Pain
-
Transient receptor potential ion channels (TRPs) expressed in the periphery sense and electrically transduce noxious stimuli to transmit the signals to the brain. Many natural and synthetic ligands for the sensory TRPs have been found, but little is known about endogenous inhibitors of these TRP channels. Recently, we reported that farnesyl pyrophosphate, an endogenous substance produced in the mevalonate pathway, is a specific activator for TRPV3. ⋯ Furthermore, local IPP pretreatment significantly reversed mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity of inflamed animals. Taken together, the present study suggests that IPP is a novel endogenous TRPA1 and TRPV3 inhibitor that causes local antinociception. Our results may provide useful chemical information to elucidate TRP physiology in peripheral pain sensation.
-
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has an important but still insufficiently defined role in pain modulation. We therefore examined the ability of NPY to modulate experimentally induced neuropathic pain by injecting it directly into dorsal root ganglion (DRG) immediately following spinal nerve ligation (SNL) injury. We have found that this application exacerbates pain-related behavior induced by SNL in a modality-specific fashion. ⋯ Exacerbation of pain-related behavior following NPY injection was accompanied by astrocyte activation in ipsilateral dorsal horn and with satellite cells activation in the DRG proximal to injury. This activation was reduced following Y2 receptor antagonist application. These findings indicate an important link between pain-related behavior and neuroimmune activation by NPY through its Y2 receptor.
-
Little is known about the pathophysiological mechanisms of radicular pain. We investigated changes in synaptic transmission of substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons after an injury to the L5 nerve root using in vivo patch-clamp recording. A total of 141 SG neurons were recorded at L4 and L5 segmental levels of the spinal cord in root constriction rats and sham-operated control rats. ⋯ The mean amplitudes of EPSCs evoked by mechanical stimuli at L4 and L5 segmental levels were larger in the root constriction group than in the control group. The results indicated that injuring the nerve root led to characteristic excitatory synaptic transmission in SG neurons at each segmental level and changed sensory processing in SG neurons at the segment to which the injured nerve projected. These changes could lead to spontaneous pain, mechanical allodynia, and hyperalgesia contributing to the pathogenesis of radicular pain.
-
Despite the increasing interest in TRPA1 channel as a pain target, its role in cold sensation and body temperature regulation is not clear; the efficacy and particularly side effects resulting from channel blockade remain poorly understood. Here we use a potent, selective, and bioavailable antagonist to address these issues. A-967079 potently blocks human (IC(50): 51 nmol/L, electrophysiology, 67 nmol/L, Ca(2+) assay) and rat TRPA1 (IC(50): 101 nmol/L, electrophysiology, 289 nmol/L, Ca(2+) assay). ⋯ Unlike TRPV1 antagonists, A-967079 does not alter body temperature. It also does not produce locomotor or cardiovascular side effects. Collectively, these data provide novel insights into TRPA1 function and suggest that the selective TRPA1 blockade may present a viable strategy for alleviating pain without untoward side effects.