scholarly journals Glutamate Transporter GLT-1 Upregulation Attenuates Visceral Nociception and Hyperalgesia via Spinal Mechanisms Not Related to Anti-Inflammatory or Probiotic Effects

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Lin ◽  
K. Roman ◽  
K. D. Foust ◽  
B. K. Kaspar ◽  
M. T. Bailey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visceral Pain ◽  
Glutamate Transporter ◽  
Visceral Hypersensitivity ◽  
Nociceptive Response ◽  
Excitatory Neurotransmitter ◽  
Physician Visits ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
Visceral Nociception ◽  
Virus Serotype

Visceral pain is the most common reason for physician visits in US. Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter and mediates visceral nociceptive neuro-transmission and hypersensitivity. Removal of extracellular glutamate is predominantly mediated by glial glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1). The pharmacological approach to up-regulate GLT-1 by 1 week administration of ceftriaxone (CTX) has been successful to mitigate visceral nociception. The present study shows that intrathecal delivery of selective GLT-1 antagonist dihydrokainate reversed CTX-blunted visceral nociceptive response, suggesting a spinal site of action. The role of GLT-1 up-regulation in animal models of colitis was studied. CTX treatment reversed TNBS-induced visceral hypersensitivity. In addition, CTX treatment initiated one week after the onset of DSS-induced visceral inflammation also attenuated visceral hypersensitivity, revealing a potential therapeutic effect. Cephalothin, a cephalosporin antibiotic lacking GLT-1 induction activity, failed to attenuate visceral nociception. CTX-induced changes in fecal microbiota do not support a role of probiotic effects in mitigating visceral nociception/hypersensitivity. Finally, adeno-associated virus serotype 9-mediated GLT-1 over-expression was effective to mitigate visceromotor response to 60 mmHg colo-rectal distension. These studies indicate that GLT-1 over-expression is a novel and effective method to attenuate visceral nociception, and is deserving of further study as a translationally relevant approach to treat visceral pain.

scholarly journals Tetrodotoxin: A New Strategy to Treat Visceral Pain?

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 496
Author(s):  
Ana Campos-Ríos ◽  
Lola Rueda-Ruzafa ◽  
Salvador Herrera-Pérez ◽  
Paula Rivas-Ramírez ◽  
José Antonio Lamas
Keyword(s):  
Action Potentials ◽  
Channel Blocker ◽  
Visceral Pain ◽  
Visceral Hypersensitivity ◽  
Afferent Neurons ◽  
Sodium Channel Blocker ◽  
Voltage Gated Sodium Channels ◽  
New Strategy ◽  
Specific Receptors

Visceral pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Although the origin of these symptoms has not been clearly defined, the implication of both the central and peripheral nervous systems in visceral hypersensitivity is well established. The role of several pathways in visceral nociception has been explored, as well as the influence of specific receptors on afferent neurons, such as voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs). VGSCs initiate action potentials and dysfunction of these channels has recently been associated with painful GI conditions. Current treatments for visceral pain generally involve opioid based drugs, ≠≠which are associated with important side-effects and a loss of effectiveness or tolerance. Hence, efforts have been intensified to find new, more effective and longer-lasting therapies. The implication of VGSCs in visceral hypersensitivity has drawn attention to tetrodotoxin (TTX), a relatively selective sodium channel blocker, as a possible and promising molecule to treat visceral pain and related diseases. As such, here we will review the latest information regarding this toxin that is relevant to the treatment of visceral pain and the possible advantages that it may offer relative to other treatments, alone or in combination.

scholarly journals Microglia: a newly discovered role in visceral hypersensitivity?

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 271-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Y. Saab ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
Chunping Gu ◽  
Kirsten N. Garner ◽  
Elie D. Al-Chaer
Keyword(s):  
Visceral Pain ◽  
Thermal Hyperalgesia ◽  
Radiant Heat ◽  
Pain Modulation ◽  
Visceral Hypersensitivity ◽  
Visceral Sensitivity ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Sprague Dawley Rats ◽  
Before And After

AbstractGiven the growing body of evidence for a role of glia in pain modulation, it is plausible that the exaggerated visceral pain in chronic conditions might be regulated by glial activation. In this study, we have investigated a possible role for microglia in rats with chronic visceral hypersensitivity and previously documented altered neuronal function. Experiments were performed on adult male Sprague-Dawley rats pre-treated with neonatal colon irritation (CI) and on control rats. Effects of fractalkine (FKN, a chemokine involved in neuron-to-microglia signaling) and of minocycline (an inhibitor of microglia) on visceral sensitivity were examined. Visceral sensitivity was assessed by recording the electromyographic (EMG) responses to graded colorectal distension (CRD) in mildly sedated rats. Responses to CRD were recorded before and after injection of FKN, minocycline or vehicle. Somatic thermal hyperalgesia was measured by latency of paw withdrawal to radiant heat. The pattern and intensity of microglial distribution at L6–S2 in the spinal cord was also compared in rats with CI and controls by fluorescence microscopy using OX-42. Results show that: (1) FKN significantly facilitated EMG responses to noxious CRD by >52% in control rats. FKN also induced thermal hyperalgesia in control rats, consistent with previous reports; (2) minocycline significantly inhibited EMG responses to noxious CRD by >70% in rats with CI compared to controls 60 min after injection. The anti-nociceptive effect of minocycline lasted for 180 min in rats with CI, reaching peak values 60 min after injection. Our results show that FKN enhances visceral and somatic nociception, whereas minocycline inhibits visceral hypersensitivity in chronically sensitized rats, which indicates a role for microglia in visceral hypersensitivity.

scholarly journals Role of astrocytes and altered regulation of spinal glutamatergic neurotransmission in stress-induced visceral hyperalgesia in rats

2011 ◽  
Vol 301 (3) ◽  
pp. G580-G589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvie Bradesi ◽  
Viktoriya Golovatscka ◽  
Helena S. Ennes ◽  
James A. McRoberts ◽  
Iordanes Karagiannidis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Nociceptive Response ◽  
Control Mechanisms ◽  
Glutamatergic Neurotransmission ◽  
Visceral Hyperalgesia ◽  
Excitatory Neurotransmitter ◽  
Pharmacological Inhibition ◽  
Male Wistar Rats

Glutamate (Glu) is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and plays a critical role in the neuroplasticity of nociceptive networks. We aimed to examine the role of spinal astroglia in the modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission in a model of chronic psychological stress-induced visceral hyperalgesia in male Wistar rats. We assessed the effect of chronic stress on different glial Glu control mechanisms in the spinal cord including N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), glial Glu transporters (GLT1 and GLAST), the Glu conversion enzyme glutamine synthetase (GS), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). We also tested the effect of pharmacological inhibition of NMDAR activation, of extracellular Glu reuptake, and of astrocyte function on visceral nociceptive response in naive and stressed rats. We observed stress-induced decreased expression of spinal GLT1, GFAP, and GS, whereas GLAST expression was upregulated. Although visceral hyperalgesia was blocked by pharmacological inhibition of spinal NMDARs, we observed no stress effects on NMDAR subunit expression or phosphorylation. The glial modulating agent propentofylline blocked stress-induced visceral hyperalgesia, and blockade of GLT1 function in control rats resulted in enhanced visceral nociceptive response. These findings provide evidence for stress-induced modulation of glia-controlled spinal Glu-ergic neurotransmission and its involvement in chronic stress-induced visceral hyperalgesia. The findings reported in this study demonstrate a unique pattern of stress-induced changes in spinal Glu signaling and metabolism associated with enhanced responses to visceral distension.

scholarly journals The Anti-Inflammatory and Pain-Relieving Effects of AR170, an Adenosine A3 Receptor Agonist, in a Rat Model of Colitis

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Antonioli ◽  
Elena Lucarini ◽  
Catia Lambertucci ◽  
Matteo Fornai ◽  
Carolina Pellegrini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Receptor Agonist ◽  
Intestinal Inflammation ◽  
Visceral Pain ◽  
Visceral Hypersensitivity ◽  
Spleen Weight ◽  
Inflammatory Parameters ◽  
Cytokine Levels ◽  
Visceromotor Response

The pharmacological activation of A3 receptors has shown potential usefulness in the management of bowel inflammation. However, the role of these receptors in the control of visceral hypersensitivity in the presence of intestinal inflammation has not been investigated. The effects of AR170, a potent and selective A3 receptor agonist, and dexamethasone (DEX) were tested in rats with 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced colitis to assess their tissue inflammatory parameters. The animals received AR170, DEX, or a vehicle intraperitoneally for 6 days, starting 1 day before the induction of colitis. Visceral pain was assessed by recording the abdominal responses to colorectal distension in animals with colitis. Colitis was associated with a decrease in body weight and an increase in spleen weight. The macroscopic damage score and tissue tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were also enhanced. AR170, but not DEX, improved body weight. Both drugs counteracted the increase in spleen weight, ameliorated macroscopic colonic damage, and decreased TNF, IL-1β, and MPO tissue levels. The enhanced visceromotor response (VMR) in rats with colitis was decreased via AR170 administration. In rats with colitis, AR170 counteracted colonic inflammatory cell infiltration and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, thereby relieving visceral hypersensitivity.

scholarly journals Increased glial glutamate transporter EAAT2 expression reduces visceral nociceptive response in mice

2009 ◽  
Vol 296 (1) ◽  
pp. G129-G134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Lin ◽  
Guilian Tian ◽  
Kenny Roman ◽  
Chalonda Handy ◽  
Joseph B. Travers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Visceral Pain ◽  
Glutamate Uptake ◽  
Glutamate Transporter ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Nociceptive Response ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Glial Glutamate Transporter ◽  
Visceromotor Response ◽  
Bowel Disorders

Visceral hypersensitivity is the leading complaint of functional bowel disorders. Central sensitization mediated by glutamate receptor activation is implicated in pathophysiology of visceral pain. The glial glutamate transporter EAAT2 is the principal mediator of glutamate clearance to terminate glutamate-mediated responses. Transgenic mice overexpressing human EAAT2 (EAAT2 mice), which exhibited a twofold enhanced glutamate uptake, showed 39% less writhing response to intraperitoneal acetic acid than nontransgenic littermates. Moreover, EAAT2 transgenic mice showed a 53–64% reduction in visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distension (CRD) in assessments of the response to graded increase in pressures. Corroborating the involvement of enhanced glutamate uptake, wild-type mice treated for 1 wk with ceftriaxone, an EAAT2 expression activator, showed a 49–70% reduction in VMR to CRD. Moreover, systemic pretreatment with the selective EAAT2 transporter blocker dihydrokainate reversed the ceftriaxone-blunted nociceptive response to CRD. However, the enhanced VMR to CRD produced by intracolonic ethanol was not significantly attenuated by 1-wk ceftriaxone pretreatment. The data suggest that enhanced glutamate uptake provides protective effects against colonic distension-induced nociception and represents an exciting new mechanistic approach leading to better therapeutic options to visceral pain disorders.

scholarly journals A38 TRPV1 VISCERAL AFFERENTS CONTROL CENTRAL SENSITIZATION IN IBD

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 278-279
Author(s):  
M Defaye ◽  
N Abdullah ◽  
M Iftinca ◽  
C Altier
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Central Sensitization ◽  
Microglial Activation ◽  
Visceral Pain ◽  
Purinergic Signaling ◽  
Designer Drugs ◽  
Visceral Afferents ◽  
Peripheral Sensitization ◽  
Specific Expression

Abstract Background Long-lasting changes in neural pain circuits precipitate the transition from acute to chronic pain in patients living with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). While significant improvement in IBD therapy has been made to reduce inflammation, a large subset of patients continues to suffer throughout quiescent phases of the disease, suggesting a high level of plasticity in nociceptive circuits during acute phases. The establishment of chronic visceral pain results from neuroplasticity in nociceptors first, then along the entire neural axis, wherein microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, are critically involved. Our lab has shown that spinal microglia were key in controlling chronic pain state in IBD. Using the Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS) model of colitis, we found that microglial G-CSF was able to sensitize colonic nociceptors that express the pain receptor TRPV1. While TRPV1+ nociceptors have been implicated in peripheral sensitization, their contribution to central sensitization via microglia remains unknown. Aims To investigate the role of TRPV1+ visceral afferents in microglial activation and chronic visceral pain. Methods We generated DREADD (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) mice in which TRPV1 sensory neurons can be inhibited (TRPV1-hM4Di) or activated (TRPV1-hM3Dq) in a time and tissue specific manner using the inert ligand Clozapine-N-Oxide (CNO). To test the inhibition of TRPV1 neurons in DSS-induced colitis, TRPV1-hM4Di mice were treated with DSS 2.5% or water for 7 days and received vehicle or CNO i.p. injection twice daily. To activate TRPV1 visceral afferents, TRPV1-hM3Dq mice received vehicle or CNO daily for 7 days, by oral gavage. After 7 days of treatment, visceral pain was evaluated by colorectal distension and spinal cords tissues were harvested to measure microglial activation. Results Our data validated the nociceptor specific expression and function of the DREADD in TRPV1-Cre mice. Inhibition of TRPV1 visceral afferents in DSS TRPV1-hM4Di mice was able to prevent the colitis-induced microglial activation and thus reduce visceral hypersensitivity. In contrast, activation of TRPV1 visceral afferents in TRPV1-hM3Dq mice was sufficient to drive microglial activation in the absence of colitis. Analysis of the proalgesic mediators derived from activated TRPV1-hM3Dq neurons identified ATP as a key factor of microglial activation. Conclusions Overall, these data provide novel insights into the mechanistic understanding of the gut/brain axis in chronic visceral pain and suggest a role of purinergic signaling that could be harnessed for testing effective therapeutic approaches to relieve pain in IBD patients. Funding Agencies CCCACHRI (Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute) and CSM (Cumming School of Medicine) postdoctoral fellowship

scholarly journals Chandipura virus dysregulates the expression of hsa-miR-21-5p to activate NF-κB in human microglial cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Neha Pandey ◽  
Meghana Rastogi ◽  
Sunit K. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Expression Pattern ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Microglial Cells ◽  
Luciferase Assay ◽  
Western India ◽  
Cellular Mirnas ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
Chandipura Virus ◽  
Tnf Α

Abstract Background Chandipura virus (CHPV) is a negative single-stranded RNA virus of the Rhabdoviridae family. CHPV infection has been reported in Central and Western India. CHPV causes acute encephalitis with a case fatality rate of 70 % and mostly affects children below 15 years of age. CHPV infection in brain leads to neuronal apoptosis and activation of the microglial cells. The microRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous non-coding RNA that regulate the gene expression. Viral infections perturb the expression pattern of cellular miRNAs, which may in turn affect the expression pattern of downstream genes. This study aims to investigate hsa-miR-21-5p mediated regulation of PTEN, AKT, NF-ĸBp65, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, in human microglial cells during CHPV infection. Methods To understand the role of hsa-miR-21-5p in CHPV infection, the human microglial cells were infected with CHPV (MOI-0.1). Real-time PCR, western blotting, Luciferase assay, over-expression and knockdown techniques were used to understand the role of hsa-miR-21-5p in the regulation of PTEN, AKT and, NF-ĸBp65, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β in this study. Results The hsa-miR-21-5p was found to be upregulated during CHPV infection in human microglial cells. This led to the downregulation of PTEN which promoted the phosphorylation of AKT and NF-ĸBp65. Over-expression of hsa-miR-21-5p led to the decreased expression of PTEN and promoted further phosphorylation of AKT and NF-ĸBp65 in human microglial cells. However, the inhibition of hsa-miR-21-5p using hsa-miR-21-5p inhibitor restored the expression. Conclusions This study supports the role of hsa-miR-21-5p in the regulation of pro-inflammatory genes in CHPV infected human microglial cells.

scholarly journals Functional disruption of cortical cingulate activity attenuates visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety induced by acute experimental colitis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Brenner ◽  
Leah Zerlin ◽  
Linette Liqi Tan
Keyword(s):  
Visceral Pain ◽  
Experimental Colitis ◽  
Visceral Hypersensitivity ◽  
Cortical Activation ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Pathological Feature ◽  
Activation Patterns ◽  
Bowel Disorders ◽  
Noxious Mechanical Stimulation ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

AbstractVisceral pain is a highly complex experience and is the most common pathological feature in patients suffering from inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders. Whilst it is increasingly recognized that aberrant neural processing within the gut-brain axis plays a key role in development of neurological symptoms, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the cortical activation patterns and effects of non-invasive chemogenetic suppression of cortical activity on visceral hypersensitivity and anxiety-related phenotypes in a well-characterized mouse model of acute colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). We found that within the widespread cortical network, the mid-cingulate cortex (MCC) was consistently highly activated in response to innocuous and noxious mechanical stimulation of the colon. Furthermore, during acute experimental colitis, impairing the activity of the MCC successfully alleviated visceral hypersensitivity, anxiety-like behaviors and visceromotor responses to colorectal distensions (CRDs) via downregulating the excitability of the posterior insula (PI), somatosensory and the rostral anterior cingulate cortices (rACC), but not the prefrontal or anterior insula cortices. These results provide a mechanistic insight into the central cortical circuits underlying painful visceral manifestations and implicate MCC plasticity as a putative target in cingulate-mediated therapies for bowel disorders.

scholarly journals Animal models of visceral pain and the role of the microbiome

2021 ◽  
pp. 100064
Author(s):  
Christine West ◽  
Karen-Anne McVey Neufeld
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Visceral Pain
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