scholarly journals Intrathecal Injection of Dual Zipper Kinase shRNA Alleviating the Neuropathic Pain in a Chronic Constrictive Nerve Injury Model

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 2421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meei-Ling Sheu ◽  
Chien-Yi Chiang ◽  
Hong-Lin Su ◽  
Chun-Jung Chen ◽  
Jason Sheehan ◽  
...  

Dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) is a member of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K) family mainly involved in neuronal degeneration. However, the role of DLK signaling in the neuropathic pain has not yet been fully determined. Chronic constrictive injury (CCI) was conducted by four 3-0 chromic gut ligatures loosely ligated around the sciatic nerve. Escalated DLK expression over the dorsal root ganglion was observed from one to four rings of CCI. Remarkable expression of DLK was observed in primary dorsal root ganglion cells culture subjected to electrical stimulation and attenuated by DLK short hairpin RNA (shRNA) treatment. Intrathecal injection of DLK shRNA attenuates the expression of DLK over the dorsal root ganglion and hippocampus neurons and increased the threshold of mechanical allodynia and decreased thermal hyperalgesia. In CatWalk gait analysis, significant decreases of print area, maximum contact maximum intensity, stand phase, single stance, and regular index by CCI were alleviated by the DLK shRNA administration. In conclusion, the expression of DLK was up-regulated in chronic constrictive injury and attenuated by the administration of DLK shRNA, which paralleled the improvement of neurobehavior of neuropathic pain. The modulation of DLK expression is a potential clinic treatment option for neuropathic pain.

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xueru Xu ◽  
Shaoxiong Fu ◽  
Xiaomei Shi ◽  
Rongguo Liu

Background. Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) on the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) has been applied to alleviate neuropathic pain effectively, yet the mechanisms underlying pain reduction owing to this treatment are not clarified completely. The activated microglia, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) in the spinal cord were demonstrated to be involved in developing neuropathic pain. Also, it has been just known that PRF on DRG inhibits the microglial activation in nerve injury rats. Here, we aim to investigate whether PRF treatment could regulate the levels of BDNF, PI3K, and p-ERK in the spinal cord of rats with spared nerve injury (SNI) via suppressing the spinal microglia activation to ease neuropathic pain. Methods. The rats with SNI were intrathecally treated with minocycline (specific microglia inhibitor) or same volume of dimethyl sulfoxide once daily, beginning from 1 h before nerve transection to 7 days. PRF was applied adjacent to the L4-L5 DRG of rats with SNI at 45 V for 6 min on the seventh postoperative day, whereas the free-PRF rats were treated without PRF. The withdrawal thresholds were studied, and the spinal levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), BDNF, PI3K, and p-ERK were calculated by western blot analysis, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence. Results. The paw withdrawal mechanical threshold and paw withdrawal thermal latency decreased in the ipsilateral hind paws after SNI, and the spinal levels of Iba1, BDNF, PI3K, and p-ERK increased on day 21 after SNI compared with baseline (P<0.01). An intrathecal injection of minocycline led to the reversal of SNI-induced allodynia and increase in levels of Iba1, BDNF, PI3K, and p-ERK. Withdrawal thresholds recovered partially after a single PRF treatment for 14 days, and SNI-induced microglia hyperactivity, BDNF upregulation, and PI3K and ERK phosphorylation in the spinal cord reduced on D14 due to the PRF procedure. Conclusion. Microglial BDNF, PI3K, and p-ERK in the spinal cord are suppressed by the therapy of PRF on DRG to ease SNI-induced neuropathic pain in rats.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongbo Teng ◽  
Yang Zhang ◽  
Shouwei Yue ◽  
Huanwen Chen ◽  
Yujuan Qu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Neuropathic pain is one of the most debilitating of all chronic pain syndromes. Intrathecal (i.t.) bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) injections have a favorable safety profile; however, results have been inconsistent, and complete understanding of how BMSCs affect neuropathic pain remains elusive. Methods We evaluated the analgesic effect of BMSCs on neuropathic pain in a chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion (CCD) model. We analyzed the effect of BMSCs on microglia reactivity and expression of purinergic receptor P2X4 (P2X4R). Furthermore, we assessed the effect of BMSCs on the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a key molecule in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain, in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Results I.t. BMSC transiently but significantly ameliorated neuropathic pain behavior (37.6% reduction for 2 days). We found no evidence of BMSC infiltration into the spinal cord parenchyma or DRGs, and we also demonstrated that intrathecal injection of BMSC-lysates provides similar relief. These findings suggest that the analgesic effects of i.t. BMSC were largely due to the release of BMSC-derived factors into the intrathecal space. Mechanistically, we found that while i.t. BMSCs did not change TRPV4 expression in DRG neurons, there was a significant reduction of P2X4R expression in the spinal cord microglia. BMSC-lysate also reduced P2X4R expression in activated microglia in vitro. Coadministration of additional pharmacological interventions targeting P2X4R confirmed that modulation of P2X4R might be a key mechanism for the analgesic effects of i.t. BMSC. Conclusion Altogether, our results suggest that i.t. BMSC is an effective and safe treatment of neuropathic pain and provides novel evidence that BMSC’s analgesic effects are largely mediated by the release of BMSC-derived factors resulting in microglial P2X4R downregulation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Yangyang Li ◽  
Lei Wang ◽  
Guotao Zhang ◽  
Xueli Qiao ◽  
Mingxing Zhang

Background. Mounting evidence has shown that sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a class III histone deacetylase, alleviated several types of neuropathic pain in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion and regulated some aberrant behaviors in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Methods. In this context, the effect of SIRT1 on neuropathic pain in the VTA-NAc pathway was investigated in the model of chronic constrictive injury (CCI). Results. SIRT1 was localized in the VTA neurons in naive mice. The expression of SIRT1 was decreased in the contralateral VTA of CCI mice. After microinjection of SRT1720 (an activator of SIRT1) in the contralateral VTA of CCI mice, the established thermal hyperalgesia was attenuated. However, it was further exacerbated by EX-527 (an inhibitor of SIRT1). The elevated level of acetyl-histone 3 was reduced by SRT1720 but further elevated by EX-527 in the contralateral VTA of CCI mice. The increased expression of Fos in both VTA and NAc was downregulated by SRT1720 but further upregulated by EX-527 in CCI mice. Conclusions. The discovery of the effect of SIRT1 on neuropathic pain in the VTA represents an important step forward in understanding the analgesic mechanisms of the VTA-NAc pathway.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Juan Qu ◽  
Xiao Zhang ◽  
Zhen-Zhen Fan ◽  
Juan Huai ◽  
Yong-Bo Teng ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among TRPV4, p38, and neuropathic pain in a rat model of chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion. Mechanical allodynia appeared after CCD surgery, enhanced via the intrathecal injection of 4α-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4α-PDD, an agonist of TRPV4) and anisomycin (an agonist of p38), but was suppressed by Ruthenium Red (RR, an inhibitor of TRPV4) and SB203580 (an inhibitor of p38). The protein expressions of p38 and P-p38 were upregulated by 4α-PDD and anisomycin injection but reduced by RR and SB203580. Moreover, TRPV4 was upregulated by 4α-PDD and SB203580 and downregulated by RR and anisomycin. In DRG tissues, the numbers of TRPV4- or p38-positive small neurons were significantly changed in CCD rats, increased by the agonists, and decreased by the inhibitors. The amplitudes of ectopic discharges were increased by 4α-PDD and anisomycin but decreased by RR and SB203580. Collectively, these results support the link between TRPV4 and p38 and their intermediary role for neuropathic pain in rats with chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion.


2003 ◽  
Vol 98 (1) ◽  
pp. 209-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Bruce McCallum ◽  
Wai-Meng Kwok ◽  
Michelle Mynlieff ◽  
Zeljko J. Bosnjak ◽  
Quinn H. Hogan

Background Pathophysiology in the primary sensory neuron may contribute to chronic neuropathic pain. Ca channels play a central role in neuronal processes, and sensory neurons are rich in low-voltage-activated calcium channels (LVACCs). However, the physiologic function of these channels is unknown. Their possible role in rebound burst firing makes them a candidate for increased excitability after neuropathic injury. Methods This study uses pharmacological methods to isolate LVACC in cells from the dorsal root ganglia of neuropathic and sham-operated rats, including the blockade of high-voltage-activated Ca channels with fluoride and selective toxins. LVACCs were examined with conventional whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology techniques. Results After chronic constriction injury of the peripheral axon, LVACC was significantly reduced compared to sham rats as shown by a 60% reduction in peak current density and an 80% reduction in total calcium influx. A depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation and an increase in the rate of deactivation and inactivation appear to cause this reduction of LVACC. Either Ni2+ or mibefradil, blockers of LVACC, applied in the bath to normal dorsal root ganglion cells during current clamp significantly and reversibly increased excitability. Conclusions These results suggest that loss of LVACC may contribute to decreased spike frequency adaptation and increased excitability after injury to sensory neurons. Through decreased Ca2+ influx, the cell becomes less stable and more likely to initiate or transmit bursts of action potentials. Consequently, modulation of Ca2+ currents at the dorsal root ganglion may be a potential method of therapeutic intervention.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xueru Xu ◽  
Zhisen Dai ◽  
Chun Lin ◽  
Fan Lin ◽  
Rongguo Liu

Abstract Background: Increasing evidence suggests that neuroglia, neuroimmune, and neuroinflammatory processes are involved in the development of nerve injury-induced pain and depression. Interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8), a crucial factor for microglial activation, is essential for the development of neuropathic pain. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) in the hippocampus contribute to the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain-depression comorbidity. Our previous study found that depressive-like behaviors induced by spared nerve injury (SNI) could be improved by applying pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) to the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) (PRF-DRG). However, the anti-depressive mechanisms of PRF-DRG therapy remain largely unknown. Methods: All rats (except for those in the sham group) were subjected to SNI. The nuclease-free water group and the IRF8 siRNA group were intrathecally injected with nuclease-free water and IRF8 siRNA on days 5 and 6 after SNI, respectively. PRF therapy on the L5 DRG was performed in the PRF group on day 7 after SNI, whereas no PRF current was delivered in the Sham-PRF group. The 50% paw withdrawal threshold, forced swimming test, and sucrose preference test were performed. The expression levels of spinal IRF8 and hippocampal BDNF were tested by molecular biochemistry, while IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were tested by ELISA.Results: The depressive-like behaviors induced by SNI were remarkably developed in rats, which was indicated by a significant reduction in the sucrose preference rate and prolonged immobility time on day 42 after SNI. Mechanical allodynia and depression-like behaviors of rats with SNI were remarkably improved after PRF-DRG or intrathecal IRF8 siRNA. Spinal IRF8 overexpression, hippocampal BDNF downregulation, and increased hippocampal IL-1β and TNF-α levels were reversed by PRF-DRG, similar to the intrathecal injection of IRF8 siRNA. Conclusions: PRF-DRG therapy could regulate neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory responses to improve pain-induced depressive-like behaviors. The beneficial effect was correlated with the upregulation of BDNF and inhibition of IL-1β and TNF-α in the hippocampus via spinal IRF8 inactivation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anhui Wang ◽  
Xiangchao Shi ◽  
Ruoyang Yu ◽  
Bao Qiao ◽  
Runan Yang ◽  
...  

The purinergic 2X7 (P2X7) receptor expressed in satellite glial cells (SGCs) is involved in the inflammatory response, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) participates in the process of neurogenic inflammation, such as that in diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) and peripheral neuralgia. The main purpose of this study was to explore the role of the P2X7 receptor in DNP hypersensitivity mediated by TRPV1 in the rat and its possible mechanism. A rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus-related neuropathic pain (NPP) named the DNP rat model was established in this study. The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) of DNP rats were increased after intrathecal injection of the P2X7 receptor antagonist A438079, and the mRNA and protein levels of TRPV1 in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were decreased in DNP rats treated with A438079 compared to untreated DNP rats; in addition, A438079 also decreased the phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in the DNP group. Based on these results, the P2X7 receptor might be involved in DNP mediated by TRPV1.


2009 ◽  
Vol 110 (2) ◽  
pp. 387-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue-Song Song ◽  
Zhi-Jiang Huang ◽  
Xue-Jun Song

Background B vitamins can effectively attenuate inflammatory and neuropathic pain in experimental animals, while their efficacy in treating clinical pain syndromes remains unclear. To understand possible mechanisms underlying B vitamin-induced analgesia and provide further evidence that may support the clinical utility of B vitamins in chronic pain treatment, this study investigated effects of thiamine (B1) on the excitability and Na currents of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons that have been altered by nerve injury. Methods Nerve injury was mimicked by chronic compression of DRG in rats. Neuropathic pain was evidenced by the presence of thermal hyperalgesia. Intracellular and patch-clamp recordings were made in vitro from intact and dissociated DRG neurons, respectively. Results (1) In vivo intraperitoneal administration of B1 (66 mg/kg/day, 10-14 doses) significantly inhibited DRG compression-induced neural hyperexcitability, in addition to suppressing thermal hyperalgesia. (2) In vitro perfusion of B1 (0.1, 1 and 10 mM) resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of DRG neuron hyperexcitability. In addition, the DRG neurons exhibited size-dependent sensitivity to B1 treatment, i.e., the small and the medium-sized neurons, compared to the large neurons, were significantly more sensitive. (3) Both in vitro (1 mM) and in vivo application of B1 significantly reversed DRG compression-induced down-regulation of tetrodotoxin-resistant but not tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na current density in the small neurons. B1 at 1 mM also reversed the compression-induced hyperpolarizing shift of the inactivation curve of the tetrodotoxin-resistant currents and the upregulated ramp currents in small DRG neurons. Conclusion Thiamine can reduce hyperexcitability and lessen alterations of Na currents in injured DRG neurons, in addition to suppressing thermal hyperalgesia.


Author(s):  
Xiaohua Fan ◽  
Chuanwei Wang ◽  
Junting Han ◽  
Xinli Ding ◽  
Shaocan Tang ◽  
...  

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