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Hone AJ, McIntosh JM. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: Therapeutic targets for novel ligands to treat pain and inflammation. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106715. [PMID: 36868367 PMCID: PMC10691827 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been historically defined as ligand-gated ion channels and function as such in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Recently, however, non-ionic signaling mechanisms via nAChRs have been demonstrated in immune cells. Furthermore, the signaling pathways where nAChRs are expressed can be activated by endogenous ligands other than the canonical agonists acetylcholine and choline. In this review, we discuss the involvement of a subset of nAChRs containing α7, α9, and/or α10 subunits in the modulation of pain and inflammation via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Additionally, we review the most recent advances in the development of novel ligands and their potential as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arik J Hone
- School of Biological Sciences University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; MIRECC, George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- School of Biological Sciences University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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2
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Abstract
A substantial fraction of the human population suffers from chronic pain states, which often cannot be sufficiently treated with existing drugs. This calls for alternative targets and strategies for the development of novel analgesics. There is substantial evidence that the G protein-coupled GABAB receptor is involved in the processing of pain signals and thus has long been considered a valuable target for the generation of analgesics to treat chronic pain. In this review, the contribution of GABAB receptors to the generation and modulation of pain signals, their involvement in chronic pain states as well as their target suitability for the development of novel analgesics is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dietmar Benke
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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3
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Li X, Tae HS, Chu Y, Jiang T, Adams DJ, Yu R. Medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic potential of α-conotoxins antagonizing the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 222:107792. [PMID: 33309557 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
α-Conotoxins are disulfide-rich and well-structured peptides, most of which can block nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) with exquisite selectivity and potency. There are various nAChR subtypes, of which the α9α10 nAChR functions as a heteromeric ionotropic receptor in the mammalian cochlea and mediates postsynaptic transmission from the medial olivocochlear. The α9α10 nAChR subtype has also been proposed as a target for the treatment of neuropathic pain and the suppression of breast cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, α-conotoxins targeting the α9α10 nAChR are potentially useful in the development of specific therapeutic drugs and pharmacological tools. Despite dissimilarities in their amino acid sequence and structures, these conopeptides are potent antagonists of the α9α10 nAChR subtype. Consequently, the activity and stability of these peptides have been subjected to chemical modifications. The resulting synthetic analogues have not only functioned as molecular probes to explore ligand binding sites of the α9α10 nAChR, but also have the potential to become candidates for drug development. From the perspectives of medicinal chemistry and pharmacology, we highlight the structure and function of the α9α10 nAChR and review studies of α-conotoxins targeting it, including their three-dimensional structures, structure optimization strategies, and binding modes at the α9α10 nAChR, as well as their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Han-Shen Tae
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia
| | - Yanyan Chu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China; Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - David J Adams
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia.
| | - Rilei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266003, China; Innovation Platform of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266100, China.
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4
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Hone AJ, Servent D, McIntosh JM. α9-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and the modulation of pain. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 175:1915-1927. [PMID: 28662295 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a complex and debilitating syndrome for which there are few effective pharmacological treatments. Opioid-based medications are initially effective for acute pain, but tolerance to their analgesic effects quickly develops, and long-term use often leads to physical dependence and addiction. Furthermore, neuropathic pain is generally resistant to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Other classes of medications including antidepressants, antiepileptics and voltage-gated calcium channel inhibitors are only partially effective in most patients, may be associated with significant side effects and have few disease-modifying effects on the underlying pathology. Medications that act through new mechanisms of action, and particularly ones that have disease-modifying properties, would be highly desirable. In the last decade, a potential new target for the treatment of neuropathic pain has emerged: the α9-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Recent studies indicate that antagonists of α9-containing nAChRs are analgesic in animal models of neuropathic pain. These nerve injury models include chronic constriction injury, partial sciatic nerve ligation, streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapeutic-induced neuropathy. This review details the history and state of the field regarding the role that α9-containing nAChRs may play in neuropathic pain. An alternative hypothesis that α-conotoxins exert their therapeutic effect through blocking N-type calcium channels via activation of GABAB receptors is also reviewed. Understanding how antagonists of α9-containing nAChRs exert their therapeutic effects may ultimately result in the development of medications that not only treat but also prevent the development of neuropathic pain states. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.11/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arik J Hone
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Denis Servent
- Service d'Ingénierie Moléculaire des Protéines (SIMOPRO), IBITECS, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - J Michael McIntosh
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,George E. Whalen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Abstract
Over the past three decades the research on GABAB receptor biology and pharmacology in pain processing has been a fascinating experience. Norman Bowery's fundamental discovery of the existence of the GABAB receptor has led the way to the definition of GABAB molecular mechanisms; patterns of receptor expression in the peripheral and central nervous system; GABAB modulatory functions within the pain pathways. We are now harnessing this acquired knowledge to develop innovative approaches to the therapeutic management of chronic pain through allosteric modulation of the GABAB. Norman's legacy would be ultimately fulfilled by the development of novel analgesics that activate the GABAB receptor. This article is part of the "Special Issue Dedicated to Norman G. Bowery".
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Malcangio
- Wolfson Centre for Age Related Diseases, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.
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6
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Gaillard S, Lo Re L, Mantilleri A, Hepp R, Urien L, Malapert P, Alonso S, Deage M, Kambrun C, Landry M, Low SA, Alloui A, Lambolez B, Scherrer G, Le Feuvre Y, Bourinet E, Moqrich A. GINIP, a Gαi-interacting protein, functions as a key modulator of peripheral GABAB receptor-mediated analgesia. Neuron 2014; 84:123-136. [PMID: 25242222 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.08.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
One feature of neuropathic pain is a reduced GABAergic inhibitory function. Nociceptors have been suggested to play a key role in this process. However, the mechanisms behind nociceptor-mediated modulation of GABA signaling remain to be elucidated. Here we describe the identification of GINIP, a Gαi-interacting protein expressed in two distinct subsets of nonpeptidergic nociceptors. GINIP null mice develop a selective and prolonged mechanical hypersensitivity in models of inflammation and neuropathy. GINIP null mice show impaired responsiveness to GABAB, but not to delta or mu opioid receptor agonist-mediated analgesia specifically in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model. Consistently, GINIP-deficient dorsal root ganglia neurons had lower baclofen-evoked inhibition of high-voltage-activated calcium channels and a defective presynaptic inhibition of lamina IIi interneurons. These results further support the role of unmyelinated C fibers in injury-induced modulation of spinal GABAergic inhibition and identify GINIP as a key modulator of peripherally evoked GABAB-receptors signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Gaillard
- Aix-Marseille-Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, UMR 7288, case 907, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Laure Lo Re
- Aix-Marseille-Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, UMR 7288, case 907, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Annabelle Mantilleri
- Aix-Marseille-Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, UMR 7288, case 907, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Régine Hepp
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UM CR 18, Neuroscience Paris Seine, 75005 Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 8246 Paris, France; Institut national de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMR-S 1130 Paris, France
| | - Louise Urien
- Aix-Marseille-Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, UMR 7288, case 907, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Pascale Malapert
- Aix-Marseille-Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, UMR 7288, case 907, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Serge Alonso
- Aix-Marseille-Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, UMR 7288, case 907, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Michael Deage
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, UMR 5203, CNRS, U661, INSERM, Universités Montpellier I&II, 141 Rue de la Cardonille, 34094 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Charline Kambrun
- University Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, 33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Marc Landry
- University Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, 33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Sarah A Low
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Abdelkrim Alloui
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie Médicale, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie, UMR 766 INSERM, 28 place Henri-Dunant, BP 38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex 1, France
| | - Bertrand Lambolez
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UM CR 18, Neuroscience Paris Seine, 75005 Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 8246 Paris, France; Institut national de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMR-S 1130 Paris, France
| | - Grégory Scherrer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Yves Le Feuvre
- University Bordeaux, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, 33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, UMR 5297, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Emmanuel Bourinet
- Laboratories of Excellence, Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, UMR 5203, CNRS, U661, INSERM, Universités Montpellier I&II, 141 Rue de la Cardonille, 34094 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
| | - Aziz Moqrich
- Aix-Marseille-Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, UMR 7288, case 907, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09, France.
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Faroni A, Castelnovo LF, Procacci P, Caffino L, Fumagalli F, Melfi S, Gambarotta G, Bettler B, Wrabetz L, Magnaghi V. Deletion of GABA-B receptor in Schwann cells regulates remak bundles and small nociceptive C-fibers. Glia 2014; 62:548-65. [PMID: 24474699 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms regulating the differentiation into non-myelinating Schwann cells is not completely understood. Recent evidence indicates that GABA-B receptors may regulate myelination and nociception in the peripheral nervous system. GABA-B receptor total knock-out mice exhibit morphological and molecular changes in peripheral myelin. The number of small myelinated fibers is higher and associated with altered pain sensitivity. Herein, we analyzed whether these changes may be produced by a specific deletion of GABA-B receptors in Schwann cells. The conditional mice (P0-GABA-B1(fl/fl)) show a morphological phenotype characterized by a peculiar increase in the number of small unmyelinated fibers and Remak bundles, including nociceptive C-fibers. The P0-GABA-B1(fl/fl) mice are hyperalgesic and allodynic. In these mice, the morphological and behavioral changes are associated with a downregulation of neuregulin 1 expression in nerves. Our findings suggest that the altered pain sensitivity derives from a Schwann cell-specific loss of GABA-B receptor functions, pointing to a role for GABA-B receptors in the regulation of Schwann cell maturation towards the non-myelinating phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Faroni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy; Blond McIndoe Laboratories, The University of Manchester, Institute of Inflammation and Repair, M13 9PT, Manchester, United Kingdom
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McCarson KE, Enna SJ. GABA pharmacology: the search for analgesics. Neurochem Res 2014; 39:1948-63. [PMID: 24532294 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-014-1254-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Decades of research have been devoted to defining the role of GABAergic transmission in nociceptive processing. Much of this work was performed using rigid, orthosteric GABA analogs created by Povl Krogsgaard-Larsen and his associates. A relationship between GABA and pain is suggested by the anatomical distribution of GABA receptors and the ability of some GABA agonists to alter nociceptive responsiveness. Outlined in this report are data supporting this proposition, with particular emphasis on the anatomical localization and function of GABA-containing neurons and the molecular and pharmacological properties of GABAA and GABAB receptor subtypes. Reference is made to changes in overall GABAergic tone, GABA receptor expression and activity as a function of the duration and intensity of a painful stimulus or exposure to GABAergic agents. Evidence is presented that the plasticity of this receptor system may be responsible for the variability in the antinociceptive effectiveness of compounds that influence GABA transmission. These findings demonstrate that at least some types of persistent pain are associated with a regionally selective decline in GABAergic tone, highlighting the need for agents that enhance GABA activity in the affected regions without compromising GABA function over the long-term. As subtype selective positive allosteric modulators may accomplish these goals, such compounds might represent a new class of analgesic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth E McCarson
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Mail Stop 1018, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
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Lu R, Lukowski R, Sausbier M, Zhang DD, Sisignano M, Schuh CD, Kuner R, Ruth P, Geisslinger G, Schmidtko A. BKCa channels expressed in sensory neurons modulate inflammatory pain in mice. Pain 2013; 155:556-565. [PMID: 24333777 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 11/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels are important regulators of neuronal excitability. Although there is electrophysiological evidence for BKCa channel expression in sensory neurons, their in vivo functions in pain processing have not been fully defined. Using a specific antibody, we demonstrate here that BKCa channels are expressed in subpopulations of peptidergic and nonpeptidergic nociceptors. To test a functional association of BKCa channel activity in sensory neurons with particular pain modalities, we generated mice in which BKCa channels are ablated specifically from sensory neurons and analyzed their behavior in various models of pain. Mutant mice showed increased nociceptive behavior in models of persistent inflammatory pain. However, their behavior in models of neuropathic or acute nociceptive pain was normal. Moreover, systemic administration of the BKCa channel opener, NS1619, inhibited persistent inflammatory pain. Our investigations provide in vivo evidence that BKCa channels expressed in sensory neurons exert inhibitory control on sensory input in inflammatory pain states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Lu
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt/ZAFES, Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany Pharmakologie, Toxikologie und Klinische Pharmazie, Institut für Pharmazie, Tübingen, Germany Pharmakologisches Institut, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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10
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Melin C, Jacquot F, Dallel R, Artola A. Segmental disinhibition suppresses C-fiber inputs to the rat superficial medullary dorsal horn via the activation of GABABreceptors. Eur J Neurosci 2012; 37:417-28. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Florian Jacquot
- Clermont Université; Université d'Auvergne; Neuro-Dol, BP 10448, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand & Inserm U1107; F-63001 Clermont-Ferrand; France
| | | | - Alain Artola
- Clermont Université; Université d'Auvergne; Neuro-Dol, BP 10448, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand & Inserm U1107; F-63001 Clermont-Ferrand; France
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11
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Varani AP, Moutinho LM, Bettler B, Balerio GN. Acute behavioural responses to nicotine and nicotine withdrawal syndrome are modified in GABA(B1) knockout mice. Neuropharmacology 2012; 63:863-72. [PMID: 22727822 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Revised: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Nicotine is the main active component of tobacco, and has both acute and chronic pharmacological effects that can contribute to its abuse potential in humans. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a possible role of GABA(B) receptors in acute and chronic responses to nicotine administration, by comparing GABA(B1) knockout mice and their wild-type littermates. In wild-type mice, acute nicotine administration (0.5, 1, 3 and 6 mg/kg, sc) dose-dependently decreased locomotor activity, and induced antinociceptive responses in the tail-immersion and hot-plate tests. In GABA(B1) knockout mice, the hypolocomotive effect was observed only with the highest dose of nicotine, and the antinociceptive responses in both tests were significantly reduced in GABA(B1) knockout mice compared to their wild-type littermate. Additionally, nicotine elicited anxiolytic- (0.05 mg/kg) and anxiogenic-like (0.8 mg/kg) responses in the elevated plus-maze test in wild-type mice, while selectively the anxiolytic-like effect was abolished in GABA(B1) knockout mice. We further investigated nicotine withdrawal in mice chronically treated with nicotine (25 mg/kg/day, sc). Mecamylamine (1 mg/kg, sc) precipitated several somatic signs of nicotine withdrawal in wild-type mice. However, signs of nicotine withdrawal were missing in GABA(B1) knockout mice. Finally, there was a decreased immunoreactivity of Fos-positive nuclei in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, basolateral amygdaloid nucleus and hippocampal dentate gyrus in abstinent wild-type but not in GABA(B1) knockout mice. These results reveal an interaction between the GABA(B) system and the neurochemical systems through which nicotine exerts its acute and long-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés P Varani
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas-CONICET, Junín 956, 5° Piso, Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina
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12
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Engle MP, Merrill MA, Marquez De Prado B, Hammond DL. Spinal nerve ligation decreases γ-aminobutyric acidB receptors on specific populations of immunohistochemically identified neurons in L5 dorsal root ganglion of the rat. J Comp Neurol 2012; 520:1663-77. [PMID: 22120979 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the distribution of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)(B) receptors on immunohistochemically identified neurons, and levels of GABA(B(1)) and GABA(B(2)) mRNA, in the L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of the rat in the absence of injury and 2 weeks after L5 spinal nerve ligation. In uninjured DRG, GABA(B(1)) immunoreactivity colocalized exclusively with the neuronal marker (NeuN) and did not colocalize with the satellite cell marker S-100. The GABA(B(1)) subunit colocalized to >97% of DRG neurons immunoreactive (IR) for neurofilament 200 (N52) or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), or labeled by isolectin B4 (IB4). Immunoreactivity for GABA(B(2)) was not detectable. L5 spinal nerve ligation did not alter the number of GABA(B(1)) -IR neurons or its colocalization pattern in the L4 DRG. However, ligation reduced the number of GABA(B(1)) -IR neurons in the L5 DRG by ≈38% compared with sham-operated and naïve rats. Specifically, ligation decreased the number of CGRP-IR neurons in the L5 DRG by 75%, but did not decrease the percent colocalization of GABA(B(1)) in those that remained. In the few IB4-positive neurons that remained in the L5 DRG, colocalization of GABA(B(1)) -IR decreased to 75%. Ligation also decreased levels of GABA(B(1)) and GABA(B(2)) mRNA in the L5, but not the L4 DRG compared with sham-operated or naïve rats. These findings indicate that the GABA(B) receptor is positioned to presynaptically modulate afferent transmission by myelinated, unmyelinated, and peptidergic afferents in the dorsal horn. Loss of GABA(B) receptors on primary afferent neurons may contribute to the development of mechanical allodynia after L5 spinal nerve ligation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell P Engle
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
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13
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Gassmann M, Bettler B. Regulation of neuronal GABA(B) receptor functions by subunit composition. Nat Rev Neurosci 2012; 13:380-94. [PMID: 22595784 DOI: 10.1038/nrn3249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
GABA(B) receptors (GABA(B)Rs) are G protein-coupled receptors for GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. In the past 5 years, notable advances have been made in our understanding of the molecular composition of these receptors. GABA(B)Rs are now known to comprise principal and auxiliary subunits that influence receptor properties in distinct ways. The principal subunits regulate the surface expression and the axonal versus dendritic distribution of these receptors, whereas the auxiliary subunits determine agonist potency and the kinetics of the receptor response. This Review summarizes current knowledge on how the subunit composition of GABA(B)Rs affects the distribution of these receptors, neuronal processes and higher brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gassmann
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Physiology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstr. 50-70, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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14
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Presynaptic alpha2-GABAA receptors in primary afferent depolarization and spinal pain control. J Neurosci 2011; 31:8134-42. [PMID: 21632935 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.6328-10.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal dorsal horn GABA(A) receptors are found both postsynaptically on central neurons and presynaptically on axons and/or terminals of primary sensory neurons, where they mediate primary afferent depolarization (PAD) and presynaptic inhibition. Both phenomena have been studied extensively on a cellular level, but their role in sensory processing in vivo has remained elusive, due to inherent difficulties to selectively interfere with presynaptic receptors. Here, we address the contribution of a major subpopulation of GABA(A) receptors (those containing the α2 subunit) to spinal pain control in mice lacking α2-GABA(A) receptors specifically in primary nociceptors (sns-α2(-/-) mice). sns-α2(-/-) mice exhibited GABA(A) receptor currents and dorsal root potentials of normal amplitude in vitro, and normal response thresholds to thermal and mechanical stimulation in vivo, and developed normal inflammatory and neuropathic pain sensitization. However, the positive allosteric GABA(A) receptor modulator diazepam (DZP) had almost completely lost its potentiating effect on PAD and presynaptic inhibition in vitro and a major part of its spinal antihyperalgesic action against inflammatory hyperalgesia in vivo. Our results thus show that part of the antihyperalgesic action of spinally applied DZP occurs through facilitated activation of GABA(A) receptors residing on primary nociceptors.
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Yang K, Ma H. Blockade of GABA(B) receptors facilitates evoked neurotransmitter release at spinal dorsal horn synapse. Neuroscience 2011; 193:411-20. [PMID: 21807068 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2011] [Revised: 06/13/2011] [Accepted: 07/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Metabotropic GABA type B (GABA(B)) receptors are abundantly expressed in the rat spinal dorsal horn. Activation of GABA(B) receptors by exogenous agonists inhibits synaptic transmission, which is believed to underlie the GABA(B) receptor-mediated analgesia. However, little effort has been made to test whether endogenous GABA might also mediate inhibition by acting on GABA(B) receptors. In this study, whole-cell recording techniques were employed to study the effect of endogenous GABA on GABA(B) receptors in substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons in adult rat spinal cord slices. In current-clamp mode, blockade of GABA(B) receptors by their selective antagonist 3-[[[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)methyl]amino]propyl] (diethoxy-methyl) phosphinic acid (CGP 52432) facilitated presynaptic stimulation-induced action potential discharge and increased amplitude of postsynaptic potentials (PSPs), meaning a GABA(B) receptor-mediated inhibition of SG neuron excitability. In voltage-clamp mode, blockade of GABA(B) receptors increased the amplitude of evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) and decreased paired-pulse ratio, indicating a presynaptic CGP 52432 action. Primary afferent Aδ or C fiber-evoked EPSCs were also facilitated by CGP 52432 application. Amplitudes of evoked GABAergic and glycinergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs) were enhanced by GABA(B) receptor blockade. The facilitation of amplitude persisted in the presence of a specific GABA transporter 1 (GAT-1) blocker, tiagabine, or GAT-2/3 blocker SNAP5114. However, blockade of GABA(B) receptors had no effect on action potential-independent miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs), miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs), or membrane conductance. Taken together, these results suggest that endogenous GABA modulates evoked synaptic transmission in SG neurons by acting on GABA(B) receptors. This GABA(B) receptor-mediated homeostatic regulation of neuronal excitability and neurotransmitter release might contribute to modulation of nociception in spinal dorsal horn.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Gwak YS, Hulsebosch CE. GABA and central neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury. Neuropharmacology 2011; 60:799-808. [PMID: 21216257 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2010.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Revised: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury induces maladaptive synaptic transmission in the somatosensory system that results in chronic central neuropathic pain. Recent literature suggests that glial-neuronal interactions are important modulators in synaptic transmission following spinal cord injury. Neuronal hyperexcitability is one of the predominant phenomenon caused by maladaptive synaptic transmission via altered glial-neuronal interactions after spinal cord injury. In the somatosensory system, spinal inhibitory neurons counter balance the enhanced synaptic transmission from peripheral input. For a decade, the literature suggests that hypofunction of GABAergic inhibitory tone is an important factor in the enhanced synaptic transmission that often results in neuronal hyperexcitability in dorsal horn neurons following spinal cord injury. Neurons and glial cells synergistically control intracellular chloride ion gradients via modulation of chloride transporters, extracellular glutamate and GABA concentrations via uptake mechanisms. Thus, the intracellular "GABA-glutamate-glutamine cycle" is maintained for normal physiological homeostasis. However, hyperexcitable neurons and glial activation after spinal cord injury disrupts the balance of chloride ions, glutamate and GABA distribution in the spinal dorsal horn and results in chronic neuropathic pain. In this review, we address spinal cord injury induced mechanisms in hypofunction of GABAergic tone that results in chronic central neuropathic pain. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Synaptic Plasticity & Interneurons'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young S Gwak
- Department of Neuroscience & Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-1043, USA.
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Froestl W. Chemistry and Pharmacology of GABAB Receptor Ligands. GABABRECEPTOR PHARMACOLOGY - A TRIBUTE TO NORMAN BOWERY 2010; 58:19-62. [DOI: 10.1016/s1054-3589(10)58002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Manev H, Dzitoyeva S. GABA-B Receptors in Drosophila. GABABRECEPTOR PHARMACOLOGY - A TRIBUTE TO NORMAN BOWERY 2010; 58:453-64. [DOI: 10.1016/s1054-3589(10)58017-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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