-I, in nociceptors for treatment of comorbidity of neuropathic pain and anxiety with least side effects.
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10
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Su S, Li M, Wu D, Cao J, Ren X, Tao YX, Zang W. Gene Transcript Alterations in the Spinal Cord, Anterior Cingulate Cortex, and Amygdala in Mice Following Peripheral Nerve Injury. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:634810. [PMID: 33898422 PMCID: PMC8059771 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.634810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic neuropathic pain caused by nerve damage is a most common clinical symptom, often accompanied by anxiety- and depression-like symptoms. Current treatments are very limited at least in part due to incompletely understanding mechanisms underlying this disorder. Changes in gene expression in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) have been acknowledged to implicate in neuropathic pain genesis, but how peripheral nerve injury alters the gene expression in other pain-associated regions remains elusive. The present study carried out strand-specific next-generation RNA sequencing with a higher sequencing depth and observed the changes in whole transcriptomes in the spinal cord (SC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and amygdala (AMY) following unilateral fourth lumbar spinal nerve ligation (SNL). In addition to providing novel transcriptome profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs, we identified pain- and emotion-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and revealed that numbers of these DEGs displayed a high correlation to neuroinflammation and apoptosis. Consistently, functional analyses showed that the most significant enriched biological processes of the upregulated mRNAs were involved in the immune system process, apoptotic process, defense response, inflammation response, and sensory perception of pain across three regions. Moreover, the comparisons of pain-, anxiety-, and depression-related DEGs among three regions present a particular molecular map among the spinal cord and supraspinal structures and indicate the region-dependent and region-independent alterations of gene expression after nerve injury. Our study provides a resource for gene transcript expression patterns in three distinct pain-related regions after peripheral nerve injury. Our findings suggest that neuroinflammation and apoptosis are important pathogenic mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain and that some DEGs might be promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songxue Su
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mengqi Li
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiuhua Ren
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Weidong Zang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
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11
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Role of the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Translational Pain Research. Neurosci Bull 2021; 37:405-422. [PMID: 33566301 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-020-00615-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As the most common symptomatic reason to seek medical consultation, pain is a complex experience that has been classified into different categories and stages. In pain processing, noxious stimuli may activate the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). But the function of ACC in the different pain conditions is not well discussed. In this review, we elaborate the commonalities and differences from accumulated evidence by a variety of pain assays for physiological pain and pathological pain including inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, and cancer pain in the ACC, and discuss the cellular receptors and signaling molecules from animal studies. We further summarize the ACC as a new central neuromodulation target for invasive and non-invasive stimulation techniques in clinical pain management. The comprehensive understanding of pain processing in the ACC may lead to bridging the gap in translational research between basic and clinical studies and to develop new therapies.
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12
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Electroacupuncture Attenuates CFA-Induced Inflammatory Pain by Regulating CaMKII. Neural Plast 2020; 2020:8861994. [PMID: 33488694 PMCID: PMC7790579 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8861994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a multifunctional serine/threonine kinase that is ubiquitously distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Moreover, its phosphorylated protein (P-CaMKII) is involved in memory, mood, and pain regulation in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Electroacupuncture (EA) is a traditional Chinese therapeutic technique that can effectively treat chronic inflammatory pain. However, the CaMKII-GluA1 role in EA analgesia in the ACC remains unclear. This study investigated the role of P-CaMKII and P-GluA1 in a mouse model of inflammatory pain induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). There were increased P-CaMKII and P-GluA1 levels in the ACC. We found that intracerebroventricular injection of KN93, a CaMKII inhibitor, as well as EA stimulation, attenuated complete Freund's adjuvant-induced pain behavior. Further, EA increased pCaMKII-PICK1 complex (abbreviated as C-P complex) levels. Our findings demonstrate that EA inhibits inflammatory pain by inhibiting CaMKII-GluA1 phosphorylation. P-CaMKII is involved in EA analgesia as the pCaMKII-PICK1 complex.
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13
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Qin J, Li A, Huang Y, Teng RH, Yang Y, Yao YX. CXCR3 contributes to neuropathic pain via ERK activation in the anterior cingulate cortex. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 531:166-171. [PMID: 32782146 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.07.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is activated by noxious stimuli and is involved in the affective component of pain processing; but its role in the sensory component of pain remains largely unknown. Studies have verified that Chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 3 (CXCR3) is involved in nociceptive sensitization in the spinal cord after peripheral nerve injury; however, the expression of CXCR3 in the ACC and its role in neuropathic pain has not been reported. Here, we showed that CXCR3 co-localized with neurons in the ACC and the upregulation of CXCR3 corresponded with hypersensitive behaviors after a chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve. Pharmacological blockade of CXCR3 using local injection of its inhibitor, AMG487, into the ACC significantly attenuated hyperalgesia induced by chronic constriction injury and suppressed the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Collectively, these results suggest that CXCR3 in the ACC is involved in hyperalgesia induced by peripheral nerve injury and ERK may be a downstream target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Qin
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China; Department of Anesthesia, Tinglin Hospital of Jinshan District, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China.
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China; Department of Anesthesia, the Central Hospital of Lishui City, Lishui, PR China.
| | - Run-Hua Teng
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, PR China.
| | - Yan Yang
- Centre for Neuroscience, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China.
| | - Yong-Xing Yao
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, PR China.
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14
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Okine BN, Mc Laughlin G, Gaspar JC, Harhen B, Roche M, Finn DP. Antinociceptive Effects of the GPR55 Antagonist CID16020046 Injected into the Rat Anterior Cingulate Cortex. Neuroscience 2020; 443:19-29. [PMID: 32673629 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The G-protein coupled receptor, GPR55, modulates nociceptive processing. Given the expression of GPR55 in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a key brain region involved in the cognitive and affective dimensions of pain, the present study tested the hypothesis that GPR55 signalling in the ACC facilitates inflammatory pain behaviour in rats. The expression of GPR55 in the ACC was confirmed by both western blotting and immunostaining, with evidence for neuronal localisation. Microinjection of the selective GPR55 antagonist CID16020046 into the ACC of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats significantly reduced second phase formalin-evoked nociceptive behaviour compared with vehicle-treated controls. CID16020046 administration was associated with a reduction in phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a downstream target of GPR55 activation, in the ACC. Intra-ACC administration of CID16020046 prevented the formalin-induced increases in expression of mRNA coding for the immediate early gene and marker of neuronal activity, c-Fos, in the ipsilateral dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Intra-plantar injection of formalin reduced tissue levels of the endogenous GPR55 ligand 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoinositol (2-AGPI) in the ACC, likely reflecting its increased release/utilisation. These data suggest that endogenous activation of GPR55 signalling and increased ERK phosphorylation in the ACC facilitates inflammatory pain via top-down modulation of descending pain control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bright N Okine
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, NCBES, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland; Galway Neuroscience Centre and Centre for Pain Research, NCBES, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Gemma Mc Laughlin
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, NCBES, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Jessica C Gaspar
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, NCBES, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland; Galway Neuroscience Centre and Centre for Pain Research, NCBES, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Brendan Harhen
- Galway Neuroscience Centre and Centre for Pain Research, NCBES, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Michelle Roche
- Physiology, School of Medicine, NCBES, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland; Galway Neuroscience Centre and Centre for Pain Research, NCBES, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - David P Finn
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, NCBES, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland; Galway Neuroscience Centre and Centre for Pain Research, NCBES, National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
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15
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Zhang H, Bramham CR. Bidirectional Dysregulation of AMPA Receptor-Mediated Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity in Brain Disorders. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2020; 12:26. [PMID: 32754026 PMCID: PMC7366028 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AMPA receptors (AMPARs) are glutamate-gated ion channels that mediate the majority of fast excitatory synaptic transmission throughout the brain. Changes in the properties and postsynaptic abundance of AMPARs are pivotal mechanisms in synaptic plasticity, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic transmission. A wide range of neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, despite their extremely diverse etiology, pathogenesis and symptoms, exhibit brain region-specific and AMPAR subunit-specific aberrations in synaptic transmission or plasticity. These include abnormally enhanced or reduced AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission or plasticity. Bidirectional reversal of these changes by targeting AMPAR subunits or trafficking ameliorates drug-seeking behavior, chronic pain, epileptic seizures, or cognitive deficits. This indicates that bidirectional dysregulation of AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission or plasticity may contribute to the expression of many brain disorders and therefore serve as a therapeutic target. Here, we provide a synopsis of bidirectional AMPAR dysregulation in animal models of brain disorders and review the preclinical evidence on the therapeutic targeting of AMPARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Zhang
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Clive R Bramham
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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16
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Kummer KK, Mitrić M, Kalpachidou T, Kress M. The Medial Prefrontal Cortex as a Central Hub for Mental Comorbidities Associated with Chronic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3440. [PMID: 32414089 PMCID: PMC7279227 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain patients frequently develop and suffer from mental comorbidities such as depressive mood, impaired cognition, and other significant constraints of daily life, which can only insufficiently be overcome by medication. The emotional and cognitive components of pain are processed by the medial prefrontal cortex, which comprises the anterior cingulate cortex, the prelimbic, and the infralimbic cortex. All three subregions are significantly affected by chronic pain: magnetic resonance imaging has revealed gray matter loss in all these areas in chronic pain conditions. While the anterior cingulate cortex appears hyperactive, prelimbic, and infralimbic regions show reduced activity. The medial prefrontal cortex receives ascending, nociceptive input, but also exerts important top-down control of pain sensation: its projections are the main cortical input of the periaqueductal gray, which is part of the descending inhibitory pain control system at the spinal level. A multitude of neurotransmitter systems contributes to the fine-tuning of the local circuitry, of which cholinergic and GABAergic signaling are particularly emerging as relevant components of affective pain processing within the prefrontal cortex. Accordingly, factors such as distraction, positive mood, and anticipation of pain relief such as placebo can ameliorate pain by affecting mPFC function, making this cortical area a promising target region for medical as well as psychosocial interventions for pain therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michaela Kress
- Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (K.K.K.); (M.M.); (T.K.)
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17
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Chen QY, Zhang ZL, Liu Q, Chen CJ, Zhang XK, Xu PY, Zhuo M. Presynaptic long-term potentiation requires extracellular signal-regulated kinases in the anterior cingulate cortex. Mol Pain 2020; 16:1744806920917245. [PMID: 32264746 PMCID: PMC7144679 DOI: 10.1177/1744806920917245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinases are widely expressed protein kinases in neurons, which serve as important intracellular signaling molecules for central plasticity such as long-term potentiation. Recent studies demonstrate that there are two major forms of long-term potentiation in cortical areas related to pain: postsynaptic long-term potentiation and presynaptic long-term potentiation. In particular, presynaptic long-term potentiation in the anterior cingulate cortex has been shown to contribute to chronic pain-related anxiety. In this review, we briefly summarized the components and roles of extracellular signal-regulated kinases in neuronal signaling, especially in the presynaptic long-term potentiation of anterior cingulate cortex, and discuss the possible molecular mechanisms and functional implications in pain-related emotional disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Yu Chen
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhi-Ling Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao-Jun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Guangzhou Chinese Medical Integrated Hospital (Huadu), Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Kang Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Gan-Nan Medical University, Ganzhopu, China
| | - Ping-Yi Xu
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Zhuo
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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18
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Guo JB, Zhu Y, Chen BL, Song G, Peng MS, Hu HY, Zheng YL, Chen CC, Yang JZ, Chen PJ, Wang XQ. Network and pathway-based analysis of microRNA role in neuropathic pain in rat models. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:4534-4544. [PMID: 31066224 PMCID: PMC6584487 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain (NP) remain poorly understood. Emerging evidence has suggested the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the initiation and development of NP, but the specific effects of miRNAs in NP are largely unknown. Here, we use network- and pathway-based methods to investigate NP-induced miRNA changes and their biological functions by conducting a systematic search through multiple electronic databases. Thirty-seven articles meet the inclusion criteria. Venn analysis and target gene forecasting are performed and the results indicate that 167 overlapping target genes are co-regulated by five down-regulated miRNAs (rno-miR-183, rno-miR-96, rno-miR-30b, rno-miR-150 and rno-miR-206). Protein-protein interaction network analysis shows that 77 genes exhibit interactions, with cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit beta (degree = 11) and cAMP-response element binding protein 1 (degree = 10) having the highest connectivity degree. Gene ontology analysis shows that these target genes are enriched in neuron part, neuron projection, somatodendritic compartment and nervous system development. Moreover, analysis of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes reveals that three pathways, namely, axon guidance, circadian entrainment and insulin secretion, are significantly enriched. In addition, rno-miR-183, rno-miR-96, rno-miR-30b, rno-miR-150 and rno-miR-206 are consistently down-regulated in the NP models, thus constituting the potential biomarkers of this disease. Characterizing these miRNAs and their target genes paves way for their future use in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Bao Guo
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Bing-Lin Chen
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ge Song
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng-Si Peng
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao-Yu Hu
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Li Zheng
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang-Cheng Chen
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Zhao Yang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei-Jie Chen
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Qiang Wang
- Department of Sport Rehabilitation, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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19
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Increased CXCL13 and CXCR5 in Anterior Cingulate Cortex Contributes to Neuropathic Pain-Related Conditioned Place Aversion. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:613-623. [PMID: 31041693 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00377-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain consists of sensory-discriminative and emotional-affective components. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a critical brain area in mediating the affective pain. However, the molecular mechanisms involved remain largely unknown. Our recent study indicated that C-X-C motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13) and its sole receptor CXCR5 are involved in sensory sensitization in the spinal cord after spinal nerve ligation (SNL). Whether CXCL13/CXCR5 signaling in the ACC contributes to the pathogenesis of pain-related aversion remains unknown. Here, we showed that SNL increased the CXCL13 level and CXCR5 expression in the ACC after SNL. Knockdown of CXCR5 by microinjection of Cxcr5 shRNA into the ACC did not affect SNL-induced mechanical allodynia but effectively alleviated neuropathic pain-related place avoidance behavior. Furthermore, electrophysiological recording from layer II-III neurons in the ACC showed that SNL increased the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs), decreased the EPSC paired-pulse ratio, and increased the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor/N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ratio, indicating enhanced glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Finally, superfusion of CXCL13 onto ACC slices increased the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous EPSCs. Pre-injection of Cxcr5 shRNA into the ACC reduced the increase in glutamatergic synaptic transmission induced by SNL. Collectively, these results suggest that CXCL13/CXCR5 signaling in the ACC is involved in neuropathic pain-related aversion via synaptic potentiation.
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20
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Yao PW, Wang SK, Chen SX, Xin WJ, Liu XG, Zang Y. Upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the anterior cingulate cortex contributes to neuropathic pain and pain-associated aversion. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 130:104456. [PMID: 31028871 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Injury associated pain involves subjective perception and emotional experience. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a key area involved in the affective component of pain processing. However, the neuroimmune mechanisms underlying enhanced ACC excitability following peripheral nerve injury are still not fully understood. Our previous work has shown that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) overexpression leads to peripheral afferent hyperexcitability and synaptic transmission potentiation in spinal cord. Here, we aimed to reveal the potential role of ACC TNF-α in ACC hyperexcitability and neuropathic pain. c-Fos, a widely used neuronal activity marker, was induced especially in contralateral ACC early [postoperative (PO) 1 h] and later (PO day 7 and 10) during the development of neuropathic pain. Spared nerve injury (SNI) elevated TNF-α level in contralateral ACC from PO day 5 to 14, delayed relative to decreased ipsilateral paw withdrawal threshold apparent from PO day 1 to 14. Microinjection of anti-TNF-α antibody into the ACC completely eliminated c-Fos overexpression and greatly attenuated pain aversion and mechanical allodynia induced by SNI, suggesting an important role of ACC TNF-α in the pain aversiveness and pain maintenance. Furthermore, modulating ACC pyramidal neurons via a Gi-coupled human M4 muscarinic receptor (hM4Di) or a Gq-coupled human M3 muscarinic receptor (hM3Dq), a type of designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD), greatly changed the ACC TNF-α level and the mechanical paw withdrawal threshold. The positive interactions between TNF-α and ACC neurons might modulate the cytokine microenvironment thus contribute to the neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Wen Yao
- Pain Research Center and Department of Physiology, Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Shao-Kun Wang
- Pain Research Center and Department of Physiology, Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Shao-Xia Chen
- Pain Research Center and Department of Physiology, Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou 510080, PR China; Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Wen-Jun Xin
- Pain Research Center and Department of Physiology, Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Xian-Guo Liu
- Pain Research Center and Department of Physiology, Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Ying Zang
- Pain Research Center and Department of Physiology, Zhongshan Medical School, Sun Yat-Sen University, 74 Zhongshan Rd. 2, Guangzhou 510080, PR China.
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21
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Gorlova A, Pavlov D, Anthony DC, Ponomarev ED, Sambon M, Proshin A, Shafarevich I, Babaevskaya D, Lesсh KP, Bettendorff L, Strekalova T. Thiamine and benfotiamine counteract ultrasound-induced aggression, normalize AMPA receptor expression and plasticity markers, and reduce oxidative stress in mice. Neuropharmacology 2019; 156:107543. [PMID: 30817932 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The negative societal impacts associated with the increasing prevalence of violence and aggression is increasing, and, with this rise, is the need to understand the molecular and cellular changes that underpin ultrasound-induced aggressive behavior. In mice, stress-induced aggression is known to alter AMPA receptor subunit expression, plasticity markers, and oxidative stress within the brain. Here, we induced aggression in BALB/c mice using chronic ultrasound exposure and examined the impact of the psychoactive anti-oxidant compounds thiamine (vitamin B1), and its derivative benfotiamine, on AMPA receptor subunit expression, established plasticity markers, and oxidative stress. The administration of thiamine or benfotiamine (200 mg/kg/day) in drinking water decreased aggressive behavior following 3-weeks of ultrasound exposure and benfotiamine, reduced floating behavior in the swim test. The vehicle-treated ultrasound-exposed mice exhibited increases in protein carbonyl and total glutathione, altered AMPA receptor subunits expression, and decreased expression of plasticity markers. These ultrasound-induced effects were ameliorated by thiamine and benfotiamine treatment; in particular both antioxidants were able to reverse ultrasound-induced changes in GluA1 and GluA2 subunit expression, and, within the prefrontal cortex, significantly reversed the changes in protein carbonyl and polysialylated form of neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM) expression levels. Benfotiamine was usually more efficacious than thiamine. Thus, the thiamine compounds were able to counteract ultrasound-induced aggression, which was accompanied by the normalization of markers that have been showed to be associated with ultrasound-induced aggression. These commonly used, orally-active compounds may have considerable potential for use in the control of aggression within the community. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Current status of the neurobiology of aggression and impulsivity'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gorlova
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, NL, 6229ER, Maastricht, Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurophysiology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Av. Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium; Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology and Department of Normal Physiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University Trubetskaya Street 8-2, 119991, Moscow, Russia; Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory1-12, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitrii Pavlov
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, NL, 6229ER, Maastricht, Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurophysiology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Av. Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium; Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory1-12, 119991, Moscow, Russia; Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Baltiiskaya Str, 8, 125315, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daniel C Anthony
- Department of Pharmacology, Oxford University, Mansfield Road, OX1 3QT, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Eugene D Ponomarev
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Margaux Sambon
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Av. Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Andrey Proshin
- Research Institute of Normal Physiology, Baltiiskaya Str, 8, 125315, Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor Shafarevich
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, NL, 6229ER, Maastricht, Netherlands; Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology and Department of Normal Physiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University Trubetskaya Street 8-2, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Diana Babaevskaya
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology and Department of Normal Physiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University Trubetskaya Street 8-2, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesсh
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, NL, 6229ER, Maastricht, Netherlands; Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology and Department of Normal Physiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University Trubetskaya Street 8-2, 119991, Moscow, Russia; Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Lucien Bettendorff
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Av. Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, NL, 6229ER, Maastricht, Netherlands; Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology and Department of Normal Physiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University Trubetskaya Street 8-2, 119991, Moscow, Russia; Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Baltiiskaya Str, 8, 125315, Moscow, Russia.
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22
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Xu X, Cao Y, Mo S, Liu Y, Xie Q. ACC Plasticity Maintains Masseter Hyperalgesia Caused by Occlusal Interference. J Dent Res 2019; 98:589-596. [DOI: 10.1177/0022034519827590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute occlusal interference following improper occlusal alteration in dental practice can induce chronic masticatory muscle pain. The underlying mechanism has not been clarified. Synaptic plasticity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays a key role in the chronic pain state. This study investigated the role of synaptic plasticity in the ACC in acute occlusal interference–induced chronic masticatory muscle pain. A rat model of experimental occlusal interference (EOI) was established. In vivo local field potential (LFP) recording was conducted to evaluate the change of synaptic strength and plasticity from the medial thalamus (MT) to the ACC after EOI application. The effects of microdialysis of antagonists of glutamate receptors into the ACC on synaptic transmission from the MT to the ACC were examined. Furthermore, the influence of inhibiting glutamate receptors in the ACC on EOI-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in the masseter muscles of rats was investigated. The amplitude of LFP in the ACC evoked by MT stimulation was significantly potentiated since 14 d of EOI application. Long-term potentiation of LFP in the ACC was reliably induced by theta burst stimulation to the MT in control rats but was occluded in 14-d EOI rats. Microdialysis of AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist CNQX into the ACC attenuated LFP in the ACC evoked by stimulating the MT in control and EOI rats. Administration of NMDA receptor subunit NR2B antagonist Ro 25-6981 into the ACC significantly alleviated the potentiation of MT stimulation-evoked LFP in the ACC of EOI rats without affecting that in control rats. EOI-induced hyperalgesia in the bilateral masseter muscles of rats was dose-dependently relieved after microdialysis of Ro 25-6981 into ACC. These findings provide direct evidence that prolonged acute occlusal interference potentiates synaptic transmission in the ACC, which in turn mediates chronic masticatory muscle pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- X.X. Xu
- Center for Oral and Jaw Functional Diagnosis, Treatment and Research, Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Y. Cao
- Center for Oral and Jaw Functional Diagnosis, Treatment and Research, Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - S.Y. Mo
- Center for Oral and Jaw Functional Diagnosis, Treatment and Research, Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Y. Liu
- Center for Oral and Jaw Functional Diagnosis, Treatment and Research, Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Q.F. Xie
- Center for Oral and Jaw Functional Diagnosis, Treatment and Research, Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology & Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology, Beijing, China
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Ko HG, Ye S, Han DH, Park P, Lim CS, Lee K, Zhuo M, Kaang BK. Transcription-independent expression of PKMζ in the anterior cingulate cortex contributes to chronically maintained neuropathic pain. Mol Pain 2018; 14:1744806918783943. [PMID: 29923456 PMCID: PMC6024534 DOI: 10.1177/1744806918783943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase M ζ is well known for its role in maintaining memory and pain. Previously, we revealed that the activation of protein kinase M ζ in the anterior cingulate cortex plays a role in sustaining neuropathic pain. However, the mechanism by which protein kinase M ζ is expressed in the anterior cingulate cortex by peripheral nerve injury, and whether blocking of protein kinase M ζ using its inhibitor, zeta inhibitory peptide, produces analgesic effects in neuropathic pain maintained chronically after injury, have not previously been resolved. In this study, we show that protein kinase M ζ expression in the anterior cingulate cortex is enhanced by peripheral nerve injury in a transcription-independent manner. We also reveal that the inhibition of protein kinase M ζ through zeta inhibitory peptide treatment is enough to reduce mechanical allodynia responses in mice with one-month-old nerve injuries. However, the zeta inhibitory peptide treatment was only effective for a limited time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyoung-Gon Ko
- 1 School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghyun Ye
- 1 School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hee Han
- 1 School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Pojeong Park
- 1 School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae-Seok Lim
- 2 Department of Pharmacology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungmin Lee
- 3 Department of Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Zhuo
- 4 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,5 Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bong-Kiun Kaang
- 1 School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,5 Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Xiao X, Zhang YQ. A new perspective on the anterior cingulate cortex and affective pain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 90:200-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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25
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GluA1 AMPAR subunit deletion reduces the hedonic response to sucrose but leaves satiety and conditioned responses intact. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7424. [PMID: 28785046 PMCID: PMC5547105 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07542-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The GluA1 subunit of the AMPA receptor has been implicated in schizophrenia. While GluA1 is important for cognition, it is not clear what the role of GluA1 is in hedonic responses that are relevant to the negative symptoms of disorders such as schizophrenia. Here, we tested mice that lack GluA1 (Gria1−/− mice) on consumption of sucrose solutions using a licking microstructure analysis. GluA1 deletion drastically reduced palatability (as measured by the mean lick cluster size) across a range of sucrose concentrations. Although initial lick rates were reduced, measures of consumption across long periods of access to sucrose solutions were not affected by GluA1 deletion and Gria1−/− mice showed normal satiety responses to high sucrose concentrations. GluA1 deletion also failed to impair flavour conditioning, in which increased intake of a flavour occurred as a consequence of prior pairing with a high sucrose concentration. These results demonstrate that GluA1 plays a role in responding on the basis of palatability rather than other properties, such as the automatic and learnt post-ingestive, nutritional consequences of sucrose. Therefore, Gria1−/− mice provide a potential model of anhedonia, adding converging evidence to the role of glutamatergic dysfunction in various symptoms of schizophrenia and related disorders.
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Kwon M, Han J, Kim UJ, Cha M, Um SW, Bai SJ, Hong SK, Lee BH. Inhibition of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Signaling in the Insular Cortex Alleviates Neuropathic Pain after Peripheral Nerve Injury. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:79. [PMID: 28377693 PMCID: PMC5359287 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Injury of peripheral nerves can trigger neuropathic pain, producing allodynia and hyperalgesia via peripheral and central sensitization. Recent studies have focused on the role of the insular cortex (IC) in neuropathic pain. Because the IC is thought to store pain-related memories, translational regulation in this structure may reveal novel targets for controlling chronic pain. Signaling via mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which is known to control mRNA translation and influence synaptic plasticity, has been studied at the spinal level in neuropathic pain, but its role in the IC under these conditions remains elusive. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the role of mTOR signaling in neuropathic pain and to assess the potential therapeutic effects of rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTORC1, in the IC of rats with neuropathic pain. Mechanical allodynia was assessed in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats after neuropathic surgery and following microinjections of rapamycin into the IC on postoperative days (PODs) 3 and 7. Optical recording was conducted to observe the neural responses of the IC to peripheral stimulation. Rapamycin reduced mechanical allodynia and downregulated the expression of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), decreased neural excitability in the IC, thereby inhibiting neuropathic pain-induced synaptic plasticity. These findings suggest that mTOR signaling in the IC may be a critical molecular mechanism modulating neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjee Kwon
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, South Korea; Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, South Korea
| | - Jeongsoo Han
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, South Korea; Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, South Korea
| | - Un Jeng Kim
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul, South Korea
| | - Myeounghoon Cha
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sun Woo Um
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, South Korea; Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, South Korea
| | - Sun Joon Bai
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seong-Karp Hong
- Division of Bio and Health Sciences, Mokwon University Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Bae Hwan Lee
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, South Korea; Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, South Korea; Brain Research Institute and Epilepsy Research Institute, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, South Korea
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Koga K, Li S, Zhuo M. Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Dependent Cortical Plasticity in Chronic Pain. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 14:427-34. [PMID: 27296638 PMCID: PMC4983748 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666150425002304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cortical areas play crucial roles in higher order brain functions such as pain and emotion-processing, decision-making, and cognition. Among them, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and insular cortex (IC) are two key areas. Glutamate mediates major excitatory transmission during long-term plasticity in both physiological and pathological conditions. Specifically related to nociceptive or pain behaviors, metabotropic glutamate subtype receptors (mGluRs) have been involved in different types of synaptic modulation and plasticity from periphery to the spinal cord. However, less is known about their functional roles in plasticity related to pain and its related behaviors within cortical regions. In this review, we first summarized previous studies of synaptic plasticity in both the ACC and IC, and discussed how mGluRs may be involved in both cortical long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD)-especially in LTD. The activation of mGluRs contributes to the induction of LTD in both ACC and IC areas. The loss of LTD caused by peripheral amputation or nerve injury can be rescued by priming ACC or IC with activations of mGluR1 receptors. We also discussed the potential functional roles of mGluRs for pain-related behaviors. We propose that targeting mGluRs in the cortical areas including the ACC and IC may provide a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronic pain, phantom pain or anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Min Zhuo
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, Room #3342, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
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28
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Gastrodin relieved complete Freund's adjuvant-induced spontaneous pain by inhibiting inflammatory response. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 41:66-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Revised: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Abstract
The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is activated in both acute and chronic pain. In this Review, we discuss increasing evidence from rodent studies that ACC activation contributes to chronic pain states and describe several forms of synaptic plasticity that may underlie this effect. In particular, one form of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the ACC, which is triggered by the activation of NMDA receptors and expressed by an increase in AMPA-receptor function, sustains the affective component of the pain state. Another form of LTP in the ACC, which is triggered by the activation of kainate receptors and expressed by an increase in glutamate release, may contribute to pain-related anxiety.
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30
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Zhuo M. Neural Mechanisms Underlying Anxiety-Chronic Pain Interactions. Trends Neurosci 2016; 39:136-145. [PMID: 26878750 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a major medical problem that is resistant to conventional medical intervention. It also causes emotional changes such as anxiety and fear. Furthermore, anxiety or fear often enhances the suffering of pain. Based on recent studies, I propose chronic anxiety triggered by injury or chronic pain is mediated through presynaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a key cortical region for pain perception. Conversely, NMDA receptor-dependent postsynaptic LTP plays a more important role in behavioral sensitization in chronic pain. Thus, postsynaptic and presynaptic LTP in ACC neurons are likely the key cellular mechanisms for causing chronic pain and its associated anxiety, respectively. This suggests potential targets for treating chronic pain and related anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhuo
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, China; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Centre for the study of Pain, University of Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
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31
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Camera D, Coleman HA, Parkington HC, Jenkins TA, Pow DV, Boase N, Kumar S, Poronnik P. Learning, memory and long-term potentiation are altered in Nedd4 heterozygous mice. Behav Brain Res 2016; 303:176-81. [PMID: 26821291 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The consolidation of short-term memory into long-term memory involves changing protein level and activity for the synaptic plasticity required for long-term potentiation (LTP). AMPA receptor trafficking is a key determinant of LTP and recently ubiquitination by Nedd4 has been shown to play an important role via direct action on the GluA1 subunit, although the physiological relevance of these findings are yet to be determined. We therefore investigated learning and memory in Nedd4(+/-) mice that have a 50% reduction in levels of Nedd4. These mice showed decreased long-term spatial memory as evidenced by significant increases in the time taken to learn the location of and subsequently find a platform in the Morris water maze. In contrast, there were no significant differences between Nedd4(+/+) and Nedd4(+/-) mice in terms of short-term spatial memory in a Y-maze test. Nedd4(+/-) mice also displayed a significant reduction in post-synaptic LTP measured in hippocampal brain slices. Immunofluorescence of Nedd4 in the hippocampus confirmed its expression in hippocampal neurons of the CA1 region. These findings indicate that reducing Nedd4 protein by 50% significantly impairs LTP and long-term memory thereby demonstrating an important role for Nedd4 in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Camera
- Health Innovations Research Institute, School of Medical Science, RMIT University, P.O. Box 71, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Harold A Coleman
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | | | - Trisha A Jenkins
- Health Innovations Research Institute, School of Medical Science, RMIT University, P.O. Box 71, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - David V Pow
- Health Innovations Research Institute, School of Medical Science, RMIT University, P.O. Box 71, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Natasha Boase
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Sharad Kumar
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Philip Poronnik
- Health Innovations Research Institute, School of Medical Science, RMIT University, P.O. Box 71, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia; Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia.
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Liu SB, Zhang MM, Cheng LF, Shi J, Lu JS, Zhuo M. Long-term upregulation of cortical glutamatergic AMPA receptors in a mouse model of chronic visceral pain. Mol Brain 2015; 8:76. [PMID: 26585043 PMCID: PMC4653882 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-015-0169-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders and it causes long-lasting visceral pain and discomfort. AMPA receptor mediated long-term potentiation (LTP) has been shown to play a critical role in animal models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. No report is available for central changes in the ACC of mice with chronic visceral pain. Results In this study, we used integrative methods to investigate potential central plastic changes in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of a visceral pain mouse model induced by intracolonic injection of zymosan. We found that visceral pain induced an increased expression of AMPA receptors (at the post synapses) in the ACC via an enhanced trafficking of the AMPA receptors to the membrane. Both GluA1 and GluA2/3 subunits were significantly increased. Supporting biochemical changes, excitatory synaptic transmission in the ACC were also significantly enhanced. Microinjection of AMPA receptor inhibitor IEM1460 into the ACC inhibited visceral and spontaneous pain behaviors. Furthermore, we found that the phosphorylation of GluA1 at the Ser845 site was increased, suggesting that GluA1 phosphorylation may contribute to AMPA receptor trafficking. Using genetically knockout mice lacking calcium-calmodulin stimulated adenylyl cyclase subtype 1 (AC1), we found that AMPA receptor phosphorylation and its membrane trafficking induced by zymosan injection were completely blocked. Conclusions Our results provide direct evidence for cortical AMPA receptors to contribute to zymosan-induced visceral and spontaneous pain and inhibition of AC1 activity may help to reduce chronic visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shui-Bing Liu
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xian, Shaanxi, 710049, China. .,Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy of School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, Shaanxi, 710032, China. .,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Ming-Ming Zhang
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xian, Shaanxi, 710049, China. .,Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy of School, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, Shaanxi, 710032, China. .,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Lin-Feng Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xian, Shaanxi, 710032, China.
| | - Jiao Shi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Jing-Shan Lu
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xian, Shaanxi, 710049, China.
| | - Min Zhuo
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning West Road, Xian, Shaanxi, 710049, China. .,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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Caveolin-1 in the anterior cingulate cortex modulates chronic neuropathic pain via regulation of NMDA receptor 2B subunit. J Neurosci 2015; 35:36-52. [PMID: 25568101 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1161-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is still a basic science and clinical challenge. Unraveling of the neurobiological mechanisms involved in chronic pain will offer novel targets for the development of therapeutic strategies. It is well known that central sensitization in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays a critical role in initiation, development, and maintenance of chronic pain. However, the underlying mechanisms still remain elusive. Here, we reported that caveolin-1 (Cav-1), a scaffolding protein in membrane rafts, was persistently upregulated and activated in the ACC neurons after chronic constriction injury (CCI) in mice. Knockdown or blocking of Cav-1 in the contralateral ACC to the injury side reversed CCI-induced pain behavioral and neuronal sensitization and overexpression of Cav-1 in the ipsilateral ACC-induced pain behavior in the unaffected hindpaw. Furthermore, we found that Cav-1 directly binding with NMDA receptor 2B subunit (NR2B) and promotion of NR2B surface levels in the ACC contributed to modulation of chronic neuropathic pain. Disrupting the interaction of Cav-1 and NR2B through microinjection of a short peptide derived from the C-terminal of NR2B into the ACC exhibited a significant anti-nociception effect associated with decrease of surface NR2B expression. Moreover, Cav-1 increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and activated the ERK/CREB signaling pathway in an NR2B-dependent manner in the ACC. Our findings implicate that Cav-1 in the ACC neurons modulates chronic neuropathic pain via regulation of NR2B and subsequent activation of ERK/CREB signaling, suggesting a possible caveolin-mediated process would participate in neuronal transmission pathways implicated in pain modulation.
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BDNF-dependent plasticity induced by peripheral inflammation in the primary sensory and the cingulate cortex triggers cold allodynia and reveals a major role for endogenous BDNF as a tuner of the affective aspect of pain. J Neurosci 2015; 34:14739-51. [PMID: 25355226 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0860-14.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Painful experiences are multilayered, composed of sensory, affective, cognitive and behavioral facets. Whereas it is well accepted that the development of chronic pain is due to maladaptive neuronal changes, the underlying molecular mechanisms, their relationship to the different pain modalities, and indeed the localization of these changes are still unknown. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an activity-dependent neuromodulator in the adult brain, which enhances neuronal excitability. In the spinal cord, BDNF underlies the development and maintenance of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Here, we hypothesized that BDNF could be a trigger of some of these plastic changes. Our results demonstrate that BDNF is upregulated in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the primary sensory cortex (S1) in rats with inflammatory pain. Injections of recombinant BDNF (into the ACC) or a viral vector synthesizing BDNF (into the ACC or S1) triggered both neuronal hyperexcitability, as shown by elevated long-term potentiation, and sustained pain hypersensitivity. Finally, pharmacological blockade of BDNF-tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling in the ACC, through local injection of cyclotraxin-B (a novel, highly potent, and selective TrkB antagonist) prevented neuronal hyperexcitability, the emergence of cold hypersensitivity, and passive avoidance behavior. These findings show that BDNF-dependent neuronal plasticity in the ACC, a structure known to be involved in the affective-emotional aspect of pain, is a key mechanism in the development and maintenance of the emotional aspect of chronic pain.
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Postsynaptic insertion of AMPA receptor onto cortical pyramidal neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex after peripheral nerve injury. Mol Brain 2014; 7:76. [PMID: 25359681 PMCID: PMC4221704 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-014-0076-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term potentiation (LTP) is the key cellular mechanism for physiological learning and pathological chronic pain. Postsynaptic accumulation of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) GluA1 plays an important role for injury-related cortical LTP. However, there is no direct evidence for postsynaptic GluA1 insertion or accumulation after peripheral injury. Here we report nerve injury increased the postsynaptic expression of AMPAR GluA1 in pyramidal neurons in the layer V of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), including the corticospinal projecting neurons. Electrophysiological recordings show that potentiation of postsynaptic responses was reversed by Ca2+ permeable AMPAR antagonist NASPM. Finally, behavioral studies show that microinjection of NASPM into the ACC inhibited behavioral sensitization caused by nerve injury. Our findings provide direct evidence that peripheral nerve injury induces postsynaptic GluA1 accumulation in cingulate cortical neurons, and inhibits postsynaptic GluA1 accumulation which may serve as a novel target for treating neuropathic pain.
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Ding X, Qiao Y, Piao C, Zheng X, Liu Z, Liang J. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated glutamate transmission in nucleus accumbens plays a more important role than that in dorsal striatum in cognitive flexibility. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:304. [PMID: 25249952 PMCID: PMC4155776 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive flexibility is a critical ability for adapting to an ever-changing environment in humans and animals. Deficits in cognitive flexibility are observed in most schizophrenia patients. Previous studies reported that the medial prefrontal cortex-to-ventral striatum and orbital frontal cortex-to-dorsal striatum circuits play important roles in extra- and intra-dimensional strategy switching, respectively. However, the precise function of striatal subregions in flexible behaviors is still unclear. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are major glutamate receptors in the striatum that receive glutamatergic projections from the frontal cortex. The membrane insertion of Ca2+-permeable α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid receptors (AMPARs) depends on NMDAR activation and is required in learning and memory processes. In the present study, we measured set-shifting and reversal learning performance in operant chambers in rats and assessed the effects of blocking NMDARs and Ca2+-permeable AMPARs in striatal subregions on behavioral flexibility. The blockade of NMDARs in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core by AP5 impaired set-shifting ability by causing a failure to modify prior learning. The suppression of NMDAR-mediated transmission in the NAc shell induced a deficit in set-shifting by disrupting the learning and maintenance of novel strategies. During reversal learning, infusions of AP5 into the NAc shell and core impaired the ability to learn and maintain new strategies. However, behavioral flexibility was not significantly affected by blocking NMDARs in the dorsal striatum. We also found that the blockade of Ca2+-permeable AMPARs by NASPM in any subregion of the striatum did not affect strategy switching. These findings suggest that NMDAR-mediated glutamate transmission in the NAc contributes more to cognitive execution compared with the dorsal striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuekun Ding
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, China ; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, China
| | - Yanhua Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, China ; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, China
| | - Chengji Piao
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, China ; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, China
| | - Xigeng Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, China
| | - Zhengkui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing, China
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37
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Hagenston AM, Simonetti M. Neuronal calcium signaling in chronic pain. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 357:407-26. [PMID: 25012522 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-1942-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Acute physiological pain, the unpleasant sensory response to a noxious stimulus, is essential for animals and humans to avoid potential injury. Pathological pain that persists after the original insult or injury has subsided, however, not only results in individual suffering but also imposes a significant cost on society. Improving treatments for long-lasting pathological pain requires a comprehensive understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying pain perception and the development of pain chronicity. In this review, we aim to highlight some of the major findings related to the involvement of neuronal calcium signaling in the processes that mediate chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Hagenston
- University of Heidelberg, Neurobiology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany,
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Chen T, Koga K, Descalzi G, Qiu S, Wang J, Zhang LS, Zhang ZJ, He XB, Qin X, Xu FQ, Hu J, Wei F, Huganir RL, Li YQ, Zhuo M. Postsynaptic potentiation of corticospinal projecting neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex after nerve injury. Mol Pain 2014; 10:33. [PMID: 24890933 PMCID: PMC4060852 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-10-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term potentiation (LTP) is the key cellular mechanism for physiological learning and pathological chronic pain. In the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), postsynaptic recruitment or modification of AMPA receptor (AMPAR) GluA1 contribute to the expression of LTP. Here we report that pyramidal cells in the deep layers of the ACC send direct descending projecting terminals to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (lamina I-III). After peripheral nerve injury, these projection cells are activated, and postsynaptic excitatory responses of these descending projecting neurons were significantly enhanced. Newly recruited AMPARs contribute to the potentiated synaptic transmission of cingulate neurons. PKA-dependent phosphorylation of GluA1 is important, since enhanced synaptic transmission was abolished in GluA1 phosphorylation site serine-845 mutant mice. Our findings provide strong evidence that peripheral nerve injury induce long-term enhancement of cortical-spinal projecting cells in the ACC. Direct top-down projection system provides rapid and profound modulation of spinal sensory transmission, including painful information. Inhibiting cortical top-down descending facilitation may serve as a novel target for treating neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Chen
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Center, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Center for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kohei Koga
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Center for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Giannina Descalzi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Center for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Shuang Qiu
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Center for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Center, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Le-Shi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Center, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Zhi-Jian Zhang
- Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan 430074, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xiao-Bin He
- Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xin Qin
- College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Fu-Qiang Xu
- Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
- Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan 430074, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ji Hu
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Richard L Huganir
- Department of Neuroscience and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yun-Qing Li
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Center, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Min Zhuo
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Center for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
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39
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Long-lasting glutamatergic modulation induced by neonatal GABA enhancement in mice. Neuropharmacology 2014; 79:616-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Lu YF, Wang Y, He Y, Zhang FK, He T, Wang RR, Chen XF, Yang F, Gong KR, Chen J. Spatial and temporal plasticity of synaptic organization in anterior cingulate cortex following peripheral inflammatory pain: multi-electrode array recordings in rats. Neurosci Bull 2014; 30:1-20. [PMID: 23686522 PMCID: PMC5561851 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-013-1344-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To explore whether experiencing inflammatory pain has an impact upon intracortical synaptic organization, the planar multi-electrode array (MEA) technique and 2-dimensional current source density (2D-CSD) imaging were used in slice preparations of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) from rats. Synaptic activity across different layers of the ACC was evoked by deep layer stimulation through one electrode. The layer-localization of both local field potentials (LFPs) and the spread of current sink calculated by 2D-CSD analysis was characterized pharmacologically. Moreover, the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) and changes in LTP magnitude were also evaluated. We found that under naïve conditions, the current sink was initially generated in layer VI, then spread to layer V and finally confined to layers II-III. This spatial pattern of current sink movement typically reflected changes in depolarized sites from deep layers (V-VI) to superficial layers (II-III) where intra- and extracortical inputs terminate. In the ACC slices from rats in an inflamed state (for 2 h) caused by intraplantar bee-venom injection, the spatial profile of intra-ACC synaptic organization was significantly changed, showing an enlarged current sink distribution and a leftward shift of the stimulus-response curves relative to the naïve and saline controls. The change was more distinct in the superficial layers (II-III) than in the deep site. In terms of temporal properties, the rate of LTP induction was significantly increased in layers II-III by inflammatory pain. However, the magnitude of LTP was not significantly enhanced by this treatment. Taken together, these results show that inflammatory pain results in distinct spatial and temporal plasticity of synaptic organization in the ACC, which may lead to altered synaptic transmission and modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Fei Lu
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Ying He
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Fu-Kang Zhang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Ting He
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Rui-Rui Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi’an, 710038 China
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Xue-Feng Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Fei Yang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi’an, 710038 China
| | - Ke-Rui Gong
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Jun Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain and Institute for Functional Brain Disorders, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, 710038 China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, PLA, Xi’an, 710038 China
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
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41
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Zhuo M. Long-term potentiation in the anterior cingulate cortex and chronic pain. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2013; 369:20130146. [PMID: 24298148 PMCID: PMC3843878 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is the primary excitatory transmitter of sensory transmission and perception in the central nervous system. Painful or noxious stimuli from the periphery ‘teach’ humans and animals to avoid potentially dangerous objects or environments, whereas tissue injury itself causes unnecessary chronic pain that can even last for long periods of time. Conventional pain medicines often fail to control chronic pain. Recent neurobiological studies suggest that synaptic plasticity taking place in sensory pathways, from spinal dorsal horn to cortical areas, contributes to chronic pain. Injuries trigger long-term potentiation of synaptic transmission in the spinal cord dorsal horn and anterior cingulate cortex, and such persistent potentiation does not require continuous neuronal activity from the periphery. At the synaptic level, potentiation of excitatory transmission caused by injuries may be mediated by the enhancement of glutamate release from presynaptic terminals and potentiated postsynaptic responses of AMPA receptors. Preventing, ‘erasing’ or reducing such potentiation may serve as a new mechanism to inhibit chronic pain in patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhuo
- Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institutes of Life Science, Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, , Xi'an 710049, People's Republic of China
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42
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Banerjee B, Medda BK, Pochiraju S, Kannampalli P, Lang IM, Sengupta JN, Shaker R. AMPA receptor subunits expression and phosphorylation in cingulate cortex in rats following esophageal acid exposure. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2013; 25:973-e776. [PMID: 24118589 PMCID: PMC4097166 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently reported an increase in N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit expression and CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation of NR2B in the rostral cingulate cortical (rCC) neurons following esophageal acid exposure in rats. As α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors mediate the fast excitatory transmission and play a critical role in synaptic plasticity, in this study, we investigated the effect of esophageal acid exposure in rats on the expression of AMPA receptor subunits and the involvement of these molecular alterations in acid-induced sensitization of neurons in the anterior cingulate (ACC) and midcingulate (MCC) cortices. METHODS In molecular study, we examined GluA1 and GluA2 expression and phosphorylation in membrane preparations and in the isolated postsynaptic densities (PSDs) from rats receiving acute esophageal exposure of either saline (control group) or 0.1 N HCl (experimental group). In electrophysiological study, the effect of selective AMPA receptor (Ca(2+) permeable) antagonist IEM-1460 and CaMKII inhibitor KN-93 was tested on responses of cortical neurons during acid infusion to address the underlying molecular mechanism of acid-induced sensitization. KEY RESULTS The acid exposure significantly increased expression of GluA1, pGluA1Ser(831) , and phosphorylated CaMKIIThr(286) , in the cortical membrane preparations. In isolated PSDs, a significant increase in pGluA1Ser(831) was observed in acid-treated rats compared with controls. Microinjection of IEM-1460 or KN-93 near the recording site significantly attenuated acid-induced sensitization of cortical neurons. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES The underlying mechanism of acid-induced cortical sensitization involves upregulation and CaMKII-mediated phosphorylation of GluA1. These molecular changes of AMPA receptors subunit GluA1 in the cortical neurons might play an important role in acid-induced esophageal hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Banerjee
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology; Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee WI USA
| | - B. K. Medda
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology; Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee WI USA
| | - S. Pochiraju
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology; Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee WI USA
| | - P. Kannampalli
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology; Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee WI USA
| | - I. M. Lang
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology; Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee WI USA
| | - J. N. Sengupta
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology; Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee WI USA
| | - R. Shaker
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology; Medical College of Wisconsin; Milwaukee WI USA
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43
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Sohn YI, Lee NJ, Chung A, Saavedra JM, Scott Turner R, Pak DTS, Hoe HS. Antihypertensive drug Valsartan promotes dendritic spine density by altering AMPA receptor trafficking. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 439:464-70. [PMID: 24012668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.08.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrated that the antihypertensive drug Valsartan improved spatial and episodic memory in mouse models of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and human subjects with hypertension. However, the molecular mechanism by which Valsartan can regulate cognitive function is still unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of Valsartan on dendritic spine formation in primary hippocampal neurons, which is correlated with learning and memory. Interestingly, we found that Valsartan promotes spinogenesis in developing and mature neurons. In addition, we found that Valsartan increases the puncta number of PSD-95 and trends toward an increase in the puncta number of synaptophysin. Moreover, Valsartan increased the cell surface levels of AMPA receptors and selectively altered the levels of spinogenesis-related proteins, including CaMKIIα and phospho-CDK5. These data suggest that Valsartan may promote spinogenesis by enhancing AMPA receptor trafficking and synaptic plasticity signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young In Sohn
- Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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Ikeda H, Mochizuki K, Murase K. Astrocytes are involved in long-term facilitation of neuronal excitation in the anterior cingulate cortex of mice with inflammatory pain. Pain 2013; 154:2836-2843. [PMID: 23988365 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2013.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 08/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal plasticity in the pain-processing pathway is thought to be a mechanism underlying pain hypersensitivity and negative emotions occurring during a pain state. Recent evidence suggests that the activation of astrocytes in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) contributes to the development of negative emotions during pain hypersensitivity after peripheral inflammation. However, it is unknown whether these activated astrocytes contribute to neuronal plasticity in the ACC. In this study, by using optical imaging with voltage- and Ca(2+)-sensitive dyes, we examined the long-term facilitation of neuronal excitation induced by high-frequency conditioning stimulation (HFS) in ACC slices of control mice and mice with peripheral inflammation induced by the injection of complete Freund adjuvant (CFA) to the hind paw. Immunoreactivity of glial fibrillary acidic protein in laminae II-III of the ACC in the CFA-injected mice was higher than in the control mice. Neuronal excitation in ACC slices from the CFA-injected mice was gradually increased by HFS, and the magnitude of this long-term facilitation was greater than in the control mice. The long-term facilitation in the CFA-injected mice was inhibited by the astroglial toxin, the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist and NMDA receptor glycine binding site antagonist. The increase of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration in astrocytes during HFS was higher in the CFA-injected mice than in the control mice and was inhibited by l-α-aminoadipate (l-α-AA). These results suggest that the activation of astrocytes in the ACC plays a crucial role in the development of negative emotions and LTP during pain hypersensitivity after peripheral inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Ikeda
- Department of Human and Artificial Intelligence Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, Research and Education Program for Life Science, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
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45
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Conditional disruption of calpain in the CNS alters dendrite morphology, impairs LTP, and promotes neuronal survival following injury. J Neurosci 2013; 33:5773-84. [PMID: 23536090 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4247-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitous classical (typical) calpains, calpain-1 and calpain-2, are Ca(+2)-dependent cysteine proteases, which have been associated with numerous physiological and pathological cellular functions. However, a clear understanding of the role of calpains in the CNS has been hampered by the lack of appropriate deletion paradigms in the brain. In this study, we describe a unique model of conditional deletion of both calpain-1 and calpain-2 activities in mouse brain, which more definitively assesses the role of these ubiquitous proteases in brain development/function and pathology. Surprisingly, we show that these calpains are not critical for gross CNS development. However, calpain-1/calpain-2 loss leads to reduced dendritic branching complexity and spine density deficits associated with major deterioration in hippocampal long-term potentiation and spatial memory. Moreover, calpain-1/calpain-2-deficient neurons were significantly resistant to injury induced by excitotoxic stress or mitochondrial toxicity. Examination of downstream target showed that the conversion of the Cdk5 activator, p35, to pathogenic p25 form, occurred only in the presence of calpain and that it played a major role in calpain-mediated neuronal death. These findings unequivocally establish two central roles of calpain-1/calpain-2 in CNS function in plasticity and neuronal death.
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46
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Price TJ, Ghosh S. ZIPping to pain relief: the role (or not) of PKMζ in chronic pain. Mol Pain 2013; 9:6. [PMID: 23433248 PMCID: PMC3621284 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-9-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain remains a significant clinical problem despite substantial advances in our understanding of how persistent nociceptor stimulation drives plasticity in the CNS. A major theme that has emerged in this area of work is the strong similarity between plasticity involved in learning and memory in CNS regions such as cortex and hippocampus with mechanisms underlying chronic pain development and maintenance in the spinal dorsal horn and other CNS areas such as anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). We, and others have recently implicated an atypical PKC (aPKC), called PKMζ, in the maintenance of pain plasticity based on biochemical assays and the use of a peptide pseudosubstrate inhibitor called ZIP. These studies indicate remarkable parallels between the potential role of PKMζ as a key molecule for the maintenance of long-term memory and long-term potentiation (LTP) and the maintenance of a chronic pain state. On the other hand, very recent studies have disputed the specificity of ZIP and called into question the role of PKMζ as a memory maintenance molecule. Here we critically review the evidence that PKMζ might represent a new target for the reversal of certain chronic pain states. Furthermore, we consider whether ZIP might have other aPKC or even non-aPKC targets and the significance of such off-target effects for evaluating maintenance mechanisms of chronic pain. We conclude that, current controversies aside, utilization of ZIP as a tool to interrogate maintenance mechanisms of chronic pain and further investigations into the potential role of PKMζ, and other aPKCs, in pain plasticity are likely to lead to further insights with the potential to unravel the enigma that is the disease of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore J Price
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Arizona School of Medicine, Arizona, USA.
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47
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Interplay of amygdala and cingulate plasticity in emotional fear. Neural Plast 2011; 2011:813749. [PMID: 21912749 PMCID: PMC3168900 DOI: 10.1155/2011/813749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The amygdala is known to be a critical brain region for emotional fear. It is believed that synaptic plasticity within the amygdala is the cellular basis of fear memory. Recent studies demonstrate that cortical areas such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) may also contribute to the formation of fear memory, including trace fear memory and remote fear memory. At synaptic level, fear conditioning also triggers plastic changes within the cortical areas immediately after the condition. These results raise the possibility that certain forms of synaptic plasticity may occur within the cortex while synaptic potentiation takes place within synapses in the hippocampus and amygdala. This hypothesis is supported by electrophysiological evidence obtained from freely moving animals that neurons in the hippocampus/amygdala fire synchronous activities with cortical neurons during the learning. To study fear-related synaptic plasticity in the cortex and its functional connectivity with neurons in the amygdala and hippocampus will help us understand brain mechanisms of fear and improve clinical treatment of emotional disorders in patients.
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48
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Bie B, Brown DL, Naguib M. Synaptic plasticity and pain aversion. Eur J Pharmacol 2011; 667:26-31. [PMID: 21699892 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.05.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 05/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Negative affective emotions are defined as the conceptual feature of pain. A number of clinical and animal studies have indicated that the limbic system including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and amygdala plays a critical role in the processing of affective components of pain. Glutamatergic transmission plays an important role in the processing of affective aspects of pain. Long-term changes on glutamatergic synapses contribute to the expression of aversion behavior induced by pain. In this article, the neurocircuits involved in the processing of affective aspects of pain, the glutamatergic synaptic plasticity in these brain regions, and the epigenetic mechanisms underlying pain-related synaptic plasticity will be reviewed and discussed. New discoveries regarding the interaction between the synaptic plasticity and affective components of pain may advance our understanding on the pain mechanism, and lead to new strategies for pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bihua Bie
- Anesthesiology Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, United States
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49
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Li XY, Ko HG, Chen T, Collingridge GL, Kaang BK, Zhuo M. Erasing injury-related cortical synaptic potentiation as a new treatment for chronic pain. J Mol Med (Berl) 2011; 89:847-55. [PMID: 21584648 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-011-0768-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2011] [Revised: 04/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity in the spinal cord and the cortex is believed to be important for the amplification of painful information in chronic pain conditions. The investigation of molecular mechanism responsible for maintaining injury-related plastic changes, such as through the study of long-term potentiation in these structures, provides potential novel targets for designing new medicine for chronic pain. Recent studies using integrative neurobiological approaches demonstrate that protein kinase M zeta (PKMζ) maintains pain-induced persistent changes in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and inhibiting PKMζ by ζ-pseudosubstrate inhibitory peptide produces analgesic effects in animal models of chronic pain. We propose that targeting PKMζ, or its up- or downstream signaling proteins, in the ACC may provide novel clinical treatment for chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yao Li
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Center for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, Medical Science Building, Room no. 3342, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
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50
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Wang H, Xu H, Wu LJ, Kim SS, Chen T, Koga K, Descalzi G, Gong B, Vadakkan KI, Zhang X, Kaang BK, Zhuo M. Identification of an adenylyl cyclase inhibitor for treating neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Sci Transl Med 2011; 3:65ra3. [PMID: 21228397 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3001269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain, often caused by nerve injury, is commonly observed among patients with different diseases. Because its basic mechanisms are poorly understood, effective medications are limited. Previous investigations of basic pain mechanisms and drug discovery efforts have focused mainly on early sensory neurons such as dorsal root ganglion and spinal dorsal horn neurons, and few synaptic-level studies or new drugs are designed to target the injury-related cortical plasticity that accompanies neuropathic pain. Our previous work has demonstrated that calcium-stimulated adenylyl cyclase 1 (AC1) is critical for nerve injury-induced synaptic changes in the anterior cingulate cortex. Through rational drug design and chemical screening, we have identified a lead candidate AC1 inhibitor, NB001, which is relatively selective for AC1 over other adenylate cyclase isoforms. Using a variety of behavioral tests and toxicity studies, we have found that NB001, when administered intraperitoneally or orally, has an analgesic effect in animal models of neuropathic pain, without any apparent side effects. Our study thus shows that AC1 could be a productive therapeutic target for neuropathic pain and describes a new agent for the possible treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansen Wang
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S1A8, Canada
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