1
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Tynan A, Tsaava T, Gunasekaran M, Bravo Iñiguez CE, Brines M, Chavan SS, Tracey KJ. TRPV1 nociceptors are required to optimize antigen-specific primary antibody responses to novel antigens. Bioelectron Med 2024; 10:14. [PMID: 38807193 PMCID: PMC11134756 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-024-00145-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Key to the advancement of the field of bioelectronic medicine is the identification of novel pathways of neural regulation of immune function. Sensory neurons (termed nociceptors) recognize harmful stimuli and initiate a protective response by eliciting pain and defensive behavior. Nociceptors also interact with immune cells to regulate host defense and inflammatory responses. However, it is still unclear whether nociceptors participate in regulating primary IgG antibody responses to novel antigens. METHODS To understand the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)-expressing neurons in IgG responses, we generated TRPV1-Cre/Rosa-ChannelRhodopsin2 mice for precise optogenetic activation of TRPV1 + neurons and TRPV1-Cre/Lox-diphtheria toxin A mice for targeted ablation of TRPV1-expressing neurons. Antigen-specific antibody responses were longitudinally monitored for 28 days. RESULTS Here we show that TRPV1 expressing neurons are required to develop an antigen-specific immune response. We demonstrate that selective optogenetic stimulation of TRPV1+ nociceptors during immunization significantly enhances primary IgG antibody responses to novel antigens. Further, mice rendered deficient in TRPV1- expressing nociceptors fail to develop primary IgG antibody responses to keyhole limpet hemocyanin or haptenated antigen. CONCLUSION This functional and genetic evidence indicates a critical role for nociceptor TRPV1 in antigen-specific primary antibody responses to novel antigens. These results also support consideration of potential therapeutic manipulation of nociceptor pathways using bioelectronic devices to enhance immune responses to foreign antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Tynan
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Téa Tsaava
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Manojkumar Gunasekaran
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Carlos E Bravo Iñiguez
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Michael Brines
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Sangeeta S Chavan
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA.
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2
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Chen HH, Mohsin M, Ge JY, Feng YT, Wang JG, Ou YS, Jiang ZJ, Hu BY, Liu XJ. Optogenetic Activation of Peripheral Somatosensory Neurons in Transgenic Mice as a Neuropathic Pain Model for Assessing the Therapeutic Efficacy of Analgesics. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:236-248. [PMID: 38230281 PMCID: PMC10789130 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Optogenetics is a novel biotechnology widely used to precisely manipulate a specific peripheral sensory neuron or neural circuit. However, the use of optogenetics to assess the therapeutic efficacy of analgesics is elusive. In this study, we generated a transgenic mouse stain in which all primary somatosensory neurons can be optogenetically activated to mimic neuronal hyperactivation in the neuropathic pain state for the assessment of analgesic effects of drugs. A transgenic mouse was generated using the advillin-Cre line mated with the Ai32 strain, in which channelrhodopsin-2 fused to enhanced yellow fluorescence protein (ChR2-EYFP) was conditionally expressed in all types of primary somatosensory neurons (advillincre/ChR2+/+). Immunofluorescence and transdermal photostimulation on the hindpaws were used to verify the transgenic mice. Optical stimulation to evoke pain-like paw withdrawal latency was used to assess the analgesic effects of a series of drugs. Injury- and pain-related molecular biomarkers were investigated with immunohistofluorescence. We found that the expression of ChR2-EYFP was observed in many primary afferents of paw skin and sciatic nerves and in primary sensory neurons and laminae I and II of the spinal dorsal horns in advillincre/ChR2+/+ mice. Transdermal blue light stimulation of the transgenic mouse hindpaw evoked nocifensive paw withdrawal behavior. Treatment with gabapentin, some channel blockers, and local anesthetics, but not opioids or COX-1/2 inhibitors, prolonged the paw withdrawal latency in the transgenic mice. The analgesic effect of gabapentin was also verified by the decreased expression of injury- and pain-related molecular biomarkers. These optogenetic mice provide a promising model for assessing the therapeutic efficacy of analgesics in neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Hao Chen
- School
of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, China
- Pain
and Related Diseases Research Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province 515041, China
| | - Muhammad Mohsin
- Pain
and Related Diseases Research Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province 515041, China
| | - Jia-Yi Ge
- School
of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, China
| | - Yu-Ting Feng
- School
of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, China
| | - Jing-Ge Wang
- School
of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, China
| | - Yu-Sen Ou
- Pain
and Related Diseases Research Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province 515041, China
| | - Zuo-Jie Jiang
- Pain
and Related Diseases Research Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province 515041, China
| | - Bo-Ya Hu
- Pain
and Related Diseases Research Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province 515041, China
| | - Xing-Jun Liu
- School
of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, China
- Pain
and Related Diseases Research Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong Province 515041, China
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3
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Liang Y, Zhou Y, Moneruzzaman M, Wang Y. Optogenetic Neuromodulation in Inflammatory Pain. Neuroscience 2024; 536:104-118. [PMID: 37977418 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory pain is one of the most prevalent forms of pain and negatively influences the quality of life. Neuromodulation has been an expanding field of pain medicine and is accepted by patients who have failed to respond to several conservative treatments. Despite its effectiveness, neuromodulation still lacks clinically robust evidence on inflammatory pain management. Optogenetics, which controls particular neurons or brain circuits with high spatiotemporal accuracy, has recently been an emerging area for inflammatory pain management and studying its mechanism. This review considers the fundamentals of optogenetics, including using opsins, targeting gene expression, and wavelength-specific light delivery techniques. The recent evidence on application and development of optogenetic neuromodulation in inflammatory pain is also summarised. The current limitations and challenges restricting the progression and clinical transformation of optogenetics in pain are addressed. Optogenetic neuromodulation in inflammatory pain has many potential targets, and developing strategies enabling clinical application is a desirable therapeutic approach and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Liang
- Rehabilitation Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China; University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, China; Research Center for Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yaping Zhou
- Shandong Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Md Moneruzzaman
- Rehabilitation Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yonghui Wang
- Rehabilitation Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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4
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Dedek C, Azadgoleh MA, Prescott SA. Reproducible and fully automated testing of nocifensive behavior in mice. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100650. [PMID: 37992707 PMCID: PMC10783627 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Pain in rodents is often inferred from their withdrawal from noxious stimulation. Threshold stimulus intensity or response latency is used to quantify pain sensitivity. This usually involves applying stimuli by hand and measuring responses by eye, which limits reproducibility and throughput. We describe a device that standardizes and automates pain testing by providing computer-controlled aiming, stimulation, and response measurement. Optogenetic and thermal stimuli are applied using blue and infrared light, respectively. Precise mechanical stimulation is also demonstrated. Reflectance of red light is used to measure paw withdrawal with millisecond precision. We show that consistent stimulus delivery is crucial for resolving stimulus-dependent variations in withdrawal and for testing with sustained stimuli. Moreover, substage video reveals "spontaneous" behaviors for consideration alongside withdrawal metrics to better assess the pain experience. The entire process was automated using machine learning. RAMalgo (reproducible automated multimodal algometry) improves the standardization, comprehensiveness, and throughput of preclinical pain testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Dedek
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Mehdi A Azadgoleh
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Steven A Prescott
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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5
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Middleton SJ, Hu H, Perez-Sanchez J, Zuberi S, McGrath Williams J, Weir GA, Bennett DL. GluCl.Cre ON enables selective inhibition of molecularly defined pain circuits. Pain 2023; 164:2780-2791. [PMID: 37366588 PMCID: PMC10652717 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Insight into nociceptive circuits will ultimately build our understanding of pain processing and aid the development of analgesic strategies. Neural circuit analysis has been advanced greatly by the development of optogenetic and chemogenetic tools, which have allowed function to be ascribed to discrete neuronal populations. Neurons of the dorsal root ganglion, which include nociceptors, have proved challenging targets for chemogenetic manipulation given specific confounds with commonly used DREADD technology. We have developed a cre/lox dependant version of the engineered glutamate-gated chloride channel (GluCl) to restrict and direct its expression to molecularly defined neuronal populations. We have generated GluCl.Cre ON that selectively renders neurons expressing cre-recombinase susceptible to agonist-induced silencing. We have functionally validated our tool in multiple systems in vitro, and subsequently generated viral vectors and tested its applicability in vivo. Using Nav1.8 Cre mice to restrict AAV-GluCl.Cre ON to nociceptors, we demonstrate effective silencing of electrical activity in vivo and concomitant hyposensitivity to noxious thermal and noxious mechanical pain, whereas light touch and motor function remained intact. We also demonstrated that our strategy can effectively silence inflammatory-like pain in a chemical pain model. Collectively, we have generated a novel tool that can be used to selectively silence defined neuronal circuits in vitro and in vivo. We believe that this addition to the chemogenetic tool box will facilitate further understanding of pain circuits and guide future therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Middleton
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Huimin Hu
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jimena Perez-Sanchez
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sana Zuberi
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Greg A. Weir
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - David L. Bennett
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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6
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Pacifico P, Coy-Dibley JS, Miller RJ, Menichella DM. Peripheral mechanisms of peripheral neuropathic pain. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1252442. [PMID: 37781093 PMCID: PMC10537945 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1252442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP), neuropathic pain that arises from a damage or disease affecting the peripheral nervous system, is associated with an extremely large disease burden, and there is an increasing and urgent need for new therapies for treating this disorder. In this review we have highlighted therapeutic targets that may be translated into disease modifying therapies for PNP associated with peripheral neuropathy. We have also discussed how genetic studies and novel technologies, such as optogenetics, chemogenetics and single-cell RNA-sequencing, have been increasingly successful in revealing novel mechanisms underlying PNP. Additionally, consideration of the role of non-neuronal cells and communication between the skin and sensory afferents is presented to highlight the potential use of drug treatment that could be applied topically, bypassing drug side effects. We conclude by discussing the current difficulties to the development of effective new therapies and, most importantly, how we might improve the translation of targets for peripheral neuropathic pain identified from studies in animal models to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Pacifico
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - James S. Coy-Dibley
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Richard J. Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Daniela M. Menichella
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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7
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Vogel A, Ueberbach T, Wilken-Schmitz A, Hahnefeld L, Franck L, Weyer MP, Jungenitz T, Schmid T, Buchmann G, Freudenberg F, Brandes RP, Gurke R, Schwarzacher SW, Geisslinger G, Mittmann T, Tegeder I. Repetitive and compulsive behavior after Early-Life-Pain associated with reduced long-chain sphingolipid species. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:155. [PMID: 37635256 PMCID: PMC10463951 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01106-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain in early life may impact on development and risk of chronic pain. We developed an optogenetic Cre/loxP mouse model of "early-life-pain" (ELP) using mice with transgenic expression of channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) under control of the Advillin (Avil) promoter, which drives expression of transgenes predominantly in isolectin B4 positive non-peptidergic nociceptors in postnatal mice. Avil-ChR2 (Cre +) and ChR2-flfl control mice were exposed to blue light in a chamber once daily from P1-P5 together with their Cre-negative mother. RESULTS ELP caused cortical hyperexcitability at P8-9 as assessed via multi-electrode array recordings that coincided with reduced expression of synaptic genes (RNAseq) including Grin2b, neurexins, piccolo and voltage gated calcium and sodium channels. Young adult (8-16 wks) Avil-ChR2 mice presented with nociceptive hypersensitivity upon heat or mechanical stimulation, which did not resolve up until one year of age. The persistent hypersensitivy to nociceptive stimuli was reflected by increased calcium fluxes in primary sensory neurons of aged mice (1 year) upon capsaicin stimulation. Avil-ChR2 mice behaved like controls in maze tests of anxiety, social interaction, and spatial memory but IntelliCage behavioral studies revealed repetitive nosepokes and corner visits and compulsive lickings. Compulsiveness at the behavioral level was associated with a reduction of sphingomyelin species in brain and plasma lipidomic studies. Behavioral studies were done with female mice. CONCLUSION The results suggest that ELP may predispose to chronic "pain" and compulsive psychopathology in part mediated by alterations of sphingolipid metabolism, which have been previously described in the context of addiction and psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Vogel
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Timo Ueberbach
- Institute of Physiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Annett Wilken-Schmitz
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lisa Hahnefeld
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 60596, Frankfurt, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), 60596, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Luisa Franck
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Marc-Philipp Weyer
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tassilo Jungenitz
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tobias Schmid
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Partner Site Frankfurt, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Giulia Buchmann
- Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Florian Freudenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe-University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ralf P Brandes
- Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Robert Gurke
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 60596, Frankfurt, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), 60596, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stephan W Schwarzacher
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Neuroscience Center, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, 60596, Frankfurt, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune Mediated Diseases (CIMD), 60596, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Mittmann
- Institute of Physiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Irmgard Tegeder
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany.
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8
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Espinosa-Juárez JV, Chiquete E, Estañol B, Aceves JDJ. Optogenetic and Chemogenic Control of Pain Signaling: Molecular Markers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10220. [PMID: 37373365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain is a complex experience that involves physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects. This review focuses specifically on the physiological processes underlying pain perception, with a particular emphasis on the various types of sensory neurons involved in transmitting pain signals to the central nervous system. Recent advances in techniques like optogenetics and chemogenetics have allowed researchers to selectively activate or inactivate specific neuronal circuits, offering a promising avenue for developing more effective pain management strategies. The article delves into the molecular targets of different types of sensory fibers such as channels, for example, TRPV1 in C-peptidergic fiber, TRPA1 in C-non-peptidergic receptors expressed differentially as MOR and DOR, and transcription factors, and their colocalization with the vesicular transporter of glutamate, which enable researchers to identify specific subtypes of neurons within the pain pathway and allows for selective transfection and expression of opsins to modulate their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josue Vidal Espinosa-Juárez
- Escuela de Ciencias Químicas Sede Ocozocoautla, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Ocozocoautla de Espinosa 29140, Mexico
| | - Erwin Chiquete
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Bruno Estañol
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - José de Jesús Aceves
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
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9
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Bayrer JR, Castro J, Venkataraman A, Touhara KK, Rossen ND, Morrie RD, Maddern J, Hendry A, Braverman KN, Garcia-Caraballo S, Schober G, Brizuela M, Castro Navarro FM, Bueno-Silva C, Ingraham HA, Brierley SM, Julius D. Gut enterochromaffin cells drive visceral pain and anxiety. Nature 2023; 616:137-142. [PMID: 36949192 PMCID: PMC10827380 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05829-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort is a hallmark of most gut disorders and represents an important component of chronic visceral pain1. For the growing population afflicted by irritable bowel syndrome, GI hypersensitivity and pain persist long after tissue injury has resolved2. Irritable bowel syndrome also exhibits a strong sex bias, afflicting women three times more than men1. Here, we focus on enterochromaffin (EC) cells, which are rare excitable, serotonergic neuroendocrine cells in the gut epithelium3-5. EC cells detect and transduce noxious stimuli to nearby mucosal nerve endings3,6 but involvement of this signalling pathway in visceral pain and attendant sex differences has not been assessed. By enhancing or suppressing EC cell function in vivo, we show that these cells are sufficient to elicit hypersensitivity to gut distension and necessary for the sensitizing actions of isovalerate, a bacterial short-chain fatty acid associated with GI inflammation7,8. Remarkably, prolonged EC cell activation produced persistent visceral hypersensitivity, even in the absence of an instigating inflammatory episode. Furthermore, perturbing EC cell activity promoted anxiety-like behaviours which normalized after blockade of serotonergic signalling. Sex differences were noted across a range of paradigms, indicating that the EC cell-mucosal afferent circuit is tonically engaged in females. Our findings validate a critical role for EC cell-mucosal afferent signalling in acute and persistent GI pain, in addition to highlighting genetic models for studying visceral hypersensitivity and the sex bias of gut pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Bayrer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Joel Castro
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Archana Venkataraman
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kouki K Touhara
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nathan D Rossen
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Tetrad Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ryan D Morrie
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Maze Therapeutics, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Maddern
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Aenea Hendry
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kristina N Braverman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Jansen, Johnson & Johnson, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sonia Garcia-Caraballo
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gudrun Schober
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mariana Brizuela
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Carla Bueno-Silva
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Holly A Ingraham
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Stuart M Brierley
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - David Julius
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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10
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Zhang FM, Wang B, Hu H, Zhang YY, Chen HH, Jiang ZJ, Zeng MX, Liu XJ. Transcriptional profiles of TGF-β superfamily members in the lumbar DRGs and the effects of activins A and C on inflammatory pain in rats. J Physiol Biochem 2023:10.1007/s13105-022-00943-z. [PMID: 36696051 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-022-00943-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Signaling by the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily is necessary for proper neural development and is involved in pain processing under both physiological and pathological conditions. Sensory neurons that reside in the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) initially begin to perceive noxious signaling from their innervating peripheral target tissues and further convey pain signaling to the central nervous system. However, the transcriptional profile of the TGF-β superfamily members in DRGs during chronic inflammatory pain remains elusive. We developed a custom microarray to screen for transcriptional changes in members of the TGF-β superfamily in lumbar DRGs of rats with chronic inflammatory pain and found that the transcription of the TGF-β superfamily members tends to be downregulated. Among them, signaling of the activin/inhibin and bone morphogenetic protein/growth and differentiation factor (BMP/GDF) families dramatically decreased. In addition, peripherally pre-local administration of activins A and C worsened formalin-induced acute inflammatory pain, whereas activin C, but not activin A, improved formalin-induced persistent inflammatory pain by inhibiting the activation of astrocytes. This is the first report of the TGF-β superfamily transcriptional profiles in lumbar DRGs under chronic inflammatory pain conditions, in which transcriptional changes in cytokines or pathway components were found to contribute to, or be involved in, inflammatory pain processing. Our data will provide more targets for pain research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Ming Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Jiangsu Province, 226001, Nantong, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
- Pain and Related Disease Research Lab, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bing Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Jiangsu Province, 226001, Nantong, China
| | - Han Hu
- Institute of Apicultural Research/Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology, Ministry of Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 1 Beigou Xiangshan, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Ying-Ying Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Jiangsu Province, 226001, Nantong, China
| | - Hao-Hao Chen
- Pain and Related Disease Research Lab, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zuo-Jie Jiang
- Pain and Related Disease Research Lab, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Mei-Xing Zeng
- Pain and Related Disease Research Lab, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xing-Jun Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Jiangsu Province, 226001, Nantong, China.
- Pain and Related Disease Research Lab, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, China.
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11
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Maximizing treatment efficacy through patient stratification in neuropathic pain trials. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:53-64. [PMID: 36400867 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00741-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of neuropathic pain remains inadequate despite the elucidation of multiple pathophysiological mechanisms and the development of promising therapeutic compounds. The lack of success in translating knowledge into clinical practice has discouraged pharmaceutical companies from investing in pain medicine; however, new patient stratification approaches could help bridge the translation gap and develop individualized therapeutic approaches. As we highlight in this article, subgrouping of patients according to sensory profiles and other baseline characteristics could aid the prediction of treatment success. Furthermore, novel outcome measures have been developed for patients with neuropathic pain. The extent to which sensory profiles and outcome measures can be employed in routine clinical practice and clinical trials and across distinct neuropathic pain aetiologies is yet to be determined. Improvements in animal models, drawing on our knowledge of human pain, and robust public-private partnerships will be needed to pave the way to innovative and effective pain medicine in the future.
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12
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Li S, Feng X, Bian H. Optogenetics: Emerging strategies for neuropathic pain treatment. Front Neurol 2022; 13:982223. [PMID: 36536805 PMCID: PMC9758006 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.982223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic health condition that presents a significant burden on patients, society, and even healthcare systems. However, in recent years, an emerging field in the treatment of neuropathic pain - optogenetic technology has dawned, heralding a new era in the field of medicine, and which has brought with it unlimited possibilities for studying the mechanism of NP and the treatment of research. Optogenetics is a new and growing field that uses the combination of light and molecular genetics for the first time ever. This rare combination is used to control the activity of living cells by expressing photosensitive proteins to visualize signaling events and manipulate cell activity. The treatments for NP are limited and have hardly achieved the desirable efficacy. NP differs from other types of pain, such as nociceptive pain, in that the treatments for NP are far more complex and highly challenging for clinical practice. This review presents the background of optogenetics, current applications in various fields, and the findings of optogenetics in NP. It also elaborates on the basic concepts of neuropathy, therapeutic applications, and the potential of optogenetics from the bench to the bedside in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Li
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoli Feng
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hui Bian
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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13
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Maruta T, Hidaka K, Kouroki S, Koshida T, Kurogi M, Kage Y, Mizuno S, Shirasaka T, Yanagita T, Takahashi S, Takeya R, Tsuneyoshi I. Selective optogenetic activation of NaV1.7-expressing afferents in NaV1.7-ChR2 mice induces nocifensive behavior without affecting responses to mechanical and thermal stimuli. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275751. [PMID: 36201719 PMCID: PMC9536842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
In small and large spinal dorsal root ganglion neurons, subtypes of voltage-gated sodium channels, such as NaV1.7, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9 are expressed with characteristically localized and may play different roles in pain transmission and intractable pain development. Selective stimulation of each specific subtype in vivo may elucidate its role of each subtype in pain. So far, this has been difficult with current technology. However, Optogenetics, a recently developed technique, has enabled selective activation or inhibition of specific neural circulation in vivo. Moreover, optogenetics had even been used to selectively excite NaV1.8-expressing dorsal root ganglion neurons to induce nocifensive behavior. In recent years, genetic modification technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 have advanced, and various knock-in mice can be easily generated using such technology. We aimed to investigate the effects of selective optogenetic activation of NaV1.7-expressing afferents on mouse behavior. We used CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homologous recombination to generate bicistronic NaV1.7-iCre knock-in mice, which express iCre recombinase under the endogenous NaV1.7 gene promoter without disrupting NaV1.7. The Cre-driver mice were crossed with channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) Cre-reporter Ai32 mice to obtain NaV1.7iCre/+;Ai32/+, NaV1.7iCre/iCre;Ai32/+, NaV1.7iCre/+;Ai32/Ai32, and NaV1.7iCre/iCre;Ai32/Ai32 mice. Compared with wild-type mice behavior, no differences were observed in the behaviors associated with mechanical and thermal stimuli exhibited by mice of the aforementioned genotypes, indicating that the endogenous NaV1.7 gene was not affected by the targeted insertion of iCre. Blue light irradiation to the hind paw induced paw withdrawal by mice of all genotypes in a light power-dependent manner. The threshold and incidence of paw withdrawal and aversive behavior in a blue-lit room were dependent on ChR2 expression level; the strongest response was observed in NaV1.7iCre/iCre;Ai32/Ai32 mice. Thus, we developed a non-invasive pain model in which peripheral nociceptors were optically activated in free-moving transgenic NaV1.7-ChR2 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toyoaki Maruta
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Kotaro Hidaka
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kouroki
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Koshida
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Mio Kurogi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yohko Kage
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Seiya Mizuno
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Shirasaka
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Yanagita
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- Laboratory Animal Resource Center in Transborder Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ryu Takeya
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Isao Tsuneyoshi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
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14
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Yang H, Datta-Chaudhuri T, George SJ, Haider B, Wong J, Hepler TD, Andersson U, Brines M, Tracey KJ, Chavan SS. High-frequency electrical stimulation attenuates neuronal release of inflammatory mediators and ameliorates neuropathic pain. Bioelectron Med 2022; 8:16. [PMID: 36195968 PMCID: PMC9533511 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-022-00098-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinflammation is an important driver of acute and chronic pain states. Therefore, targeting molecular mediators of neuroinflammation may present an opportunity for developing novel pain therapies. In preclinical models of neuroinflammatory pain, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P and high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) are molecules synthesized and released by sensory neurons which activate inflammation and pain. High-frequency electrical nerve stimulation (HFES) has achieved clinical success as an analgesic modality, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here, we reasoned that HFES inhibits neuroinflammatory mediator release by sensory neurons to reduce pain. METHODS Utilizing in vitro and in vivo assays, we assessed the modulating effects of HFES on neuroinflammatory mediator release by activated sensory neurons. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons harvested from wildtype or transgenic mice expressing channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) were cultured on micro-electrode arrays, and effect of HFES on optogenetic- or capsaicin-induced neuroinflammatory mediator release was determined. Additionally, the effects of HFES on local neuroinflammatory mediator release and hyperalgesia was assessed in vivo using optogenetic paw stimulation and the neuropathic pain model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. RESULTS Light- or capsaicin-evoked neuroinflammatory mediator release from cultured transgenic DRG sensory neurons was significantly reduced by concurrent HFES (10 kHz). In agreement with these findings, elevated levels of neuroinflammatory mediators were detected in the affected paw following optogenetic stimulation or CCI and were significantly attenuated using HFES (20.6 kHz for 10 min) delivered once daily for 3 days. CONCLUSION These studies reveal a previously unidentified mechanism for the pain-modulating effect of HFES in the setting of acute and chronic nerve injury. The results support the mechanistic insight that HFES may reset sensory neurons into a less pro-inflammatory state via inhibiting the release of neuroinflammatory mediators resulting in reduced inflammation and pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Yang
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
| | - Timir Datta-Chaudhuri
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - Sam J George
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Bilal Haider
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Jason Wong
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Tyler D Hepler
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Ulf Andersson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Brines
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Sangeeta S Chavan
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
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15
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Elleman AV, Du Bois J. Chemical and Biological Tools for the Study of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels in Electrogenesis and Nociception. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202100625. [PMID: 35315190 PMCID: PMC9359671 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The malfunction and misregulation of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV s) underlie in large part the electrical hyperexcitability characteristic of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. NaV s are responsible for the initiation and propagation of electrical impulses (action potentials) in cells. Tissue and nerve injury alter the expression and localization of multiple NaV isoforms, including NaV 1.1, 1.3, and 1.6-1.9, resulting in aberrant action potential firing patterns. To better understand the role of NaV regulation, localization, and trafficking in electrogenesis and pain pathogenesis, a number of chemical and biological reagents for interrogating NaV function have been advanced. The development and application of such tools for understanding NaV physiology are the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Elleman
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - J Du Bois
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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16
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Hee Lee J, Lee S, Kim D, Jae Lee K. Implantable Micro-Light-Emitting Diode (µLED)-based optogenetic interfaces toward human applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 187:114399. [PMID: 35716898 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetics has received wide attention in biomedical fields because of itsadvantages in temporal precision and spatial resolution. Beyond contributions to important advances in fundamental research, optogenetics is inspiring a shift towards new methods of improving human well-being and treating diseases. Soft, flexible and biocompatible systems using µLEDs as a light source have been introduced to realize brain-compatible optogenetic implants, but there are still many technical challenges to overcome before their human applications. In this review, we address progress in the development of implantable µLED probes and recent achievements in (i) device engineering design, (ii) driving power, (iii) multifunctionality and (iv) closed-loop systems. (v) Expanded optogenetic applications based on remarkable advances in µLED implants will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hee Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sinjeong Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Daesoo Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Keon Jae Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Abdus-Saboor I, Luo W. Measuring Mouse Somatosensory Reflexive Behaviors with High-speed Videography, Statistical Modeling, and Machine Learning. NEUROMETHODS 2022; 178:441-456. [PMID: 35783537 PMCID: PMC9249079 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2039-7_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Objectively measuring and interpreting an animal's sensory experience remains a challenging task. This is particularly true when using preclinical rodent models to study pain mechanisms and screen for potential new pain treatment reagents. How to determine their pain states in a precise and unbiased manner is a hurdle that the field will need to overcome. Here, we describe our efforts to measure mouse somatosensory reflexive behaviors with greatly improved precision by high-speed video imaging. We describe how coupling sub-second ethograms of reflexive behaviors with a statistical reduction method and supervised machine learning can be used to create a more objective quantitative mouse "pain scale." Our goal is to provide the readers with a protocol of how to integrate some of the new tools described here with currently used mechanical somatosensory assays, while discussing the advantages and limitations of this new approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishmail Abdus-Saboor
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, 3740 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Wenqin Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, 3610 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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18
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Wang LB, Su XJ, Wu QF, Xu X, Wang XY, Chen M, Ye JR, Maimaitiabula A, Liu XQ, Sun W, Zhang Y. Parallel Spinal Pathways for Transmitting Reflexive and Affective Dimensions of Nocifensive Behaviors Evoked by Selective Activation of the Mas-Related G Protein-Coupled Receptor D-Positive and Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1-Positive Subsets of Nociceptors. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:910670. [PMID: 35693883 PMCID: PMC9175034 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.910670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The high incidence of treatment-resistant pain calls for the urgent preclinical translation of new analgesics. Understanding the behavioral readout of pain in animals is crucial for efficacy evaluation when developing novel analgesics. Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor D-positive (Mrgprd+) and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1-positive (TRPV1+) sensory neurons are two major non-overlapping subpopulations of C-fiber nociceptors. Their activation has been reported to provoke diverse nocifensive behaviors. However, what kind of behavior reliably represents subjectively conscious pain perception needs to be revisited. Here, we generated transgenic mice in which Mrgprd+ or TRPV1+ sensory neurons specifically express channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2). Under physiological conditions, optogenetic activation of hindpaw Mrgprd+ afferents evoked reflexive behaviors (lifting, etc.), but failed to produce aversion. In contrast, TRPV1+ afferents activation evoked marked reflexive behaviors and affective responses (licking, etc.), as well as robust aversion. Under neuropathic pain conditions induced by spared nerve injury (SNI), affective behaviors and avoidance can be elicited by Mrgprd+ afferents excitation. Mechanistically, spinal cord-lateral parabrachial nucleus (lPBN) projecting neurons in superficial layers (lamina I–IIo) were activated by TRPV1+ nociceptors in naïve conditions or by Mrgprd+ nociceptors after SNI, whereas only deep spinal cord neurons were activated by Mrgprd+ nociceptors in naïve conditions. Moreover, the excitatory inputs from Mrgprd+ afferents to neurons within inner lamina II (IIi) are partially gated under normal conditions. Altogether, we conclude that optogenetic activation of the adult Mrgprd+ nociceptors drives non-pain-like reflexive behaviors via the deep spinal cord pathway under physiological conditions and drives pain-like affective behaviors via superficial spinal cord pathway under pathological conditions. The distinct spinal pathway transmitting different forms of nocifensive behaviors provides different therapeutic targets. Moreover, this study appeals to the rational evaluation of preclinical analgesic efficacy by using comprehensive and suitable behavioral assays, as well as by assessing neural activity in the two distinct pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Biao Wang
- Stroke Center & Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Su
- Stroke Center & Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qiao-Feng Wu
- Stroke Center & Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Stroke Center & Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xin-Yue Wang
- Stroke Center & Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Mo Chen
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jia-Reng Ye
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Abasi Maimaitiabula
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Liu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Wen Sun
- Stroke Center & Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Wen Sun,
| | - Yan Zhang
- Stroke Center & Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Zhang,
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19
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Skorput AGJ, Gore R, Schorn R, Riedl MS, Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Hadlich B, Kitto KF, Fairbanks CA, Vulchanova L. Targeting the somatosensory system with AAV9 and AAV2retro viral vectors. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264938. [PMID: 35271639 PMCID: PMC8912232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors allow for site-specific and time-dependent genetic manipulation of neurons. However, for successful implementation of AAV vectors, major consideration must be given to the selection of viral serotype and route of delivery for efficient gene transfer into the cell type being investigated. Here we compare the transduction pattern of neurons in the somatosensory system following injection of AAV9 or AAV2retro in the parabrachial complex of the midbrain, the spinal cord dorsal horn, the intrathecal space, and the colon. Transduction was evaluated based on Cre-dependent expression of tdTomato in transgenic reporter mice, following delivery of AAV9 or AAV2retro carrying identical constructs that drive the expression of Cre/GFP. The pattern of distribution of tdTomato expression indicated notable differences in the access of the two AAV serotypes to primary afferent neurons via peripheral delivery in the colon and to spinal projections neurons via intracranial delivery within the parabrachial complex. Additionally, our results highlight the superior sensitivity of detection of neuronal transduction based on reporter expression relative to expression of viral products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G. J. Skorput
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Reshma Gore
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Rachel Schorn
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Maureen S. Riedl
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | | | - Bailey Hadlich
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Kelley F. Kitto
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Carolyn A. Fairbanks
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Lucy Vulchanova
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Heng W, Solomon S, Gao W. Flexible Electronics and Devices as Human-Machine Interfaces for Medical Robotics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2107902. [PMID: 34897836 PMCID: PMC9035141 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Medical robots are invaluable players in non-pharmaceutical treatment of disabilities. Particularly, using prosthetic and rehabilitation devices with human-machine interfaces can greatly improve the quality of life for impaired patients. In recent years, flexible electronic interfaces and soft robotics have attracted tremendous attention in this field due to their high biocompatibility, functionality, conformability, and low-cost. Flexible human-machine interfaces on soft robotics will make a promising alternative to conventional rigid devices, which can potentially revolutionize the paradigm and future direction of medical robotics in terms of rehabilitation feedback and user experience. In this review, the fundamental components of the materials, structures, and mechanisms in flexible human-machine interfaces are summarized by recent and renowned applications in five primary areas: physical and chemical sensing, physiological recording, information processing and communication, soft robotic actuation, and feedback stimulation. This review further concludes by discussing the outlook and current challenges of these technologies as a human-machine interface in medical robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzheng Heng
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Samuel Solomon
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Wei Gao
- Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
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21
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Guo F, Du Y, Qu FH, Lin SD, Chen Z, Zhang SH. Dissecting the Neural Circuitry for Pain Modulation and Chronic Pain: Insights from Optogenetics. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:440-452. [PMID: 35249185 PMCID: PMC9068856 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00835-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage. The processing of pain involves complicated modulation at the levels of the periphery, spinal cord, and brain. The pathogenesis of chronic pain is still not fully understood, which makes the clinical treatment challenging. Optogenetics, which combines optical and genetic technologies, can precisely intervene in the activity of specific groups of neurons and elements of the related circuits. Taking advantage of optogenetics, researchers have achieved a body of new findings that shed light on the cellular and circuit mechanisms of pain transmission, pain modulation, and chronic pain both in the periphery and the central nervous system. In this review, we summarize recent findings in pain research using optogenetic approaches and discuss their significance in understanding the pathogenesis of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Anesthesiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yu Du
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Anesthesiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Feng-Hui Qu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Anesthesiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shi-Da Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Anesthesiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Shi-Hong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Anesthesiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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22
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Innovations and advances in modelling and measuring pain in animals. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:70-85. [PMID: 34837072 PMCID: PMC9098196 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00536-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Best practices in preclinical algesiometry (pain behaviour testing) have shifted over the past decade as a result of technological advancements, the continued dearth of translational progress and the emphasis that funding institutions and journals have placed on rigour and reproducibility. Here we describe the changing trends in research methods by analysing the methods reported in preclinical pain publications from the past 40 years, with a focus on the last 5 years. We also discuss how the status quo may be hampering translational success. This discussion is centred on four fundamental decisions that apply to every pain behaviour experiment: choice of subject (model organism), choice of assay (pain-inducing injury), laboratory environment and choice of outcome measures. Finally, we discuss how human tissues, which are increasingly accessible, can be used to validate the translatability of targets and mechanisms identified in animal pain models.
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23
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Mecum NE, Russell R, Lee J, Sullivan C, Meng ID. Optogenetic Inhibition of Nav1.8 Expressing Corneal Afferents Reduces Persistent Dry Eye Pain. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:15. [PMID: 34787642 PMCID: PMC8606841 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.14.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of the present study was to investigate the contribution of Nav1.8 expressing corneal afferent neurons to the presence of ongoing pain in lacrimal gland excision (LGE)-induced dry eye. Methods The proton pump archaerhodopsin-3/eGFP (ArchT/eGFP) was conditionally expressed in corneal afferents using Nav1.8-cre mice. Dry eye was produced by unilateral LGE. Real time place preference was assessed using a three-chamber apparatus. A neutral, unlit center chamber was flanked by one illuminated with a control light and one illuminated with an ArchT activating light. For real-time preference, animals were placed in the neutral chamber and tracked over five 10-minute sessions, with the lights turned on during the second and fourth sessions. In other studies, movement was tracked over three 10-minute sessions (the lights turned on only during the second session), with animals tested once per day over the course of 4 days. A local anesthetic was used to examine the role of ongoing corneal afferent activity in producing place preference. Results The corneal afferent nerves and trigeminal ganglion cell bodies showed a robust eGFP signal in Nav1.8-cre;ArchT/eGFP mice. After LGE, Nav1.8-cre;ArchT/eGFP mice demonstrated a preference for the ArchT activating light paired chamber. Preference was prevented with pre-application to the cornea of a local anesthetic. Nav1.8-cre;ArchT/eGFP mice with sham surgery and LGE wild-type control mice did not develop preference. Conclusions Results indicate LGE-induced persistent, ongoing pain, driven by Nav1.8 expressing corneal afferents. Inhibition of these neurons represents a potential strategy for treating ongoing dry eye-induced pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal E Mecum
- Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine, United States.,Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States
| | - Rachel Russell
- Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine, United States
| | - Jun Lee
- Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine, United States.,Department of Complete Denture Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Nihon University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Cara Sullivan
- Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine, United States.,Graduate Studies in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States
| | - Ian D Meng
- Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine, United States.,Graduate Studies in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine, United States
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24
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Yang H, Andersson U, Brines M. Neurons Are a Primary Driver of Inflammation via Release of HMGB1. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102791. [PMID: 34685772 PMCID: PMC8535016 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent data show that activation of nociceptive (sensory) nerves turns on localized inflammation within the innervated area in a retrograde manner (antidromically), even in the absence of tissue injury or molecular markers of foreign invaders. This neuroinflammatory process is activated and sustained by the release of neuronal products, such as neuropeptides, with the subsequent amplification via recruitment of immunocompetent cells, including macrophages and lymphocytes. High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is a highly conserved, well characterized damage-associated molecular pattern molecule expressed by many cells, including nociceptors and is a marker of inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize recent evidence showing that neuronal HMGB1 is required for the development of neuroinflammation, as knock out limited to neurons or its neutralization via antibodies ameliorate injury in models of nerve injury and of arthritis. Further, the results of study show that HMGB1 is actively released during neuronal depolarization and thus plays a previously unrecognized key etiologic role in the initiation and amplification of neuroinflammation. Direct targeting of HMGB1 is a promising approach for novel anti-inflammatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Yang
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA;
- Correspondence: (H.Y.); (U.A.)
| | - Ulf Andersson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (H.Y.); (U.A.)
| | - Michael Brines
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA;
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25
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Optogenetic Stimulation of the Anterior Cingulate Cortex Modulates the Pain Processing in Neuropathic Pain: A Review. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 72:1-8. [PMID: 34505976 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01898-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is characterized by hypersensitivity, hyperalgesia, and allodynia, which is caused by damage to the somatosensory nervous system. It substantially impairs the quality of life. The management of neuropathic pain is challenging and should comprise alternative therapies. Researchers working on neural modulation methods in the field of optogenetics have recently referred to novel techniques that involve the activation or inhibition of signaling proteins by specific wavelengths of light. The use of optogenetics in neuropathic pain facilitates the investigation of pain pathways involved in chronic pain and has the potential for therapeutic use. Neuropathic pain is often accompanied by negative stimuli involving a broad network of brain regions. In particular, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a part of the limbic system that has highly interconnected structures involved in processing components of pain. The ACC is a key region for acute pain perception as well as the development of neuropathic pain, characterized by long-term potentiation induced in pain pathways. The exact mechanism for neuropathic pain in the ACC is unclear. Current evidence supports the potential of optogenetics methods to modulate the neuronal activity in the ACC for neuropathic pain. We anticipate the neuronal modulation in the ACC will be used widely to manage neuropathic pain.
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26
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Schorscher-Petcu A, Takács F, Browne LE. Scanned optogenetic control of mammalian somatosensory input to map input-specific behavioral outputs. eLife 2021; 10:62026. [PMID: 34323214 PMCID: PMC8428846 DOI: 10.7554/elife.62026] [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: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatosensory stimuli guide and shape behavior, from immediate protective reflexes to longer-term learning and higher-order processes related to pain and touch. However, somatosensory inputs are challenging to control in awake mammals due to the diversity and nature of contact stimuli. Application of cutaneous stimuli is currently limited to relatively imprecise methods as well as subjective behavioral measures. The strategy we present here overcomes these difficulties, achieving 'remote touch' with spatiotemporally precise and dynamic optogenetic stimulation by projecting light to a small defined area of skin. We mapped behavioral responses in freely behaving mice with specific nociceptor and low-threshold mechanoreceptor inputs. In nociceptors, sparse recruitment of single-action potentials shapes rapid protective pain-related behaviors, including coordinated head orientation and body repositioning that depend on the initial body pose. In contrast, activation of low-threshold mechanoreceptors elicited slow-onset behaviors and more subtle whole-body behaviors. The strategy can be used to define specific behavioral repertoires, examine the timing and nature of reflexes, and dissect sensory, motor, cognitive, and motivational processes guiding behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ara Schorscher-Petcu
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Flóra Takács
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Liam E Browne
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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27
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Abstract
Peripheral nerve interfaces (PNIs) record and/or modulate neural activity of nerves, which are responsible for conducting sensory-motor information to and from the central nervous system, and for regulating the activity of inner organs. PNIs are used both in neuroscience research and in therapeutical applications such as precise closed-loop control of neuroprosthetic limbs, treatment of neuropathic pain and restoration of vital functions (e.g. breathing and bladder management). Implantable interfaces represent an attractive solution to directly access peripheral nerves and provide enhanced selectivity both in recording and in stimulation, compared to their non-invasive counterparts. Nevertheless, the long-term functionality of implantable PNIs is limited by tissue damage, which occurs at the implant-tissue interface, and is thus highly dependent on material properties, biocompatibility and implant design. Current research focuses on the development of mechanically compliant PNIs, which adapt to the anatomy and dynamic movements of nerves in the body thereby limiting foreign body response. In this paper, we review recent progress in the development of flexible and implantable PNIs, highlighting promising solutions related to materials selection and their associated fabrication methods, and integrated functions. We report on the variety of available interface designs (intraneural, extraneural and regenerative) and different modulation techniques (electrical, optical, chemical) emphasizing the main challenges associated with integrating such systems on compliant substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Paggi
- Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Neuroprosthetic Technology, Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces, Institute of Microengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, Centre for Neuroprosthetics, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland. Equally contributing authors
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28
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Levine A, Vanderah TW, Largent-Milnes TM. An underrepresented majority: A systematic review utilizing allodynic criteria to examine the present scarcity of discrete animal models for episodic migraine. Cephalalgia 2021; 41:404-416. [PMID: 33131303 PMCID: PMC10443224 DOI: 10.1177/0333102420966984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite increasing evidence differentiating episodic and chronic migraine, little work has determined how currently utilized animal models of migraine best represent each distinct disease state. AIM In this review, we seek to characterize accepted preclinical models of migraine-like headache by their ability to recapitulate the clinical allodynic features of either episodic or chronic migraine. METHODS From a search of the Pu bMed database for "animal models of migraine", "headache models" and "preclinical migraine", we identified approximately 80 recent (within the past 20 years) publications that utilized one of 10 different models for migraine research. Models reviewed fit into one of the following categories: Dural KCl application, direct electrical stimulation, nitroglycerin administration, inflammatory soup injection, CGRP injection, medication overuse, monogenic animals, post-traumatic headache, specific channel activation, and hormone manipulation. Recapitulation of clinical features including cephalic and extracephalic hypersensitivity were evaluated for each and compared. DISCUSSION Episodic migraineurs comprise over half of the migraine population, yet the vast majority of current animal models of migraine appear to best represent chronic migraine states. While some of these models can be modified to reflect episodic migraine, there remains a need for non-invasive, validated models of episodic migraine to enhance the clinical translation of migraine research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Levine
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
| | - Todd W Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85724, USA
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29
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Michoud F, Seehus C, Schönle P, Brun N, Taub D, Zhang Z, Jain A, Furfaro I, Akouissi O, Moon R, Meier P, Galan K, Doyle B, Tetreault M, Talbot S, Browne LE, Huang Q, Woolf CJ, Lacour SP. Epineural optogenetic activation of nociceptors initiates and amplifies inflammation. Nat Biotechnol 2021; 39:179-185. [PMID: 32958958 PMCID: PMC7878280 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-020-0673-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Activation of nociceptor sensory neurons by noxious stimuli both triggers pain and increases capillary permeability and blood flow to produce neurogenic inflammation1,2, but whether nociceptors also interact with the immune system remains poorly understood. Here we report a neurotechnology for selective epineural optogenetic neuromodulation of nociceptors and demonstrate that nociceptor activation drives both protective pain behavior and inflammation. The wireless optoelectronic system consists of sub-millimeter-scale light-emitting diodes embedded in a soft, circumneural sciatic nerve implant, powered and driven by a miniaturized head-mounted control unit. Photostimulation of axons in freely moving mice that express channelrhodopsin only in nociceptors resulted in behaviors characteristic of pain, reflecting orthodromic input to the spinal cord. It also led to immune reactions in the skin in the absence of inflammation and potentiation of established inflammation, a consequence of the antidromic activation of nociceptor peripheral terminals. These results reveal a link between nociceptors and immune cells, which might have implications for the treatment of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Michoud
- Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronics Interface, Institute of Microengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, Centre for Neuroprosthetics, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Corey Seehus
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philipp Schönle
- Integrated Systems Laboratory, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Swiss Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Noé Brun
- Integrated Systems Laboratory, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Swiss Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Taub
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zihe Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aakanksha Jain
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ivan Furfaro
- Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronics Interface, Institute of Microengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, Centre for Neuroprosthetics, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Outman Akouissi
- Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronics Interface, Institute of Microengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, Centre for Neuroprosthetics, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Moon
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pascale Meier
- Integrated Systems Laboratory, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Swiss Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katia Galan
- Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronics Interface, Institute of Microengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, Centre for Neuroprosthetics, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Doyle
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Tetreault
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sébastien Talbot
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Liam E Browne
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Qiuting Huang
- Integrated Systems Laboratory, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Swiss Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ), Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Clifford J Woolf
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Stéphanie P Lacour
- Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronics Interface, Institute of Microengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, Centre for Neuroprosthetics, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Geneva, Switzerland.
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30
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Zhuang X, Huang L, Gu Y, Wang L, Zhang R, Zhang M, Li F, Shi Y, Mo Y, Dai Q, Wei C, Wang J. The anterior cingulate cortex projection to the dorsomedial striatum modulates hyperalgesia in a chronic constriction injury mouse model. Arch Med Sci 2021; 17:1388-1399. [PMID: 34522268 PMCID: PMC8425248 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2019.85202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of the study was to study the role of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)-dorsal midbrain striatum (DMS) in neuropathic pain in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS Optogenetics has been increasingly used in neuroscience research to selectively and precisely control the activity of a defined group of central neurons to determine their roles in behavioral functions in animals. The most important opsins are blue-sensitive ChR2 and yellow-sensitive NpHR. Calcium-calmodulin dependent protein kinase Iiα (CaMKIIα) is mostly expressed in the pyramidal excitatory neurons. Mice were injected with AAV2/9-CamKII-ChR2-mCherry, AAV2/9-CamKII-eNpHR3.0-GFP or AAV2/9-CamKII-mCherry virus in the ACC region, and the optical fiber implantation was performed in the ACC or DMS region. Mice were then followed up for 2 to 8 weeks and behavioral tests were carried out in the presence or absence of the blue/yellow light (473 nm/589 nm). Pain behavioral tests with or without the blue/yellow light at the same time were performed on the third and the seventh day after the chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve model (CCI) was established. The pain thresholds of left and right hind limbs of mice in all groups were measured. RESULTS No matter whether activating the neurons in ACC or DMS, compared with normal mice in the ChR2-off-right group, and the mCherry-on-right group, the thermal pain threshold and mechanical pain threshold of the normal mice in the ChR2-on-right group were significantly lower. When inhibiting the neurons in the ACC or DMS, on day 3 and day 7 after CCI operation, the thermal pain threshold and mechanical pain threshold of the CCI mice of the NpHR-on-right group were significantly higher compared with the NpHR-off-right and mCherry-on-right groups. CONCLUSIONS The anterior cingulate cortex-dorsal midbrain striatum may be involved in the regulation of neuropathic pain in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Zhuang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Luping Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yixiao Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Minyuan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fei Li
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yiyi Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yunchang Mo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qinxue Dai
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chaoyi Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Junlu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
- Wencheng Country People’s Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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31
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Li J, Zain M, Bonin RP. Differential modulation of thermal preference after sensitization by optogenetic or pharmacological activation of heat-sensitive nociceptors. Mol Pain 2021; 17:17448069211000910. [PMID: 33719729 PMCID: PMC7960897 DOI: 10.1177/17448069211000910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Common approaches to studying mechanisms of chronic pain and sensory changes in pre-clinical animal models involve measurement of acute, reflexive withdrawal responses evoked by noxious stimuli. These methods typically do not capture more subtle changes in sensory processing nor report on the consequent behavioral changes. In addition, data collection and analysis protocols are often labour-intensive and require direct investigator interactions, potentially introducing bias. In this study, we develop and characterize a low-cost, easily assembled behavioral assay that yields self-reported temperature preference from mice that is responsive to peripheral sensitization. This system uses a partially automated and freely available analysis pipeline to streamline the data collection process and enable objective analysis. We found that after intraplantar administration of the TrpV1 agonist, capsaicin, mice preferred to stay in cooler temperatures than saline injected mice. We further observed that gabapentin, a non-opioid analgesic commonly prescribed to treat chronic pain, reversed this aversion to higher temperatures. In contrast, optogenetic activation of the central terminals of TrpV1+ primary afferents via in vivo spinal light delivery did not induce a similar change in thermal preference, indicating a possible role for peripheral nociceptor activity in the modulation of temperature preference. We conclude that this easily produced and robust sensory assay provides an alternative approach to investigate the contribution of central and peripheral mechanisms of sensory processing that does not rely on reflexive responses evoked by noxious stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Li
- Department of Human Biology: Neuroscience and Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maham Zain
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert P Bonin
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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32
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Abstract
Pain is complex and is a unique experience for individuals in that no two people will have exactly the same physiological and emotional response to the same noxious stimulus or injury. Pain is composed of two essential processes: a sensory component that allows for discrimination of the intensity and location of a painful stimulus and an emotional component that underlies the affective, motivational, unpleasant, and aversive response to a painful stimulus. Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) activation in the periphery and throughout the neuroaxis modulates both of these components of the pain experience. In this chapter we focus on recent findings that KORs contribute to the emotional, aversive nature of chronic pain, including how expression in the limbic circuitry contributes to anhedonic states and components of opioid misuse disorder. While the primary focus is on preclinical pain models, we also highlight clinical or human research where there is strong evidence for KOR involvement in negative affective states associated with chronic pain and opioid misuse.
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33
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Meyer JO, Dahimene S, Page KM, Ferron L, Kadurin I, Ellaway JIJ, Zhao P, Patel T, Rothwell SW, Lin P, Pratt WS, Dolphin AC. Disruption of the Key Ca 2+ Binding Site in the Selectivity Filter of Neuronal Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels Inhibits Channel Trafficking. Cell Rep 2020; 29:22-33.e5. [PMID: 31577951 PMCID: PMC6899504 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.08.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium channels are exquisitely Ca2+ selective, conferred primarily by four conserved pore-loop glutamate residues contributing to the selectivity filter. There has been little previous work directly measuring whether the trafficking of calcium channels requires their ability to bind Ca2+ in the selectivity filter or to conduct Ca2+. Here, we examine trafficking of neuronal CaV2.1 and 2.2 channels with mutations in their selectivity filter and find reduced trafficking to the cell surface in cell lines. Furthermore, in hippocampal neurons, there is reduced trafficking to the somatic plasma membrane, into neurites, and to presynaptic terminals. However, the CaV2.2 selectivity filter mutants are still influenced by auxiliary α2δ subunits and, albeit to a reduced extent, by β subunits, indicating the channels are not grossly misfolded. Our results indicate that Ca2+ binding in the pore of CaV2 channels may promote their correct trafficking, in combination with auxiliary subunits. Furthermore, physiological studies utilizing selectivity filter mutant CaV channels should be interpreted with caution. Selectivity filter mutations in CaV2 channels block inward Ba2+ currents Surprisingly, these mutations severely reduce trafficking of the CaV2 channels Pore mutant N-type channels show reduced expression in presynaptic terminals Pore mutant channels still require β and α2δ and thus are not grossly misfolded
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Affiliation(s)
- James O Meyer
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Shehrazade Dahimene
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Karen M Page
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Laurent Ferron
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ivan Kadurin
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Joseph I J Ellaway
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Pengxiang Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Tarun Patel
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Simon W Rothwell
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Peipeng Lin
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Wendy S Pratt
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Annette C Dolphin
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Abdus-Saboor I, Fried NT, Lay M, Burdge J, Swanson K, Fischer R, Jones J, Dong P, Cai W, Guo X, Tao YX, Bethea J, Ma M, Dong X, Ding L, Luo W. Development of a Mouse Pain Scale Using Sub-second Behavioral Mapping and Statistical Modeling. Cell Rep 2020; 28:1623-1634.e4. [PMID: 31390574 PMCID: PMC6724534 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents are the main model systems for pain research, but determining their pain state is challenging. To develop an objective method to assess pain sensation in mice, we adopt high-speed videography to capture sub-second behavioral features following hind paw stimulation with both noxious and innocuous stimuli and identify several differentiating parameters indicating the affective and reflexive aspects of nociception. Using statistical modeling and machine learning, we integrate these parameters into a single index and create a "mouse pain scale," which allows us to assess pain sensation in a graded manner for each withdrawal. We demonstrate the utility of this method by determining sensations triggered by three different von Frey hairs and optogenetic activation of two different nociceptor populations. Our behavior-based "pain scale" approach will help improve the rigor and reproducibility of using withdrawal reflex assays to assess pain sensation in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishmail Abdus-Saboor
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nathan T Fried
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ 08102, USA
| | - Mark Lay
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Justin Burdge
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kathryn Swanson
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, College of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Roman Fischer
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, College of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jessica Jones
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peter Dong
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Weihua Cai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers University Medical School, Newark, NJ 07101, USA
| | - Xinying Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers University Medical School, Newark, NJ 07101, USA
| | - Yuan-Xiang Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Rutgers University Medical School, Newark, NJ 07101, USA
| | - John Bethea
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, College of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Minghong Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xinzhong Dong
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Long Ding
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Wenqin Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Uhelski ML, Bruce D, Speltz R, Wilcox GL, Simone DA. Topical Application of Loperamide/Oxymorphindole, Mu and Delta Opioid Receptor Agonists, Reduces Sensitization of C-fiber Nociceptors that Possess Na V1.8. Neuroscience 2020; 446:102-112. [PMID: 32858141 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
It was recently shown that local injection, systemic administration or topical application of the peripherally-restricted mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist loperamide (Lo) and the delta-opioid receptor (DOR) agonist oxymorphindole (OMI) synergized to produce highly potent anti-hyperalgesia that was dependent on both MOR and DOR located in the periphery. We assessed peripheral mechanisms by which this Lo/OMI combination produces analgesia in mice expressing the light-sensitive protein channelrhodopsin2 (ChR2) in neurons that express NaV1.8 voltage-gated sodium channels. These mice (NaV1.8-ChR2+) enabled us to selectively target and record electrophysiological activity from these neurons (the majority of which are nociceptive) using blue light stimulation of the hind paw. We assessed the effect of Lo/OMI on nociceptor activity in both naïve mice and mice treated with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to induce chronic inflammation of the hind paw. Teased fiber recording of tibial nerve fibers innervating the plantar hind paw revealed that the Lo/OMI combination reduced responses to light stimulation in naïve mice and attenuated spontaneous activity (SA) as well as responses to light and mechanical stimuli in CFA-treated mice. These results show that Lo/OMI reduces activity of C-fiber nociceptors that express NaV1.8 and corroborate recent behavioral studies demonstrating the potent analgesic effects of this drug combination. Because of its peripheral site of action, Lo/OMI might produce effective analgesia without the side effects associated with activation of opioid receptors in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Uhelski
- Department of Diagnostic & Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Daniel Bruce
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Rebecca Speltz
- Department of Diagnostic & Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - George L Wilcox
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Donald A Simone
- Department of Diagnostic & Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Elina KC, Moon HC, Islam J, Kim HK, Park YS. The Effect of Optogenetic Inhibition of the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in Neuropathic Pain Following Sciatic Nerve Injury. J Mol Neurosci 2020; 71:638-650. [PMID: 32808249 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-020-01685-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cortical disinhibition is the underlying pathological alteration contributing to neuropathic pain associated with peripheral nerve injury. Nerve injury resulting in disinhibition of the anterior cingulate cortex has been reported. However, the effect of optogenetic inhibition of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) on the sensory component of nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain has not been well studied. To investigate the feasibility of optogenetic ACC modulation, we injected an optogenetic virus or a null virus into the ACC of a nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain model. The unilateral ACC was modulated, and the optogenetic effect was measured by mechanical and thermal sensitivity tests. The assessment was performed in "pre-light off," "stimulation-yellow light on," and "post-light off" states. Optogenetic inhibition of the ACC in injury models revealed improved mechanical and thermal latencies with profound pain-relieving effects against nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. The sensory thalamic discharge in electrophysiological in vivo recordings was also altered during laser stimulation. This finding indicates that hyperactivity of the ACC in nerve injury increases output to the spinothalamic tract through direct or indirect pathways. The direct photoinhibition of ACC neurons could play a vital role in restoring equilibrium and provide novel insight into techniques that can assuage peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- K C Elina
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Hyeong Cheol Moon
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chungbuk National University Hospital, 776, 1 Sunhwanro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju-Si, Chungbuk, 28644, South Korea
| | - Jaisan Islam
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Hyong Kyu Kim
- Department of Medical and Microbiology, College of Medicine, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Young Seok Park
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chungbuk National University Hospital, 776, 1 Sunhwanro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju-Si, Chungbuk, 28644, South Korea.
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Ferrini F, Perez-Sanchez J, Ferland S, Lorenzo LE, Godin AG, Plasencia-Fernandez I, Cottet M, Castonguay A, Wang F, Salio C, Doyon N, Merighi A, De Koninck Y. Differential chloride homeostasis in the spinal dorsal horn locally shapes synaptic metaplasticity and modality-specific sensitization. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3935. [PMID: 32769979 PMCID: PMC7414850 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17824-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
GABAA/glycine-mediated neuronal inhibition critically depends on intracellular chloride (Cl-) concentration which is mainly regulated by the K+-Cl- co-transporter 2 (KCC2) in the adult central nervous system (CNS). KCC2 heterogeneity thus affects information processing across CNS areas. Here, we uncover a gradient in Cl- extrusion capacity across the superficial dorsal horn (SDH) of the spinal cord (laminae I-II: LI-LII), which remains concealed under low Cl- load. Under high Cl- load or heightened synaptic drive, lower Cl- extrusion is unveiled in LI, as expected from the gradient in KCC2 expression found across the SDH. Blocking TrkB receptors increases KCC2 in LI, pointing to differential constitutive TrkB activation across laminae. Higher Cl- lability in LI results in rapidly collapsing inhibition, and a form of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity expressed as a continuous facilitation of excitatory responses. The higher metaplasticity in LI as compared to LII differentially affects sensitization to thermal and mechanical input. Thus, inconspicuous heterogeneity of Cl- extrusion across laminae critically shapes plasticity for selective nociceptive modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ferrini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
- Graduate program in Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
| | - Jimena Perez-Sanchez
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
- Graduate program in Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Samuel Ferland
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
- Graduate program in Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | - Antoine G Godin
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Graduate program in Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Isabel Plasencia-Fernandez
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
- Graduate program in Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Feng Wang
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Chiara Salio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Nicolas Doyon
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Adalberto Merighi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Yves De Koninck
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Graduate program in Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Phạm TL, Kim DW. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanomaterial-based treatment options for pain management: a review. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2020; 15:1897-1913. [PMID: 32757701 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is one of the most intense types of chronic pain; it constitutes a pervasive complaint throughout the public health system. With few effective treatments, it remains a significant challenge. Commercially available drugs for neuropathic pain are still limited and have disappointing efficacy. Therefore, chronic neuropathic pain imposes a tremendous burden on patients' quality of life. Recently, the introduction and application of nanotechnology in multiple fields has accelerated the development of new drugs. This review highlights the application of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanomaterial-based vehicles for drug delivery and how they improve the therapeutic outcomes for neuropathic pain treatment. Finally, future developments for pain research and effective management are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuỳ Linh Phạm
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Research Institute, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea
- Department of Histology & Embryology, Hai Phong University of Medicine & Pharmacy Hospital, Hai Phong, 042-12, Vietnam
| | - Dong Woon Kim
- Department of Medical Science, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Research Institute, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, 35015, Republic of Korea
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Harding EK, Fung SW, Bonin RP. Insights Into Spinal Dorsal Horn Circuit Function and Dysfunction Using Optical Approaches. Front Neural Circuits 2020; 14:31. [PMID: 32595458 PMCID: PMC7303281 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2020.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatosensation encompasses a variety of essential modalities including touch, pressure, proprioception, temperature, pain, and itch. These peripheral sensations are crucial for all types of behaviors, ranging from social interaction to danger avoidance. Somatosensory information is transmitted from primary afferent fibers in the periphery into the central nervous system via the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The dorsal horn functions as an intermediary processing center for this information, comprising a complex network of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons as well as projection neurons that transmit the processed somatosensory information from the spinal cord to the brain. It is now known that there can be dysfunction within this spinal cord circuitry in pathological pain conditions and that these perturbations contribute to the development and maintenance of pathological pain. However, the complex and heterogeneous network of the spinal dorsal horn has hampered efforts to further elucidate its role in somatosensory processing. Emerging optical techniques promise to illuminate the underlying organization and function of the dorsal horn and provide insights into the role of spinal cord sensory processing in shaping the behavioral response to somatosensory input that we ultimately observe. This review article will focus on recent advances in optogenetics and fluorescence imaging techniques in the spinal cord, encompassing findings from both in vivo and in vitro preparations. We will also discuss the current limitations and difficulties of employing these techniques to interrogate the spinal cord and current practices and approaches to overcome these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika K Harding
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Samuel Wanchi Fung
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert P Bonin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Sharif B, Ase AR, Ribeiro-da-Silva A, Séguéla P. Differential Coding of Itch and Pain by a Subpopulation of Primary Afferent Neurons. Neuron 2020; 106:940-951.e4. [PMID: 32298640 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Itch and pain are distinct unpleasant sensations that can be triggered from the same receptive fields in the skin, raising the question of how pruriception and nociception are coded and discriminated. Here, we tested the multimodal capacity of peripheral first-order neurons, focusing on the genetically defined subpopulation of mouse C-fibers that express the chloroquine receptor MrgprA3. Using optogenetics, chemogenetics, and pharmacology, we assessed the behavioral effects of their selective stimulation in a wide variety of conditions. We show that metabotropic Gq-linked stimulation of these C-afferents, through activation of native MrgprA3 receptors or DREADDs, evokes stereotypical pruriceptive rather than nocifensive behaviors. In contrast, fast ionotropic stimulation of these same neurons through light-gated cation channels or native ATP-gated P2X3 channels predominantly evokes nocifensive rather than pruriceptive responses. We conclude that C-afferents display intrinsic multimodality, and we provide evidence that optogenetic and chemogenetic interventions on the same neuronal populations can drive distinct behavioral outputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrang Sharif
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada; Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Ariel R Ase
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Alfredo Ribeiro-da-Silva
- Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Philippe Séguéla
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada.
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Bruce DJ, Peterson CD, Kitto KF, Akgün E, Lazzaroni S, Portoghese PS, Fairbanks CA, Wilcox GL. Combination of a δ-opioid Receptor Agonist and Loperamide Produces Peripherally-mediated Analgesic Synergy in Mice. Anesthesiology 2020; 131:649-663. [PMID: 31343460 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000002840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long-term use of opioids for analgesia carries significant risk for tolerance, addiction, and diversion. These adverse effects are largely mediated by μ-opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Based on the authors' previous observation that morphine and δ-opioid receptor agonists synergize in spinal cord in a protein kinase Cε-dependent manner, they predicted that this μ-opioid receptor-δ-opioid receptor synergy would take place in the central terminals of nociceptive afferent fibers and generalize to their peripheral terminals. Therefore, the authors hypothesized that loperamide, a highly efficacious μ-opioid receptor agonist that is excluded from the central nervous system, and oxymorphindole, a δ-opioid receptor agonist that was shown to synergize with morphine spinally, would synergistically reverse complete Freund's adjuvant-induced hyperalgesia. METHODS Using the Hargreaves assay for thermal nociception, the von Frey assay for mechanical nociception and the complete Freund's adjuvant-induced model of inflammatory pain, we tested the antinociceptive and antihyperalgesic effect of loperamide, oxymorphindole, or the loperamide-oxymorphindole combination. Animals (Institute for Cancer Research [ICR] CD1 strain mice; n = 511) received drug by systemic injection, intraplantar injection to the injured paw, or a transdermal solution on the injured paw. Dose-response curves for each route of administration and each nociceptive test were generated, and analgesic synergy was assessed by isobolographic analysis. RESULTS In naïve animals, the loperamide-oxymorphindole combination ED50 value was 10 times lower than the theoretical additive ED50 value whether given systemically or locally. In inflamed animals, the combination was 150 times more potent systemically, and 84 times more potent locally. All combinations showed statistically significant synergy when compared to the theoretical additive values, as verified by isobolographic analysis. The antihyperalgesia was ablated by a peripherally-restricted opioid antagonist. CONCLUSIONS From these data we conclude that the loperamide-oxymorphindole combination synergistically reverses complete Freund's adjuvant-induced inflammatory hyperalgesia. The authors also conclude that this interaction is mediated by opioid receptors located in the peripheral nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Bruce
- From the Departments of Pharmacology (D.J.B., C.A.F., G.L.W.) Neuroscience (C.D.P., K.F.K., S.L., C.A.F., G.L.W.) Pharmaceutics (C.A.F.) Dermatology (G.L.W.) Medicinal Chemistry (E.A., P.S.P.), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Regional Hyperexcitability and Chronic Neuropathic Pain Following Spinal Cord Injury. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 40:861-878. [PMID: 31955281 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00785-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes maladaptive changes to nociceptive synaptic circuits within the injured spinal cord. Changes also occur at remote regions including the brain stem, limbic system, cortex, and dorsal root ganglia. These maladaptive nociceptive synaptic circuits frequently cause neuronal hyperexcitability in the entire nervous system and enhance nociceptive transmission, resulting in chronic central neuropathic pain following SCI. The underlying mechanism of chronic neuropathic pain depends on the neuroanatomical structures and electrochemical communication between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal membranes, and propagation of synaptic transmission in the ascending pain pathways. In the nervous system, neurons are the only cell type that transmits nociceptive signals from peripheral receptors to supraspinal systems due to their neuroanatomical and electrophysiological properties. However, the entire range of nociceptive signaling is not mediated by any single neuron. Current literature describes regional studies of electrophysiological or neurochemical mechanisms for enhanced nociceptive transmission post-SCI, but few studies report the electrophysiological, neurochemical, and neuroanatomical changes across the entire nervous system following a regional SCI. We, along with others, have continuously described the enhanced nociceptive transmission in the spinal dorsal horn, brain stem, thalamus, and cortex in SCI-induced chronic central neuropathic pain condition, respectively. Thus, this review summarizes the current understanding of SCI-induced neuronal hyperexcitability and maladaptive nociceptive transmission in the entire nervous system that contributes to chronic central neuropathic pain.
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Abstract
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is highly complicated and heterogenous. Conventional neuromodulatory approaches have revealed numerous essential biological functions of the PNS and provided excellent tools to treat a large variety of human diseases. Yet growing evidence indicated the importance of cell-type-specific neuromodulation in the PNS in not only biological research using animal models but also potential human therapies. Optogenetics is a recently developed neuromodulatory approach combining optics and genetics that can effectively stimulate or silence neuronal activity with high spatial and temporal precision. Here, I review research regarding optogenetic manipulations for cell-type-specific control of the PNS, highlighting the advantages and challenges of current optogenetic tools, and discuss their potential future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui B Chang
- Department of Neuroscience, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
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44
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Liu K, Wang L. Optogenetics: Therapeutic spark in neuropathic pain. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2019; 19:321-327. [PMID: 30995901 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2019.4114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics is an emerging field, which uses light and molecular genetics to manipulate the activity of live cells by expressing light-sensitive proteins. With the discovery of bacteriorhodopsin, a light-sensitive bacterial protein, in 1971 Oesterhelt and Stoeckenius laid the pavement of optogenetics. However, the cross-integration of different disciplines is a little more than a decade old. The toolbox contains fluorescent sensors and optogenetic actuators that enable visualization of signaling events and manipulation of cellular activities, respectively. Neuropathic pain is pain caused either by damage or disease that affects the somatosensory system. The exact mechanism for neuropathic pain is not known, however proposed mechanisms include immune reactions, ion channel expressions, and inflammation. Current regimen for the disease provides about 50% relief for only 40-60% of patients. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate the potential therapeutic applications of optogenetics by manipulating the activity of neurons. This review summarizes the basic concept, therapeutic applications for neuropathy, and potential of optogenetics to reach from bench to bedside in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
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Optogenetic Inhibition of CGRPα Sensory Neurons Reveals Their Distinct Roles in Neuropathic and Incisional Pain. J Neurosci 2019; 38:5807-5825. [PMID: 29925650 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3565-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous somatosensory neurons convey innocuous and noxious mechanical, thermal, and chemical stimuli from peripheral tissues to the CNS. Among these are nociceptive neurons that express calcitonin gene-related peptide-α (CGRPα). The role of peripheral CGRPα neurons (CANs) in acute and injury-induced pain has been studied using diphtheria toxin ablation, but their functional roles remain controversial. Because ablation permanently deletes a neuronal population, compensatory changes may ensue that mask the physiological or pathophysiological roles of CANs, particularly for injuries that occur after ablation. Therefore, we sought to define the role of intact CANs in vivo under baseline and injury conditions by using noninvasive transient optogenetic inhibition. We assessed pain behavior longitudinally from acute to chronic time points. We generated adult male and female mice that selectively express the outward rectifying proton pump archaerhodopsin-3 (Arch) in CANs, and inhibited their peripheral cutaneous terminals in models of neuropathic (spared nerve injury) and inflammatory (skin-muscle incision) pain using transdermal light activation of Arch. After nerve injury, brief activation of Arch reversed the chronic mechanical, cold, and heat hypersensitivity, alleviated the spontaneous pain, and reversed the sensitized mechanical currents in primary afferent somata. In contrast, Arch inhibition of CANs did not alter incision-induced hypersensitivity. Instead, incision-induced mechanical and heat hypersensitivity was alleviated by peripheral blockade of CGRPα peptide-receptor signaling. These results reveal that CANs have distinct roles in the time course of pain during neuropathic and incisional injuries and suggest that targeting peripheral CANs or CGRPα peptide-receptor signaling could selectively treat neuropathic or postoperative pain, respectively.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The contribution of sensory afferent CGRPα neurons (CANs) to neuropathic and inflammatory pain is controversial. Here, we left CANs intact during neuropathic and perioperative incision injury by using transient transdermal optogenetic inhibition of CANs. We found that peripheral CANs are required for neuropathic mechanical, cold, and heat hypersensitivity, spontaneous pain, and sensitization of mechanical currents in afferent somata. However, they are dispensable for incisional pain transmission. In contrast, peripheral pharmacological inhibition of CGRPα peptide-receptor signaling alleviated the incisional mechanical and heat hypersensitivity, but had no effect on neuropathic pain. These results show that CANs have distinct roles in neuropathic and incisional pain and suggest that their targeting via novel peripheral treatments may selectively alleviate neuropathic versus incisional pain.
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Murthy SE, Loud MC, Daou I, Marshall KL, Schwaller F, Kühnemund J, Francisco AG, Keenan WT, Dubin AE, Lewin GR, Patapoutian A. The mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo2 mediates sensitivity to mechanical pain in mice. Sci Transl Med 2019; 10:10/462/eaat9897. [PMID: 30305457 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aat9897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The brush of a feather and a pinprick are perceived as distinct sensations because they are detected by discrete cutaneous sensory neurons. Inflammation or nerve injury can disrupt this sensory coding and result in maladaptive pain states, including mechanical allodynia, the development of pain in response to innocuous touch. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the alteration of mechanical sensitization are poorly understood. In mice and humans, loss of mechanically activated PIEZO2 channels results in the inability to sense discriminative touch. However, the role of Piezo2 in acute and sensitized mechanical pain is not well defined. Here, we showed that optogenetic activation of Piezo2-expressing sensory neurons induced nociception in mice. Mice lacking Piezo2 in caudal sensory neurons had impaired nocifensive responses to mechanical stimuli. Consistently, ex vivo recordings in skin-nerve preparations from these mice showed diminished Aδ-nociceptor and C-fiber firing in response to mechanical stimulation. Punctate and dynamic allodynia in response to capsaicin-induced inflammation and spared nerve injury was absent in Piezo2-deficient mice. These results indicate that Piezo2 mediates inflammation- and nerve injury-induced sensitized mechanical pain, and suggest that targeting PIEZO2 might be an effective strategy for treating mechanical allodynia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetha E Murthy
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Meaghan C Loud
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ihab Daou
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Kara L Marshall
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Frederick Schwaller
- Department of Neuroscience, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle Straße 10, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Johannes Kühnemund
- Department of Neuroscience, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle Straße 10, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Allain G Francisco
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - William T Keenan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Adrienne E Dubin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Gary R Lewin
- Department of Neuroscience, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle Straße 10, Berlin 13125, Germany.,Excellence Cluster Neurocure, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Ardem Patapoutian
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Jarrin S, Finn DP. Optogenetics and its application in pain and anxiety research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 105:200-211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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48
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All AH, Zeng X, Teh DBL, Yi Z, Prasad A, Ishizuka T, Thakor N, Hiromu Y, Liu X. Expanding the Toolbox of Upconversion Nanoparticles for In Vivo Optogenetics and Neuromodulation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1803474. [PMID: 31432555 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201803474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetics is an optical technique that exploits visible light for selective neuromodulation with spatio-temporal precision. Despite enormous effort, the effective stimulation of targeted neurons, which are located in deeper structures of the nervous system, by visible light, remains a technical challenge. Compared to visible light, near-infrared illumination offers a higher depth of tissue penetration owing to a lower degree of light attenuation. Herein, an overview of advances in developing new modalities for neural circuitry modulation utilizing upconversion-nanoparticle-mediated optogenetics is presented. These developments have led to minimally invasive optical stimulation and inhibition of neurons with substantially improved selectivity, sensitivity, and spatial resolution. The focus is to provide a comprehensive review of the mechanistic basis for evaluating upconversion parameters, which will be useful in designing, executing, and reporting optogenetic experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Homayoun All
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Xiao Zeng
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Daniel Boon Loong Teh
- Department of Medicine & Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SINAPSE), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
| | - Zhigao Yi
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Ankshita Prasad
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Toru Ishizuka
- Department of Integrative Life Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Nitish Thakor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering & Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Medicine & Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology (SINAPSE), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117456, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Yawo Hiromu
- Department of Integrative Life Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Life Sciences, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
| | - Xiaogang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- Center for Functional Materials, National University of Singapore Suzhou Research Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
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49
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Michoud F, Sottas L, Browne LE, Asboth L, Latremoliere A, Sakuma M, Courtine G, Woolf CJ, Lacour SP. Optical cuff for optogenetic control of the peripheral nervous system. J Neural Eng 2019; 15:015002. [PMID: 28978778 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/aa9126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nerves in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) contain axons with specific motor, somatosensory and autonomic functions. Optogenetics offers an efficient approach to selectively activate axons within the nerve. However, the heterogeneous nature of nerves and their tortuous route through the body create a challenging environment to reliably implant a light delivery interface. APPROACH Here, we propose an optical peripheral nerve interface-an optocuff-, so that optogenetic modulation of peripheral nerves become possible in freely behaving mice. MAIN RESULTS Using this optocuff, we demonstrate orderly recruitment of motor units with epineural optical stimulation of genetically targeted sciatic nerve axons, both in anaesthetized and in awake, freely behaving animals. Behavioural experiments and histology show the optocuff does not damage the nerve thus is suitable for long-term experiments. SIGNIFICANCE These results suggest that the soft optocuff might be a straightforward and efficient tool to support more extensive study of the PNS using optogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Michoud
- Bertarelli Foundation Chair in Neuroprosthetic Technology, Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronics Interface, Institute of Microengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, Centre for Neuroprosthetics, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1202 Geneva, Switzerland. Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America. FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, United States of America
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Mayer P, Sivakumar N, Pritz M, Varga M, Mehmann A, Lee S, Salvatore A, Magno M, Pharr M, Johannssen HC, Troester G, Zeilhofer HU, Salvatore GA. Flexible and Lightweight Devices for Wireless Multi-Color Optogenetic Experiments Controllable via Commercial Cell Phones. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:819. [PMID: 31551666 PMCID: PMC6743353 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics provide a potential alternative approach to the treatment of chronic pain, in which complex pathology often hampers efficacy of standard pharmacological approaches. Technological advancements in the development of thin, wireless, and mechanically flexible optoelectronic implants offer new routes to control the activity of subsets of neurons and nerve fibers in vivo. This study reports a novel and advanced design of battery-free, flexible, and lightweight devices equipped with one or two miniaturized LEDs, which can be individually controlled in real time. Two proof-of-concept experiments in mice demonstrate the feasibility of these devices. First, we show that blue-light devices implanted on top of the lumbar spinal cord can excite channelrhodopsin expressing nociceptors to induce place aversion. Second, we show that nocifensive withdrawal responses can be suppressed by green-light optogenetic (Archaerhodopsin-mediated) inhibition of action potential propagation along the sciatic nerve. One salient feature of these devices is that they can be operated via modern tablets and smartphones without bulky and complex lab instrumentation. In addition to the optical stimulation, the design enables the simultaneously wireless recording of the temperature in proximity of the stimulation area. As such, these devices are primed for translation to human patients with implications in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric conditions far beyond chronic pain syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Mayer
- Electronics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Integrated Circuits, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nandhini Sivakumar
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Pritz
- Electronics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matjia Varga
- Electronics Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Seunghyun Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | | | - Michele Magno
- Institute for Integrated Circuits, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matt Pharr
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Helge C Johannssen
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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