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Zhang K, Ran R, Zhang CJ, Wang L, Zhang HH. Focus on P2X7R in microglia: its mechanism of action and therapeutic prospects in various neuropathic pain models. Front Pharmacol 2025; 16:1555732. [PMID: 40201695 PMCID: PMC11975881 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1555732] [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: 01/05/2025] [Accepted: 03/07/2025] [Indexed: 04/10/2025] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common symptom of many diseases and is caused by direct or indirect damage to the nervous system. Tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are typical drugs used in clinical practice to suppress pain. However, these drugs have drawbacks, including a short duration of action, a limited analgesic effect, and possible dependence and side effects. Therefore, developing more effective NP treatment strategies has become a priority in medical research and has attracted much research attention. P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a non-selective cation channel activated by adenosine triphosphate and is mainly expressed in microglia in the central nervous system. Microglial P2X7R plays an important role in pain regulation, suggesting that it could be a potential target for drug development. This review comprehensively and objectively discussed the latest research progress of P2X7R, including its structural characteristics, functional properties, relationship with microglial activation and polarization, mechanism of action, and potential therapeutic strategies in multiple NP models. This study aimed to provide in-depth insights into the association between P2X7R and NP and explore the mechanism of action of P2X7R in the pathological process of NP and the translational potential and clinical application prospects of P2X7R antagonists in pain treatment, providing a scientific basis for the precise treatment of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Orthopedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rui Ran
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Orthopedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | | | - Linna Wang
- Lanzhou Biotechnique Development Co., Ltd., Lanzhou, China
| | - Hai-Hong Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Orthopedics Key Laboratory of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
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Moreau N, Korai SA, Sepe G, Panetsos F, Papa M, Cirillo G. Peripheral and central neurobiological effects of botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) in neuropathic pain: a systematic review. Pain 2024; 165:1674-1688. [PMID: 38452215 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Botulinum toxin (BoNT), a presynaptic inhibitor of acetylcholine (Ach) release at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), is a successful and safe drug for the treatment of several neurological disorders. However, a wide and recent literature review has demonstrated that BoNT exerts its effects not only at the "periphery" but also within the central nervous system (CNS). Studies from animal models, in fact, have shown a retrograde transport to the CNS, thus modulating synaptic function. The increasing number of articles reporting efficacy of BoNT on chronic neuropathic pain (CNP), a complex disease of the CNS, demonstrates that the central mechanisms of BoNT are far from being completely elucidated. In this new light, BoNT might interfere with the activity of spinal, brain stem, and cortical circuitry, modulating excitability and the functional organization of CNS in healthy conditions. Botulinum toxins efficacy on CNP is the result of a wide and complex action on many and diverse mechanisms at the basis of the maladaptive plasticity, the core of the pathogenesis of CNP. This systematic review aims to discuss in detail the BoNT's mechanisms and effects on peripheral and central neuroplasticity, at the basis for the clinical efficacy in CNP syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Moreau
- Laboratoire de Neurobiologie oro-faciale, EA 7543, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Sohaib Ali Korai
- Division of Human Anatomy, Laboratory of Morphology of Neuronal Networks & Systems Biology, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Sepe
- Division of Human Anatomy, Laboratory of Morphology of Neuronal Networks & Systems Biology, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Fivos Panetsos
- Neurocomputing & Neurorobotics Research Group, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IdISSC), Hospital Clinico San Carlos de Madrid, Silk Biomed SL, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michele Papa
- Division of Human Anatomy, Laboratory of Morphology of Neuronal Networks & Systems Biology, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cirillo
- Division of Human Anatomy, Laboratory of Morphology of Neuronal Networks & Systems Biology, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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De Luca C, Virtuoso A, Korai SA, Cirillo R, Gargano F, Papa M, Cirillo G. Altered Spinal Homeostasis and Maladaptive Plasticity in GFAP Null Mice Following Peripheral Nerve Injury. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071224. [PMID: 35406788 PMCID: PMC8997460 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The maladaptive response of the central nervous system (CNS) following nerve injury is primarily linked to the activation of glial cells (reactive gliosis) that produce an inflammatory reaction and a wide cellular morpho-structural and functional/metabolic remodeling. Glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP), a major protein constituent of astrocyte intermediate filaments (IFs), is the hallmark of the reactive astrocytes, has pleiotropic functions and is significantly upregulated in the spinal cord after nerve injury. Here, we investigated the specific role of GFAP in glial reaction and maladaptive spinal cord plasticity following sciatic nerve spared nerve injury (SNI) in GFAP KO and wild-type (WT) animals. We evaluated the neuropathic behavior (thermal hyperalgesia, allodynia) and the expression of glial (vimentin, Iba1) and glutamate/GABA system markers (GLAST, GLT1, EAAC1, vGLUT, vGAT, GAD) in lumbar spinal cord sections of KO/WT animals. SNI induced neuropathic behavior in both GFAP KO and WT mice, paralleled by intense microglial reaction (Iba1 expression more pronounced in KO mice), reactive astrocytosis (vimentin increase) and expression remodeling of glial/neuronal glutamate/GABA transporters. In conclusion, it is conceivable that the lack of GFAP could be detrimental to the CNS as it lacks a critical sensor for neuroinflammation and morpho-functional–metabolic rewiring after nerve injury. Understanding the maladaptive morpho-functional changes of glial cells could represent the first step for a new glial-based targeted approach for mechanisms of disease in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro De Luca
- Neural Network Morphology & Systems Biology Lab, Division of Human Anatomy, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.D.L.); (A.V.); (S.A.K.); (R.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Assunta Virtuoso
- Neural Network Morphology & Systems Biology Lab, Division of Human Anatomy, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.D.L.); (A.V.); (S.A.K.); (R.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Sohaib Ali Korai
- Neural Network Morphology & Systems Biology Lab, Division of Human Anatomy, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.D.L.); (A.V.); (S.A.K.); (R.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Raffaella Cirillo
- Neural Network Morphology & Systems Biology Lab, Division of Human Anatomy, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.D.L.); (A.V.); (S.A.K.); (R.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Francesca Gargano
- Unit of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Michele Papa
- Neural Network Morphology & Systems Biology Lab, Division of Human Anatomy, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.D.L.); (A.V.); (S.A.K.); (R.C.); (M.P.)
- SYSBIO Centre of Systems Biology ISBE.ITALY, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cirillo
- Neural Network Morphology & Systems Biology Lab, Division of Human Anatomy, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.D.L.); (A.V.); (S.A.K.); (R.C.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-5666008
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De Luca C, Virtuoso A, Cerasuolo M, Gargano F, Colangelo AM, Lavitrano M, Cirillo G, Papa M. Matrix metalloproteinases, purinergic signaling, and epigenetics: hubs in the spinal neuroglial network following peripheral nerve injury. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 157:557-567. [PMID: 35175413 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02082-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Activation of glial cells (reactive gliosis) and the purinergic pathway, together with metalloproteinase (MMP)-induced remodeling of the neural extracellular matrix (nECM), drive maladaptive changes in the spinal cord following peripheral nerve injury (PNI). We evaluated the effects on spinal maladaptive plasticity through administration of oxidized ATP (oxATP), an antagonist of P2X receptors (P2XR), and/or GM6001, an inhibitor of MMPs, in rats following spared nerve injury (SNI) of the sciatic nerve. With morpho-molecular techniques, we demonstrated a reduction in spinal reactive gliosis and changes in the neuro-glial-nECM crosstalk via expression remodeling of P2XR, nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors (TrkA and p75), and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) after treatments with oxATP/GM6001. Altogether, our data suggest that MMPs and purinergic inhibition have a modulatory impact on key proteins in the neuro-glial-nECM network, acting at different levels from intracellular signaling to epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro De Luca
- Neuronal Network Morphology and Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Assunta Virtuoso
- Neuronal Network Morphology and Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Michele Cerasuolo
- Neuronal Network Morphology and Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Gargano
- Neuronal Network Morphology and Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Colangelo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience "R. Levi-Montalcini", Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.,SYSBIO Centre of Systems Biology ISBE-IT, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Cirillo
- Neuronal Network Morphology and Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Michele Papa
- Neuronal Network Morphology and Systems Biology Lab, Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.,SYSBIO Centre of Systems Biology ISBE-IT, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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5
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Fumagalli G, Monza L, Cavaletti G, Rigolio R, Meregalli C. Neuroinflammatory Process Involved in Different Preclinical Models of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. Front Immunol 2021; 11:626687. [PMID: 33613570 PMCID: PMC7890072 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.626687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral neuropathies are characterized by nerves damage and axonal loss, and they could be classified in hereditary or acquired forms. Acquired peripheral neuropathies are associated with several causes, including toxic agent exposure, among which the antineoplastic compounds are responsible for the so called Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN). Several clinical features are related to the use of anticancer drugs which exert their action by affecting different mechanisms and structures of the peripheral nervous system: the axons (axonopathy) or the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons cell body (neuronopathy/ganglionopathy). In addition, antineoplastic treatments may affect the blood brain barrier integrity, leading to cognitive impairment that may be severe and long-lasting. CIPN may affect patient quality of life leading to modification or discontinuation of the anticancer therapy. Although the mechanisms of the damage are not completely understood, several hypotheses have been proposed, among which neuroinflammation is now emerging to be relevant in CIPN pathophysiology. In this review, we consider different aspects of neuro-immune interactions in several CIPN preclinical studies which suggest a critical connection between chemotherapeutic agents and neurotoxicity. The features of the neuroinflammatory processes may be different depending on the type of drug (platinum derivatives, taxanes, vinca alkaloids and proteasome inhibitors). In particular, recent studies have demonstrated an involvement of the immune response (both innate and adaptive) and the stimulation and secretion of mediators (cytokines and chemokines) that may be responsible for the painful symptoms, whereas glial cells such as satellite and Schwann cells might contribute to the maintenance of the neuroinflammatory process in DRG and axons respectively. Moreover, neuroinflammatory components have also been shown in the spinal cord with microglia and astrocytes playing an important role in CIPN development. Taking together, better understanding of these aspects would permit the development of possible strategies in order to improve the management of CIPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fumagalli
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Monza
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Guido Cavaletti
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Roberta Rigolio
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Cristina Meregalli
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,NeuroMI (Milan Center for Neuroscience), University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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6
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Turcato F, Almeida C, Mota C, Kusuda R, Carvalho A, Nascimento GC, Zanon S, Leite-Panissi CR, Lucas G. Dynamic expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 in the mouse spinal cord dorsal horn under pathological pain states. Neurol Res 2019; 41:633-643. [DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2019.1603804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Turcato
- Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Pain Neurobiology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Cayo Almeida
- Federal University of ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Clarissa Mota
- Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Pain Neurobiology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Kusuda
- Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Pain Neurobiology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Andrea Carvalho
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior Training Program, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Glauce C Nascimento
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, Ribeirão Preto Dentistry School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Sonia Zanon
- Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Pain Neurobiology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Christie R Leite-Panissi
- Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, Ribeirão Preto Dentistry School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Lucas
- Department of Physiology, Laboratory of Pain Neurobiology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Neuroscience and Behavior Training Program, Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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7
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Yan X, Li F, Maixner DW, Yadav R, Gao M, Ali MW, Hooks SB, Weng HR. Interleukin-1beta released by microglia initiates the enhanced glutamatergic activity in the spinal dorsal horn during paclitaxel-associated acute pain syndrome. Glia 2019; 67:482-497. [PMID: 30578561 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Patients receiving paclitaxel for cancer treatment often develop an acute pain syndrome (paclitaxel-associated acute pain syndrome, P-APS), which occurs immediately after paclitaxel treatment. Mechanisms underlying P-APS remain largely unknown. We recently reported that rodents receiving paclitaxel develop acute pain and activation of spinal microglial toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) by paclitaxel penetrating into the spinal cord is a critical event in the genesis of P-APS. Our current study dissected cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the P-APS. We demonstrated that bath-perfusion of paclitaxel, at a concentration similar to that found in the cerebral spinal fluid in animals receiving i.v. paclitaxel (2 mg/kg), resulted in increased calcium activity in microglia instantly, and in astrocytes with 6 min delay. TLR4 activation in microglia by paclitaxel caused microglia to rapidly release interleukin-1β (IL-1β) but not tumor necrosis factor α, IL-6, or interferon-γ. IL-1β release from microglia depended on capthepsin B. IL-1β acted on astrocytes, leading to elevated calcium activity and suppressed glutamate uptake. IL-1β also acted on neurons to increase presynaptic glutamate release and postsynaptic AMPA receptor activity in the spinal dorsal horn. Knockout of IL-1 receptors prevented the development of acute pain induced by paclitaxel in mice. Our study indicates that IL-1β is a crucial molecule used by microglia to alter functions in astrocytes and neurons upon activation of TLR4 in the genesis of P-APS, and targeting the signaling pathways regulating the production and function of IL-1β from microglia is a potential avenue for the development of analgesics for the treatment of P-APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xisheng Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Fen Li
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Dylan W Maixner
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, Georgia
| | - Ruchi Yadav
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, Georgia
| | - Mei Gao
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, Georgia
| | - Mourad Wagdy Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, Georgia
| | - Shelley B Hooks
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, Georgia
| | - Han-Rong Weng
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia
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8
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Purinergic Modulation of Spinal Neuroglial Maladaptive Plasticity Following Peripheral Nerve Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 52:1440-1457. [PMID: 25352445 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8943-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Modulation of spinal reactive gliosis following peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a promising strategy to restore synaptic homeostasis. Oxidized ATP (OxATP), a nonselective antagonist of purinergic P2X receptors, was found to recover a neuropathic behavior following PNI. We investigated the role of intraperitoneal (i.p.) OxATP treatment in restoring the expression of neuronal and glial markers in the mouse spinal cord after sciatic spared nerve injury (SNI). Using in vivo two-photon microscopy, we imaged Ca(2+) transients in neurons and astrocytes of the dorsal horn of spinal cord at rest and upon right hind paw electrical stimulation in sham, SNI, and OxATP-treated mice. Neuropathic behavior was investigated by von Frey and thermal plantar test. Glial [glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1)] and GABAergic [vesicular GABA transporter (vGAT) and glutamic acid decarboxylase 65/76 (GAD65/67)] markers and glial [glutamate transporter (GLT1) and GLAST] and neuronal amino acid [EAAC1, vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (vGLUT1)] transporters have been evaluated. In SNI mice, we found (i) increased glial response, (ii) decreased glial amino acid transporters, and (iii) increased levels of neuronal amino acid transporters, and (iv) in vivo analysis of spinal neurons and astrocytes showed a persistent increase of Ca(2+) levels. OxATP administration reduced glial activation, modulated the expression of glial and neuronal glutamate/GABA transporters, restored neuronal and astrocytic Ca(2+) levels, and prevented neuropathic behavior. In vitro studies validated that OxATP (i) reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), (ii) reduced astrocytic proliferation, (iii) increase vGLUT expression. All together, these data support the correlation between reactive gliosis and perturbation of the spinal synaptic homeostasis and the role played by the purinergic system in modulating spinal plasticity following PNI.
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The purinergic system and glial cells: emerging costars in nociception. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:495789. [PMID: 25276794 PMCID: PMC4168030 DOI: 10.1155/2014/495789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
It is now well established that glial cells not only provide mechanical and trophic support to neurons but can directly contribute to neurotransmission, for example, by release and uptake of neurotransmitters and by secreting pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. This has greatly changed our attitude towards acute and chronic disorders, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches targeting activated glial cells to indirectly modulate and/or restore neuronal functions. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in neuron-to-glia and glia-to-glia communication that can be pharmacologically targeted is therefore a mandatory step toward the success of this new healing strategy. This holds true also in the field of pain transmission, where the key involvement of astrocytes and microglia in the central nervous system and satellite glial cells in peripheral ganglia has been clearly demonstrated, and literally hundreds of signaling molecules have been identified. Here, we shall focus on one emerging signaling system involved in the cross talk between neurons and glial cells, the purinergic system, consisting of extracellular nucleotides and nucleosides and their membrane receptors. Specifically, we shall summarize existing evidence of novel “druggable” glial purinergic targets, which could help in the development of innovative analgesic approaches to chronic pain states.
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Gao M, Yan X, Weng HR. Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3β activity with lithium prevents and attenuates paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. Neuroscience 2013; 254:301-11. [PMID: 24070631 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Paclitaxel (taxol) is a first-line chemotherapy-drug used to treat many types of cancers. Neuropathic pain and sensory dysfunction are the major toxicities, which are dose-limiting and significantly reduce the quality of life in patients. Two known critical spinal mechanisms underlying taxol-induced neuropathic pain are an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and suppressed glial glutamate transporter activities. In this study, we uncovered that increased activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3β) in the spinal dorsal horn was concurrently associated with increased protein expressions of GFAP, IL-1β and a decreased protein expression of glial glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1), as well as the development and maintenance of taxol-induced neuropathic pain. The enhanced GSK3β activities were supported by the concurrently decreased AKT and mTOR activities. The changes of all these biomarkers were basically prevented when animals received pre-emptive lithium (a GSK3β inhibitor) treatment, which also prevented the development of taxol-induced neuropathic pain. Further, chronic lithium treatment, which began on day 11 after the first taxol injection, reversed the existing mechanical and thermal allodynia induced by taxol. The taxol-induced increased GSK3β activities and decreased AKT and mTOR activities in the spinal dorsal horn were also reversed by lithium. Meanwhile, protein expressions of GLT-1, GFAP and IL-1β in the spinal dorsal horn were improved. Hence, suppression of spinal GSK3β activities is a key mechanism used by lithium to reduce taxol-induced neuropathic pain, and targeting spinal GSK3β is an effective approach to ameliorate GLT-1 expression and suppress the activation of astrocytes and IL-1β over-production in the spinal dorsal horn.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gao
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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11
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Muzzachi S, Blasi A, Ciani E, Favia M, Cardone RA, Marzulli D, Reshkin SJ, Merizzi G, Casavola V, Soleti A, Guerra L. MED1101: A new dialdehydic compound regulating P2×7 receptor cell surface expression in U937 cells. Biol Cell 2013; 105:399-413. [DOI: 10.1111/boc.201200088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Muzzachi
- Department of Biosciences; Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics; University of Bari; Bari; 70126; Italy
| | | | - Elena Ciani
- Department of Biosciences; Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics; University of Bari; Bari; 70126; Italy
| | - Maria Favia
- Department of Biosciences; Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics; University of Bari; Bari; 70126; Italy
| | - Rosa A. Cardone
- Department of Biosciences; Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics; University of Bari; Bari; 70126; Italy
| | - Domenico Marzulli
- Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics; CNR; Bari; 70126; Italy
| | - Stephan J. Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences; Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics; University of Bari; Bari; 70126; Italy
| | | | - Valeria Casavola
- Department of Biosciences; Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics; University of Bari; Bari; 70126; Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Guerra
- Department of Biosciences; Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics; University of Bari; Bari; 70126; Italy
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