Li J, Xue B, Han T, Huang K, Gong L, Ma X, Liu K, Cui S, Zhang M, Kunze W, Liu C. Oxytocin down-regulates mesenteric afferent sensitivity via the enteric OTR/nNOS/NO/KATP pathway in rat.
Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015;
27:51-62. [PMID:
25346204 DOI:
10.1111/nmo.12469]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Oxytocin plays an analgesic role in modulation of nociception and pain. Most work to date has focused on the central mechanisms of oxytocin analgesia, but little is known about whether peripheral mechanisms are also involved.
METHODS
The mesenteric afferent discharge was recorded in vitro. The expressions of oxytocin receptor (OTR) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus (LMMP) was identified by immunofluorescence.
KEY RESULTS
Oxytocin per se had no effect on the jejunal mesenteric afferent discharge, however, it markedly attenuated the bradykinin- or distention-evoked increase of mesenteric afferent discharge, which was mimiced by the nitric oxide (NO) donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Pretreatment of either NOS inhibitor L-NAME or NPLA largely reduced the inhibitory effect of oxytocin on bradykinin-evoked mesenteric afferent discharge. Such effect, to a large extent, was also alleviated by N-and P-type voltage-dependent calcium channel antagonists or KATP blocker glibenclamide. In addition, immunofluorescence studies show strong colocalization of OTR with nNOS in LMMP of the rat jejunum.
CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES
Oxytocin down-regulates the mesenteric afferent sensitivity through nNOS-NO-KATP pathway. Our findings may reveal a new peripheral mechanism for oxytocin analgesia.
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